Thanks for the quick reply.  I did call the Service Dept and they gave me the info for sending it in. 
Before I do I really want to try everything to make sure it's failing.  I'm trying to avoid a Xmas with brand new Bachmann trains in my kids hands and no way to run them... 

Since my last message I've done this;
I unplugged the EZ Commander from the outlet and let it sit for a while.
Plugged it back in and reprogrammed my 3 engines.
When programming, the engines did respond and move a bit to show they communicated.
This time they (all 3 engines) did move... slowly getting 'stuck' every few feet until they stopped completely.  Before I got little more than a motor buzz...  I still can't get the lights to work.  Same with the 2nd track.

#1
Is it possible that something as simple as a track and wheel cleaning is the problem?  The layout is in my garage and it is exposed to that environment.  I really never cleaned it in the 6-8 months it's been out there except to wipe the tracks down with a cloth for dust.  But maybe?  What is the best way or cleaner to use?

#2
Many forum contributors and enthusiast articles speak of connecting power feeds to multiple locations around the track to ensure smooth power and operation.  Some even solder the tracks together.  Is any of that really recommended/needed with a simple oval on a 4x8 foot layout?  I have one feed from the EZ Commander that is daisy chained to the other oval.  I measure a solid 18V everywhere around both tracks with an engine on it.

I have a very basic setup out of the box from Bachmann with the EZ controller and 3 Bachmann DCC engines.  I have 2 small oval tracks connected to 1 EZ Commander DCC controller.  It's been up and running for months and worked perfectly.  After about 3 weeks without use, I turned it on and engines won't run.  When I select the channel and apply throttle, the engine begins to surge forward, I hear the buzz of the engine starting, but then after about 1 second it just stops.  No sound, no electrical buzz, nothing.  I've tried all 3 engines on different sections of both tracks, same thing.  I've checked voltages and they are good around the entire track.  Nothing has changed since we used it last time. 

Does this symptom sound like a known issue?  Is there a way to 'reset' the controller and reprogram?  Would that help?  Again, 3 weeks ago I ran all 3 engines on both tracks normally.

My kid is freaking out and Xmas is 2 weeks away and I just bought 2 new Bachmann Engines for him so I have to get it working!!!

Thanks.

What digital controller system are you using?  Joe

E-Z Command Control center

Re-check your track connections., or your buss connections to the track.  Just a suggestion, only this time, with a multimeter.  We are going to check voltage.
Rich C.

Not sure if you read my original post through... I set up 2 different ovals and measured voltage around both...  all readings were within a volt of the output from the controller.

Make sure a loco is in the slow section when measuring. With no loco in the slow section, there is no load so you will see nearly full voltage everywhere.

Per your suggestion I remeasured all around the track with a loco running.  Same results.  I get about 21-22 volts anywhere on the track.  Also, there is no 'slow' section.  2 engines are slow on 2 different tracks across all areas.  There is NO change in speed or control response anywhere on either track.  I try 2 seperate tracks connecting them to the controller directly.  SAME very slow speeds on both tracks, all sectons.

I just set up a brand new kit including 2 engines, track and a digital controller.  I'm using a flat table and set up a simple oval.  It has worked perfectly for 3 days since Christmas, and both engines moved quickly at max speed.  Today I powered up and both engines are running very slow.  I have to move the knob to 3/4 power just to see any movement.  Full speed is less than 1/2 of what it was yesterday.  This is on both engines, and on 2 different tracks that are electrically independent.  I've reseated all cables, and checked everything possible.  No solution.  Voltage coming out of the power supply is 20v a/c.  Voltage at almost any point on the track is 18v A/C so I known it is getting voltage.  It's like something happened to the digital controller or onboard chips and it's not stepping up to higher speeds?

I'll have to pack it up in the boxes and return if I can't find a solution. That would be sad and a lot of wasted time.

Anyone else seen this?