After fitting a new rectifier board the game plays, but the backbox and playfield GI stay dark even though the GI fuses are good. Only the coin door lamps light.
No general illumination after a new rectifier board, fuses good: check the bulbs
Cause: Nearly all the GI bulbs had failed, so there was nothing left to light. The problems had started after LED lamps were fitted to the switched (feature) lamp circuit.
Checks
- Measure the rectifier board test points with only the power connector attached to confirm the board is working.
- Reconnect the GI connectors and check for GI AC voltage at a lamp socket.
- Pull a few GI bulbs and test them; if voltage is present at the socket and bulbs are dark, they are blown.
Fix
- Replace the blown GI bulbs. Remove LEDs from the switched lamp circuits unless the game has been modified for them.
- If a press-fit terminal on the board breaks, solder the wire to the pad on the back of the board rather than into the broken terminal.
The rectifier board area carries the line-voltage cabinet circuits and the high-voltage display supply; switch off and unplug before working on connectors.
Systems
Games
Related tips
- None of the controlled lamps light
- Finding a short that blows GI fuse F5
- Find a short that blows the 20 A GI fuse
- How Bally controlled lamps are powered and switched
- No feature lamp voltage at TP1 (-18 board)
- Dim controlled lamps and a buzzing expander relay
- Rectifier board and playfield fuse ratings
- Backbox GI out and fuse F6 blowing: burnt rectifier J3 plug and a shorted bridge
Source: Pinball Repair help group!! (Facebook group)