I just installed a Digitrax DH163AO decoder in my new Atlas RSD4/5. The engine runs OK, but I can’t get the engine lights to work.I have installed decoders before, and never had this problem,can anybody out there help.
Is function F0 for the train lights on? Try to re-program the locomotive. It could be that you are using the 1.5 volt connections for 12 volt lights or vice versa. If the locomotive uses 1.5 volt lamps and you connected it to the 12 volt side of the decoder they have gone “poof” and won’t work. Disconnect the lights and use a multi meter and see what the voltage is across the white wire and the blue common and the yellow wire and the blue common depending on what direction the locomotive is going. The voltage will tell you what sort of lights to use (12 or 1.5 volt bulbs) and if a 500 ohm or better resistor is needed to operate the 1.5 volt lights from a 12 volt output. It could also be that the bulbs were not working from the factory or the decoder is defective…chuck
I agree with the info that Chuck gave you.
Take the decoder out and run the engine on a DC-powered track to see if the lights work.
If the lights do work on DC, something is wrong with your decoder wiring.
If the lights don’t work on DC, either the light bulb(s) is faulty or you fried the bulb. If the bulb is 1.5 volt and the decoder lead is 12 volt, you have to solder in a resistor to protect the bulb from excess voltage or else it will immediately burn out.