TMCC Steam engine stalls/starts/stops

[rtrtrains]

I have a Lionel 4-4-2 PRSL TMCC engine (6-28706). Recently, after many years of great performing, it has begun to "stick" or stall, turning the TMCC controller doesn't have an effect and then suddenly it will run for a few inches or feet and stop. After a pause it will start and stop and then stall completely. No turning of the controller has an effect. Sounds seem normal and all the other keys of the TMCC controller appear to be working. I reset the engine following Lionel's instructions, but it had no effect either. I tried turning off Odyssey but it also had no effect.

 

Any thoughts as what is the problem?

Thanks.

[phillyreading]

Have you tried taking everything off the track except the engine and tender? I had a 4-8-4 northern that had a similar problem with command control or so I thought so, it turned out to be a lighted caboose, and that is why I suggest taking everything off but the engine you have a problem with.

[8ntruck]

I've got a couple of TMCC locomotives that seem to be sensitive to dirty track. 

Might try cleaning the track and the wheels on your locomotive - espically if it has lots of running time on it.

Good luck.

[laz 57]

I'm with 8NTRUCK, clean up track and also put a dab of grease on the gears and oil the predescribed areas in the manual.  Also might want to add another lockon to the track, to get some power to that section. Good luck.

laz57

[phillyreading]

I am in agreement with Laz57, try adding another power connection. FYI, I had a layout about 8 years ago and could not figuire out what was wrong with the track power, had to replace the effected track area with brand new track, almost 7 feet of tubular track that went bad, however the track looked clean on the surface. Track connection areas can be another problem with power loss, some people remove the track pins and solder all track into place.

[phillyreading]

Do any of your steam tenders sound off without using the horn/whistle button anywhere on the track? That tells you where your track is dirty.