Disconnect the ez from your layout and connect the Multimause amplifier.
Or use a separate piece of track, connected to the Multimause amplifier to program your locomotives.
The Multimause is a splendid bargain in Europe. Just 70 euro's for a complete system with a 3 amp booster.

WD 40 works fine.

May sound strange but I remove the mechanism and then rinse with water and soap under a hot running tap. I have fitted my display cabinet with a small fan from a old computer. It blows filtered air into the cabinet creating a slight pressure preventing dust from entering through the seams. I use a 12 volt model with a regulator to lower the speed to get an acceptable noise level. The filter comes from the cooker hood in the kitchen.