Lights a Problem on Loco

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April 19, 2017

Club member Joel asks readers:

“I have a Bachmann DCC ready engine with new decoder and I can’t get the lights to work. Do you have a suggestion?”

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6 Responses to Lights a Problem on Loco

Douglas says:

April 19, 2017 at 1:45 am

I had the same problem and I found the solution in my hand held DCC controller. The light button was stuck.

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Michael Gilmor says:

April 19, 2017 at 2:13 am

Did light work on DC? Which decoder and DCC system are you using?

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mty says:

April 19, 2017 at 5:21 am

the most common mistake is that the 8-pin connector is plugged in incorrectly…try turning it 180 degrees…

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Jim Volmer Sr says:

April 19, 2017 at 4:54 pm

Hey Jim, did you locomotive come with the dcc installed or did you install it yourself? If the locomotive came with the dcc board, check your manual for the board. If you are using Digitrax system the “0” is for lights, but you may have already known this. If you installed the board yourself, there are two connections on the board for the lights. Now keep in mind, if you are using regular lights all you need is to connect the wires to the board. Keep in mind, the white wire is power and blue is common. If you are using LED’S connect the resistor ( 1k type ) to the WHITE not the blue.
Hope this was helpful

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chris s says:

April 19, 2017 at 5:58 pm

…yes…go to your attic , open the window and toss it out …….my Bachmann daylight broke 3x and I fixed it, the train guy fixed it………it fell apart.

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- Train Doctor says:
  
  May 10, 2017 at 3:15 am
  
  Hello
  You can send that cheap Bachmann to 2833 pony lane Kinston NC 28501, Ill take care of it :>}
  
  Their may be a lot of things wrong with the light. #1 the wires could be pinched or have a short of any kind, #2 LED bulbs have a slight tolerance to voltage, [You stated that it is a new decoder ] If the decoder or the installer does not have the correct resistor installed the LED could blow the instant you ad power to it [just a flicker is all] #3 the resistor has to be on the white wire and the blue wire to the long leg of the LED, if differently wired it will not work.
  I do model train repairs sell DCC, LED and do installs re-powering re-gearing weathering painting layouts etc.
  If you need help with the LED’s, train items, repairs etc give me a call at 252 686 6527
  Happy rails
  
  Reply