After changing the bulbs to LEDs, three always-on GI lamps in one corner of the playfield (beside the snake pit) stay dark, while every other lamp works.
Group of GI lamps dark after an LED swap: broken bare bus wire at a staple
Cause: These GI sockets are linked by a run of bare tinned wire stapled to the underside of the playfield, in series with other GI lamps further along. The wire had broken where a staple bit into it; working under the playfield to change bulbs can finish off a weakened spot.
Checks
- Swap a known-working bulb into one of the dark sockets to rule out the LEDs.
- Follow the bare GI wire from a working socket to the dead ones and check continuity along it, especially at each staple.
- Check the sockets for corrosion.
Fix
- Repair the break in the bus wire (solder in a short jumper) at every spot where a staple has cut into it.
Systems
Games
Related tips
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- Lamp matrix wire colours and connector pins
- Photo: MOSFET lamp drivers with jumper wires
Source: Pinball Repair help group!! (Facebook group)