Pressing start takes a credit, resets the score reels and the ball count, but the game-over (latch) relay never pulls in, so no game starts. Pushing the relay in by hand lets the game play normally.

Game won't start though credits and reels reset: bad joint on the latch coil

Cause: A poor solder connection on a lug of the relay's pull-in (latch) coil, so the coil never energised. Latch relay frames also drift out of adjustment over time and can cause the same thing.

Checks

• Check the relay frame screws are tight and the armature sits close enough to the coil to be pulled in.
• In the start sequence, check whether the coil gets energised at all (a steel tool held near it should be attracted).
• With power off, measure the coil (it read about 50 ohms here) and inspect the lugs for broken or dull joints.

Fix

• Unsolder the wires from the coil lugs, clean the old solder off, strip fresh wire and solder them back.

EM cabinets carry line voltage at the power cord, transformer and switch; unplug the game before working on wiring.

Systems

• Electro-mechanical

Games

• Hokus Pokus

Related tips

• Game resets but the outhole relay never fires: feed wire hanging by a strand
• Ball count runs to 10 and the game resets endlessly: dirty ball count stepper
• Score motor keeps running at start and the game never starts: clean the ball count unit
• Game resets but will not start: adjust hold relay and reset-completed relay latch
• Start button does nothing but the start relay works by hand: dirty inertia switch
• Start sequence keeps cycling after storage: clean the switch contacts and plungers
• Game keeps cycling the reset and starts in Game Over: dirty P5A switch and shorted wires
• Won't start a game or reset the score reels: burnt game-over relay coil

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