That flexi circuit board in these locos are a pain in the behind. They connect up to pins from the main board, with the pins going through a slot, but have a habbit of not connecting. I've got one off track at the mo while I try and look into fixing this issue.

As for the other issue, all Roco AC locos come wite a decoder, so roco mention it on the parts list, but of course if its a DC loco there is no fitted chip unless the loco has auto couplers. If its not got these, then you have bought a second hand loco with a chip. Could be a good deal, depending on you needed it, and its a decent chip.

SJ