The Balrog motor runs in only one direction, so the Balrog does not move between its open and closed positions correctly.

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

Cause: A bad solder joint on the motor relay board. In this game the switch cam had also been refitted backwards, so the position switches read the wrong way.

Checks

• In switch test, Balrog Open should be the active switch at the start of a game, with Closed and Hit inactive.
• Check the cam orientation against the switch slots.
• Inspect and reflow the motor relay board's joints.

Fix

• Reflow or repair the bad joint on the relay board, and refit the cam the right way round.

Systems

• Sega/Stern Whitestar

Games

• Lord of the Rings

Related tips

• Laser cannon motor won't start until the relay is tapped: reflow the relay joints
• Balrog twitches and multiball hole switch is dead: wire off the switch

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