Vertical lines run across the small dot matrix display and distort the picture.

Small display shows vertical lines

Cause: Usually a failed driver inside the display glass assembly.

Checks

• Replace R95 first.
• Try the display in another small-DMD Data East game to confirm the display is at fault.

Fix

• Replace the display.

Systems

• Data East CPU Version 3

Games

• Batman
• Checkpoint
• Hook
• Star Trek
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Related tips

• DMD shows lines or garbage and no controlled lamps light
• Small 128 x 16 display looks garbled
• Dot matrix shows lines or lights solid, and no CPU lamps work
• Small 128 x 16 display connector J2 pinout
• Small display much too bright (wrong D10 on a -00 supply)
• Which DMD brands are hit by a blown lamp fuse
• Voltages a small or medium dot matrix display needs
• Checklist for a dead small or medium dot matrix display

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