Starting a game resets everything, but the reset relay then stays energised. Holding its hold switch open by hand lets the game play normally.
Reset relay stays locked on after scores reset: loose zero-switch arm on a score reel
Cause: The reset relay's hold circuit only opens once every score reel, stepper and unit reports it is home. On the fourth player's score reel the small white plastic arm that operates the zero-position switch had come loose, so that reel never signalled zero.
Checks
- With all reels showing zero, check each reel's zero-position switch is being operated; look for loose actuator arms and switches that have popped out of place.
- Also check bonus steppers, the ball count and player units, and the coin unit, which are in the same hold circuit.
Fix
- Reposition and secure the loose actuator arm so it operates the zero switch, and reseat any switches that have popped out.
EM games run some circuits on line voltage; unplug the game before reaching into the backbox.
Systems
Games
Related tips
- 500 and 5,000 awards not scored in full: check score motor hold switch
- Score motor runs on at start, a reel locks on: mis-gapped reel switches and solder
- 10,000 score reel resets but never scores in play: loose wiper fingers
- 1,000-point reels reset but never score for any player: failed 1,000-point relay coil
- Score reels won't all reset and the stepper keeps running: one zero switch
- Reset stalls with the player unit stuck at step 20: broken wire to a score reel
- Players 3 and 4 reset but players 1 and 2 never do at game start
- Hundreds score reel won't advance though the bell rings: relay switch gap too wide
Source: Pinball Repair help group!! (Facebook group)