Hello all, I did a search to see if this issue had been mentioned, but did not find a hit. Today I noted several times that I'd have unwanted uncoupling of the remote rear coupler on the tender of my 9631 TMCC PRR 2-8-2. Can the couplers respond to stray signals? There were two other TMCC trains running, on different loops, at the same time. Advice/thoughts appreciated.
B&OBill
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Install a 1 microfarad non-polarized capacitor between the 2 wires (hot and common) going to the coupler. Radio Shack # 272-996 ; 1 uf; non-polarized; 50V max.
This is for TMCC engines only. Legacy already have these in circuit.
You might want to actually troubleshoot the problem first. If you disconnect the wiring to the coupler and run the train, you can determine if the coupler is firing spuriously or if the problem is mechanical.
With the wiring disconnected, if the coupler stays closed, then the problem is electrical. If the coupler continues to open by itself, then the problem is mechanical within the coupler itself.
There are different fixes for each proplem. If the problem is mechanical, it can often be fixed by removing the knuckle and lengthening the spring that holds the plunger in place.
If the problem is electrical, then either the capacitor that MartyE mentioned will fix it, or you can look for a burned trace on a circuit board. Some K-Line locos fired their coupler spuriously when a board trace was blown.
I just made the fix to a conversion locomotive running with the ERR Mini-Commander 2, the 1uf cap solved the problem of the coupler randomly opening. I'd try that first.
Thank you all once again for the excellent suggestions. Off to Radio shack.......
B&OBill
As Roy pointed out, it may be worth seeing if it is mechanical by disconnecting the coupler.
If it's a mechanical problem, then in my opinion, the easiest fix would be to simply replace the coupler. They are very inexpensive, and it would save fair amount of time and effort.
I agree with Nichole. A new electric coupler will run about 10 bucks plus shipping. I have fixed several mechanical issues myself but it seems like every time I do I think I'm wasting my time. If my eyes were still 30 years old it would be a snap but in my sixties those coupler parts have shrunk down to almost invisibility. 
Ron
I have the same problem with one of my TMCC RS 5 steamers. Now I know how to proceed. Thanks all!
I have the same problem with one of my TMCC RS 5 steamers. Now I know how to proceed. Thanks all!
My problem was indeed the electrical issue, and the capacitor worked its magic!
Steve.
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