The laser cannon motor sometimes fails to start. Its relay hums without pulling in, and a light tap makes it pull in and the motor runs.

Laser cannon motor won't start until the relay is tapped: reflow the relay joints

Cause: Cracked solder joints on the relay pins and wire connections on the board that drives the motor.

Checks

• Unscrew the board and look at the relay pins and wire joints on the back; the joints can look fine and still be cracked.

Fix

• Reflow all the relay pins and wire joints on that board. If it still sticks, replace the relay with the same part number printed on it.

Systems

• Sega/Stern Whitestar

Games

• Austin Powers

Related tips

• Balrog motor only turns one way: bad joint on the motor relay board

Source: Pinball Repair help group!! (Facebook group)