At power-up the dot matrix shows its first picture, then goes blank for good, while the game plays normally. A different display and new ribbon cables didn't help.

DMD shows the boot image then goes blank while the game plays: replace U201

Cause: The boot picture comes from the display controller itself; the data from the CPU never arrived because the 74HCT273N buffer at U201 on the CPU board had failed.

Checks

• Swap the display and ribbon cables to rule them out.
• Unplug the CPU ribbon: if the boot picture is the same, the CPU side is the suspect.

Fix

• Replace U201 (74HCT273N) on the CPU board.

Systems

• Sega/Stern Whitestar

Games

• The Simpsons Pinball Party

Related tips

• DMD stays dark while the game plays music: 74HCT240 on the display controller
• Three vertical lines missing on the DMD: glass cracked by a mounting screw
• Display stuck on the audit screen while the game runs: acid damage on the DMD controller

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