tried that... Didn't solve the problem...
Need to do an extended test on another nikon body...
What are the chances of a conflict with the camera body?? ie not supplying enuf power to the lense motor???
I have a D200 and recently bought a Tamron 17-50mm with built in AF motor (A16NII)... It has locked up on me intermittenly and I would have reset the camera to have it working properly again. Sometimes even have to reset a few times to get it to work.. HAve no issue with the Nikkor 80-200...