mth subway not running

[basement artie]

I have an MTH subway that has stopped running.  When I power it up with my RS-1 transformer it hums and the lights turn on but ther is no movement, clanging, etc.  It used to run on the same track with the same transformer.  Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?  Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I have heard of MTH engines doing this.  If it has been off the track for some time most likely the battery needs to be charged, or replaced.  I just read a manual this morning that details the steps to diagnose if it is a recharge issue or a dead battery issue.  I don't remember the entire process, but I do remember reading that you should not use a standard 9v battery.

Brent

[basement artie]

Brent    Thanks, I'll try that.  I assume that I will need an MTH battery to see if that's the problem since you say that a regular 9-volt will probably not work.  Thanks again.   

Tom

[darianj]

I had the same problem with one of my Subway sets.  The engine seemed to be stuck in "Neutral".  When the steps were taken to put it do a factory reset, all was OK with the unit.  Factory reset is different for the sets...depending on if it  has Proto1, proto2, or loco sound.  and I'm not sure if all of the different subway sets have a factory reset.  If you tell me what type of subway set you have, I might be able to look through my manuals to find the procedure.

To test the battery, place the engine on the track, then turn the throttle up to full.  Leave it for about 1 hour.  IF the battery is still good, you should see signs of your unit using battery power when the throttle has been set back to 0....ie, you will hear your engine go through it's shut down process.  BUT, since you say the only sound you hear is a hum when you first throttle up, I don't think this is the problem; but I'm no expert.

[basement artie]

Thanks for the reply. It is the 30-2122-1, but I'm not sure if it is proto1 or 2.  I appreciate your checking this.

Tom

[chuck]

This is an early edition of the subway sets and is a PS-1 unit.  It's probably locked in neutral.  If you have access to a Z-4000, you can verify its status by hitting the program button.  Battery is probably discharged and is probably dead (aka needs to be replaced, NiCads have about a 5 year life expectancy).  You can recharge the battery and then unlock the unit and then do a factory reset.  I would strongly recommend replacing the battery as a long term solution.

[darianj]

I have this exact set.  You should hear 2 bells when power is first applied....even if the battery is dead or not installed.  I once was getting 4 bells when I power was applied.  This was due to a scrambled board; and I had to send the engine in to have the board reprogrammed.

First, make sure you have the volume up.  Then try resetting the engine to factory default which has to be done through the following steps:

1- Turn throttle off for about 5 sec.
2- Turn throttle to about 8 volts, or about 50% (You should hear 2 dings).
3- Turn throttle up to full and back down to 8 volts (You should hear 1 ding)
4- Repeat step 3 17 times (yes 17...it's not a type) for a total of 18 times.  You should hear 3 clings and 3 clanks.
5- Hold the whistle button down until you hear 2 dings
6- Turn throttle to 0 then power back up again.

Hope this helps out...Good luck!

and BTW, to the board.

[traindaddy1]

Hi! Are you sure it's the MTH subway and not our NYCTA (New York City Transit Authority) number 7 subway line?  At least you can solve your problem!

[basement artie]

Good one.  I like that.

Thanks to all for the help and suggestions.  I'll try these out and see where we go.

Tom