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After the boards came back from repair the game boots erratically, playfield GI and lamps are out, and a good bulb in a GI socket flashes very bright and blows. Solenoids and flippers only buzz weakly. The meter shows about 35 V DC across the GI string, while board voltages test fine.

GI bulbs blow and solenoids only buzz: chewed harness shorting GI to coil power

Cause: Mice had chewed the wiring harness at the backbox connectors, so the GI circuit was shorted to the solenoid supply.

Checks

  • Measure the GI string on both AC and DC ranges; DC on the GI is a sign of a short to another supply.
  • Check for continuity between the GI wiring and the solenoid feed with the power off.
  • Inspect the harness and connectors where they pass into the backbox for chewed, pinched or bare wires.

Fix

  • Repair or replace the damaged wires and connector housings, insulating any bare spots, before powering up again.

Unplug the game before working on the harness; damaged insulation can put coil voltage on parts you touch.

Systems

Games

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