Switch matrix damage on a game before Robocop, often after flipper switch work.

Switch matrix burnt out on a pre-Robocop game

Cause: On these games the low-voltage lane change switch is stacked on the high-voltage flipper EOS switch, separated only by a nylon actuator. If the two touch, flipper voltage reaches the switch matrix.

Checks

• Check the gap and insulation between the EOS and lane change switch stack.
• Then check the switch column transistors.

Fix

• Re-gap the switches so they cannot touch and replace any damaged matrix parts.

Adjust or clean these switches only with the game off.

Systems

• Data East CPU Version 1/2

Related tips

• Robocop and later: lane change is on the cabinet flipper switch
• Solid state flippers, Robocop and later
• Checking a pre-solid-state flipper coil
• Flipper rebuild part numbers (pre-Whitestar)
• How Data East solid state flippers work (Robocop on)
• Cleaning flipper EOS and lane change switches safely
• Weak flipper on Time Machine and earlier: pitted switch contacts
• Pre-solid-state flipper keeps blowing its fuse

Source: Repairing DataEast 1987 (Laser War) to Sega 1995 (Batman Forever), Part Three, Clay Harrell (pinrepair.com)