TMCC Train won't run! HELP!!!

[FEClionel]

Ijust purchased a NOS Southern Pacific TMCC Set. It was the first introduced in 1996 and my dealer had a leftover. Anyway I went to test run it last night after purchasing a new/vintage ZW transformer and Command base, it came with the CAB1 controller with set. However, after following the TMCC directions the engine sounded and one direction of the cab lighted up but that was it. The Railsounds went through the motions but nothing happened. I then tried it in convential mode and got nothing again. Is mine DOA? Did I hook the system up incorrectly? What happened because I know what did not happen.

[Anonymous]

Did you wire it up correctly? I haven't set one up in a while but the wiring can be a little tricky. Check to make sure that you're operating at 18 volts (I think that's what it is.)

Also, did you pu***he [DIRECTION] button on the Cab-1 after Railsounds fired up? Since you did get Railsounds I'm assuming that you address the engine correctly.
You could also check on the underside of the engine, there is a switch that says PROG/RUN, make sure that it's on RUN.

Hope these tips help!

[FEClionel]

Wiring could be a problem since Lionel instructions are a little vauge. They should have a drawing of the setup. Anyway this is the way I wired it: Outside track wire to ZW A-post, ZW U-post to Command Base unit, Command U-post to center rail. I did reverse this set and I hope 18 volts is not an issue with my ZW. Anyway, what really scares me is that the unit doesn't respond to convential command from my ZW. Any Clue???

[Anonymous]

I have a Southern Pacific GP-9 from 1996, and when I first power-up the sound & lights are on. However, I must press the CAB-1 Engine Key and the engine number that I programmed it for. There is a factory default engine number, but someone may have played with that engine before you got it. Eight years is a long time to sit on a shelf? The Lionel IC Chips are a little quirky at times, so once in a while I have to press the Cab-1 AUX 1 Key to wakeup the engine.

While the engine is sitting there the Cab-1 Direction button should change the lights from front to rear. If you have electro couplers the front and read should also open with the Cab-1. Did you try the Horn?

Richard

[FEClionel]

The only lights I can get to light is when I change the direction of the Geep to the reverse - then the rear lights light. In start-up I have no front lights. Also like I stated earlier the Geep doesn't respond to conventional transformer only responce. Maybe the front pick-up roller isn't working? Who knows?!! I'm beginning to hate TMCC.

[Roger Bielen]

Try an engine reset: ENG - # - AUX1 - RESET. If that doesn't work you may have to reprogram the engine. I don't have the instructions for that handy at the moment but I think they are available on the Lionel website.

Sometimes the front headlight is shutoff. It can be turned on/off with: ENG - # - AUX2.

Also the factory engine number is usually - 1 -.

If all fails take the engine back to the dealer and hopefully he has a layout to test it on or maybe reprogram it for you.

Good luck.

[FEClionel]

Why would my Geep not work in conventional mode? I will try your instructions as soon as I get home. Thanks

[Anonymous]

FEClionel,
you wrote that you wired it as:

"Outside track wire to ZW A-post, ZW U-post to Command Base unit, Command U-post to center rail."

I think that your problem maybe that you got the posts mixed up. Try this:

'outside track to ZW U-post (common), ZW A-post to Command Base unit, Command A-post to center rail.'

[FEClionel]

Got it working. The problem was not the wiring. After I got home last night I took the cab off the unit and saw a green wire leading from the processor to the motor was not connected. That was the problem the engine was not recieving any power. Not sure how that happened but I guess I experienced one of Lionel quality control issues. Never have a had an engine fail out of the box but fortunitly it was a easy, quick and in retrospect a DUH fix. Thanks for all you help and TMCC is so much fun, can't believe it took me this long to be convienced. However, I still love my convientional stuff and thats why I bought the ZW!