TMCC Issue

Check the handrails on the locomotive, they're the antenna for the TMCC.  If they're shorted to the boiler shell, TMCC won't work and it'll always come up in conventional.

 

Check the program/run switch.  I believe it's located above the drive wheels.  You may have bumped it when tightened the side rods.

The switch is in the run position but I didn't check for a shorted handrail, maybe thats the problem. Thanks for your help.

Antenna problems top the list for your symptoms.  If you didn't take the shell off, I'd suspect the handrails are now touching the shell somewhere.

I agree with John.  I see this very often.  Take your continuity meter and put one probe on the handrail and the other on locomotive ground.  If you have continuity, repair the issue.

If it runs in command without the shell and you have the antenna disconnected from the shell, then somewhere your handrail is touching the metal shell.

Ted, if you have the issue, do what I stated before you go through the trouble to take the engine apart.  The meter will tell you what needs to be done on the antenna issue.  On TMCC/Legacy steamers it usually comes to the front of the handrails not going into the insulated grommets.  Second cause it inside wiring going to handrails.

If the problem is not found with the above suggestions, perform a engine reprogramming.

 

Bill

Good point Bill, and easy to try.  Why do I keep forgetting that?

Marty,

I know about using a meter for continuity but not all folks have these.

Besides, I'm a JETS fan-we do things the hard way!

There really isn't a good reason not to have at least a basic multi-meter if you're going to try to fix your own stuff.  Frequently, Harbor Freight gives them away.  They're not a Fluke meter, but they're serviceable and cheap.