I have 2 sets of VL PFE refers (6-81142). In the past couple of days the coupler randomly fires on one of the sound equipped cars. There is no particular location of the layout where this happens in addition, the train could run between 3 and 15 minutes before the coupler opens.
Any ideas before I call Lionel on Monday?
Thanks
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Sounds like it is mechanical. If you enjoy working on your trains there's posts on here to help with the fix. Since it's VL, returning to Lionel may be best choice.
Rod Miller
I unplug the coupler from the board and run them. If it still opens, it's mechanical. If it doesn't, it's electronic. I'm not sure if the electronics in the VL Reefer is triac triggered, if so the typical fix is a 1uf cap across the board outputs to kill noise spikes. Newer Legacy couplers are DC based, and the cap is not a fix.
Before I take anything apart, I'll give Lionel a call, since they may still be under warranty.
Mine does this as well and in the exact same fashion. really want to fix this. I love these vision refers. My only complaint thus far.
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