After moving everything onto a new reproduction playfield, switches and lamps all pass test, but in play a locked ball is ejected straight back out and the storm mode cannot be completed. A factory reset doesn't help.

Locked balls eject at once after a playfield swap: lock switches in the wrong spot

Cause: The lock lane switches were mounted where the new playfield's screw marks showed, which was not the right position, so the balls in the lock did not hold the switches closed.

Checks

• With the glass off, hold the first lock switch closed by hand after the diverter opens: if the game then behaves, the switch position is the fault.

Fix

• Move the three lock switches about 1/4 inch closer to the plunger so locked balls close them.

Systems

• Williams System 11C

Games

• Whirlwind

Related tips

• 'ADJUST FAILURE' every time it powers on: battery corrosion on the CPU board

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