I posted last week that I bought two P2K Geeps from LHS across the country, when they both arrived they both had problems running. Last night a pulled apart the GP38-2, but I don’t know how to solve its problem. You see, it only runs in reverse, and only the head lights power up when it is in forward direction. Since I’m not an expert on electrical, what is the problem with this engine and how can I fix it?
Thanks
Zak
Does the loco have a DCC module?
If you added a decoder you must relocate or remove the number board lights on these locomotives. With the lights in their factory location it creates problems and it will fry your decoder. If you didn’t add a decoder then I don’t have a clue.
It it isn’t a decoder problem, it sounds like it could be a bad diode in the light board?? Since diodes control the direction of current, it might explain why the engine is getting power to go in reverse, but not in forward.
If these are brand-new engines and you haven’t done any alterations, I would either return them to the LHS for a refund, or contact Walthers/Life-Like about sending it back to them for a repair under warranty.
It’s an EMD , no wonder , Get a GE unit. [:D]
If the decoder is an add-on, and maybe even if was factory-installed, take a close look at it. It’s probably covered with a blue plastic layer. Examine the blue layer for small burn-throughs about the size of a pinhead, maybe black, maybe silver. If you find one, that’s a pretty good indication of a fried decoder.
Does the engine run in the forward direction with the lights off? If so, then the problem is in the forward lights. If I had to guess, though, I’d say the decoder is toast.
Guys, thanks for the help. This unit doesn’t have a decorder in it–at least I didn’t install one and the box says that it doesn’t come with one.
I am also planning on one day here soon putting in a decoder.
With something like this I usually start by trying to isolate the problem. You might try taking the shell off and pulling the motor wires off the circuit board and applying DC current directly to the motor and see if you get the same result. If the motor works in both directions then you know it’s not the problem. A multimeter is a good tool for things like this, so you can test that current can flow from the wheels to the circuit board. Usually if you can verify the things that do work, you will eventually figure out what doesn’t.
If its the circuit board let me know and I’ll send you one, I’ve got a ton of them. If you do install a decoder I would install a Digitrax DH163L0, its a plug and play decoder and is very simple to install. Don’t forget to relocate or remove the number board lights and because your probably going to be frustrated trying to get the shell off I’ll tell you now, there are 2 screws close to the fuel tank that are hidden by the trucks. Slightly turn the trucks and you will see them.
Thanks but you’re too late about he screws, I found out about them the hard way last night. I got the top off, checked all of the wires and they looked fine. I didn’t go to great lengths to get down to the motor, that will come later. If it is the circuit board, then I will be emailing you for one so keep your ears open.
The box says that if I choose to switch over to DCC I would have to change the LEDs. Is this true? If so what should I do?
I had the same sort of problem a while back with a Life-Like Proto2000 GP30. It would run forward but not back. I disconnected the motor leads from the circuit board and reconnected them directly to the wheel pickups. That solved the problem. Eventually, I removed the circuit board alltogether and wired everything to the pickups. If you do this, you’ll have to replace the lights with higher voltage bulbs as the factory installed ones will blow with the increased amount of current they’ll get without the diodes and resistors to filter the power. It’s an easy fix.
Jeffrey Wimberly, Leesville, La
I’m out of my mind, but leave a message anyway.
Send it back!
Ya, but what about when it comes time to switch to DCC? From what you say it sounds like I do have a bad circuit board. Could anyone concur with this.
If you remove the circuit board, you can still install a DCC decoder. The decoder picks up power from the wheels and everything else is channeled through the decoder. Think about it.
Jeffrey Wimberly, Leesville, La.
I’m out of my mind, but leave a message anyway.
[soapbox]
If you use a Digitrax DH163L0 decoder you don’t need to add resistors in the lights, you use the original lights. The decoder has resistors all ready added to it, thats why I prefer those decoders over anything else. They are a TRUE plug and play decoder. The DH163L0 replaces the original circuit board as well, thats why I have a ton of them, lol.
Then that is what I’m going to do, and I’ll keep my fingures crossed that it solves my little problem.
With having over 23 Life Like engines, 6 being GP30’s, I have never had a problem of running in one direction only. I have to concur that it is a diode gone bad, even new ones can be bad, or some faulty PWB’s got assembled at the factory. I would also check with Walthers for a fix under warranty since you are not comfortable with electronics.
Jerry
I would advise you to call for service advice first. They are busy but do call you back in about 2 hours. Proto 2000s although Athearn styled designs are not as easy to work on. The power lines run through the weight that has to be removed from the chasis to get to the motor and space is tight… you get the idea. Walthers/Life Like is very good about honoring the warrantee, if it is a bad part they will fix/replace it. Do make use of that.
Dan
Where would I find this “Service Advice Number”? At the same time I bought a GP30 and it make a cranking noise when it runs too. I haven’t had a chance to look into it yet. Like I said before: my other P2Ks are excellent.
You have a Circuit board problem:
Either a Directional Headlight board (DC) or DCC decoder module.
Be advised ANY modification voids the manufacturers warrantee