Uh oh, I think I blew an LED...

It could be a loose connection or lead going to the bulb.  If you are comfortable with basic electronic skills, you could remove the tender body and fiddle with wiring under power.  In most cases I've been able to get the bulb to light.  However, removing the tender cover and fiddling around under power could lead to further damage and void your warranty.  If you have a local Lionel Service Center, that would be your best bet.  If you want the kids to have the engine during the holidays, it won't hurt to run it as is. Even if the bulb is burnt out, it is a minor repair.

Merry Christmas!

Stack  

Have you tried a reset?  Sometimes that fixes stuff like this.

Is this the 2010 version or the brand new one that was just released?

I'd try the reset John mentioned first.

If its the 2010 version, and the reset doesn't help, many of the 2010 berk tenders were delivered with a defective backup LED. Typically they would start flashing in a strobe -like manner then they quit altogether.

I know because I had one in my PE tender. Lionel issued a replacement LED and wire harness with a resistor built in to resolve the issue.

Its a few second fix simply remove the screws and open the tender unplug the old harness and plug in the new.

If its the "all new" version and the reset doesn'r work, I'd still open the tender and investigate, could be a loose plug. I've even had backup lights that fell out of the housing.

Worst case if it still doesn't work you could order a replacement and install it yourself.

As long as you don't use a hammer to open the tender it shouldn't void the warranty. Tender innards are less complex than that of a locomotive, not to mention folks using the battery option have to open it to install the battery.

You can even "roll your own" replacement LED if needed, it's a very simple procedure.

Thank you gentlemen!  Sorry I could not respond sooner... I spent all day on the road today hauling the fam to MI for Christmas Vol. II at my in-laws.  8.5 hours, light traffic and perfect weather.  

This is the 2010 Tender.  I'll try the reset first, then "go fishing".  I remember opening her up to check the battery connector, so I can remove the shell easily.  Funny that it never gave me a bit of trouble until now, and the unit is new, being unpacked for this Christmas only.  I probably bought it this past Spring... hedging my bets on my PE-v2014.  Glad I did!  LOL

On my 2010 the backup light went out after the first couple of runs. Its likely the defective LED I mentioned above.

I believe theres an old thread on the problem if you search.

Thanks Rick!  I did search but apparently I'm not exactly adept at using that function yet!  HAHA!  I'll be replacing it soon.  Thanks for all your help my friend!

Just to update and finish this thread...

Called Lionel about this LED.  The tender was no longer under warranty, as it was from an older catalog, even though I bought it new from a Lionel Dealer 7 months ago. Oh well.

Went online and ordered a new LED and harness (because I was feeling lazy).

It arrived 2 days after I placed the order.  WOW!  

I opened up the tender this morning to tackle the LED replacement.  The entire repair took less than 10 minutes, taking my sweet time... at work.  LOL

I'll take her home tonight and test her out.  I'm pretty confident this will solve the issue!

Thanks for all the help guys!

Hi Volphin

Sorry to  go off track on your post.

This really caught my attention.

Called Lionel about this LED.  The tender was no longer under warranty, as it was from an older catalog, even though I bought it new from a Lionel Dealer 7 months ago. Oh well.

Did you get the impression , for example if I bought a new set or engine over the issued date even though it was brand new and from a authorized dealer or bobby shop that Lionel will not cover it?

Thanks for any information

Larry

Larry, it's not off track, just on a siding.  LOL

I sort of thought it should be warranted for 12 months from purchase if sold NEW, regardless of catalog.  In this case, a few bucks isn't going to upset me.  It's their choice what they will cover and what they will not.  Their products, their rules.  The folks at Lionel have always been great to work with and repaired my 2014 Berk promptly.  When I DO send something in, I write a letter to the tech explaining the issue in as much detail as I can, and thank them for their expertise and attention to the matter... whether it is a paid repair or warranty repair.  Those techs are the unsung heros at Lionel and I want them to know they are appreciated.