PS2 upgrade problem; coal turbine

Are you saying the coupler opens when put into reverse or once the coupler is opened on purpose, it won't close as long as the engine is in reverse?

By drawbar, are you referring to the tether between the two?  If so, the typical reason for this is the connector isn't properly aligned in the recess in the locomotive.  There is a spacer in the PS2 upgrade kit that is supposed to help, but for some locomotives I've had to do a little filing to make everything fit easily.

When opened with the remote; it doesn't open on its own when switched into reverse.

I can push the knuckle closed but it won't latch closed; just opens up again.  Shift the locomotive to forward, the backup light goes out, and I can push the couple knuckle closed and it latches.  Shift the locomotive into reverse and the coupler stays closed until I open it with the remote.  Repeats above sequence.  Yes gunrunnerjohn, it's the fiber teather.  The units do have a seperate drawbar.

It Sounds like the coupler is getting some voltage from the backup light. Not enough to fire it, but enough to keep it open.

Is there a crossed connection or something in the tether I could look for as the cause and correct it?