The game forgets high scores, replay levels or free play after being switched off.
High scores, replay levels or free play keep resetting
Cause: The memory backup batteries on the CPU board are going flat, and old batteries may already be leaking.
Checks
- Measure the batteries: alkaline cells should read about 1.5 V or slightly more; a three-cell NiCad pack 1.2 V per cell (3.6 V total); a coin lithium cell a little over 3 V.
- Look at the battery holder and the board around it for white or green corrosion.
Fix
- Replace the batteries, then re-enter your settings.
- Write the change date on a note taped to the batteries; check them at least once a year and never store a game with old batteries in it.
Battery leakage is corrosive and toxic; wear gloves and keep it off skin.
Systems
- Williams System 3
- Williams System 4
- Williams System 6 / 6A
- Williams System 7
- Williams System 9
- Williams System 11
- Williams System 11A
- Williams System 11B
- Williams System 11C
- WPC Alpha-Numeric
- WPC Dot Matrix
- WPC Fliptronics
- WPC DCS
- WPC-Security (WPC-S)
- WPC-95
- Bally MPU AS-2518-17
- Bally MPU AS-2518-35
- Stern MPU-100
- Stern MPU-200
- Bally 6803
- Gottlieb System 1
- Gottlieb System 80
- Gottlieb System 80A
- Gottlieb System 80B
- Gottlieb System 3
- Data East CPU Version 1/2
- Data East CPU Version 3
- Data East/Sega CPU Version 3b
- Capcom
Related tips
- Changing batteries without losing settings
- Move the batteries off the board
- Memory capacitor or battery does not hold settings
- Where game adjustments are made
- Checking and reseating solid-state board connectors
- Displays show gibberish
- Reseating socketed chips
- 'ADJUST FAILURE' every time it powers on: battery corrosion on the CPU board
Source: Pinball Machine Care & Maintenance, Bernard B. Kamoroff (Bell Springs Pinball Alley)