Speech is missing or works only when the sound-to-speech ribbon cable is wiggled during the sound test.

Speech cuts in and out when the ribbon cable is moved

Cause: Torn wires at the end of the ribbon cable, usually from pulling on it to unplug the speech board. The cable is clamped into an IDC connector on the speech board side.

Checks

• Wiggle the cable in sound test and listen.

Fix

• Replace the cable (see the procedure).

Systems

• Williams System 6 / 6A
• Williams System 7

Related tips

• Missing words or sounds from cracked connector pins
• Speech board faults
• Garbled or partial sounds from bad ROMs or sockets
• Setting up a sound board for speech
• No sound effects in play though speech works: check the sound board PIA
• System 6/7 sound and speech board ROMs
• Sound board jumpers for sound-and-speech games (2K ROM)
• System 9 sound and speech boards fit System 6/7

Source: Repairing Williams System 3 to System 7 Pinball 1977 to 1984, Part Three, Clay Harrell (pinrepair.com)