Lionel Polar Express 2-8-4 reversing problem

[SleeperN06]

I have my LIONEL POLAR EXPRESS set to "forward only " so that the grandkids only run it in one direction, but I notice it runs in "reverse only" when I puug it in.  I have to disconnect power to the throttles to restrict use without supervision and to save on the electric bill during the night.

When I plug in the power cord, the thing starts up in reverse. In each case I’ve reversed the track wires, played with the loco switch and unplugged the throttle. Usually after 2 or 3 times of doing all of the above, it goes back to normal.  I do not know if one particular task is fixing it or if the combination is returning it to normal. Once it’s back to normal, it will stay that way until I unplug it. It only happens after unpluging it for more than 15 min.

I have another Lionel running below this one that is also set to "forward only" and it runs fine with out any reversing problems.

Do I have a problem with the loco or the throttle?   

 

[pajrr]

Hi! Lionel electronic reversing units automatically  "reset" to a "default position" after about 15 - 20 minutes of non-use, regardless of whether the reverse unit is "locked" or not. Switching the wires GOING TO THE MOTORS would  correct the condition. The old mechanical E-units never did this. Switching the wires going to the motors would fix this condition since the reverse unit doesn't really know what is forward or reverse. The electronic reverse unit simply reverses the polarity going to the motors. I have some Lionel locomotives that act this way too.  The easiest way to do this would be to switch the wires on the motor. This prevents you from accidentaly making a short circuit on the reversing unit printed circuit board. On the Polar Express you probably have to remove the boiler shell. If you have a soldering iron and a bit of mechanical ability to take the locomotive apart it only takes about 5 minutes to do the actual fix.

[SleeperN06]

pajrr

Hi! Lionel electronic reversing units automatically  "reset" to a "default position" after about 15 - 20 minutes of non-use, regardless of whether the reverse unit is "locked" or not.

Thanks for replying!  Soldering motors sounds like something I’m not ready to do right now. Do you think I might have a defective Loco? I just can’t believe anyone would make the default reverse, maybe Lionel installed the board wrong.

[ADCX Rob]

 

SleeperN06

Thanks for replying!  Soldering motors sounds like something I’m not ready to do right now. Do you think I might have a defective Loco? I just can’t believe anyone would make the default reverse, maybe Lionel installed the board wrong.

I'm not sure "defective" is the right word.

It's a very simple task of just switching the two wires that are soldered to the motor.  The PE engine is very easy to disassemble & work on.

Rob