Lindsey
Well-known member
I received these questions via PM from user Zack5959. I figured if I'm going to answer them it might as well benefit everyone. I'm going to start doing this from now with most questions I get by PM.
That indicates a mechanical problem with the flipper (you probably already knew that). The flipper plunger probably became mushroomed on the end causing it to stick in the coil sleeve. Either that or the coil stuck on causing the sleeve to melt and stick to the plunger. The coil stop can also become magnetized causing this problem but that seems like the least likely cause in this case.
I would disassemble the flipper and see what needs to be replaced. You can post pictures here if you're unsure.
No 7th flash is an indication that there is no solenoid voltage. More specifically it indicates that the solenoid voltage is not making it to the zero cross detector circuit on the MPU or there is something wrong with that circuit. In this case we can cut right to the chase and assume there is no solenoid voltage. The first thing to do is pull the solenoid fuse and check it with a meter (F4 on the rectifier board. 5A). Sounds to me like it's blown. If not you'll need to check for positive voltage thought the fuse, the header on the rectifier board and out to the coils. I would start by checking for voltage at the flipper coils. There should also be a fuse under the playfield. Check that one too though I can't really see that one causing only 6 flashes on the MPU.
A new coil may or may not have been necessary depending on the condition of the old one but if it was shorted it definitely could have caused the fuse to blow. I wouldn't say a shorted coil would cause your original problem but it could cause your current problem.
In any case... the first thing to do is figure out why there's no solenoid voltage.
Zack5959 said:On my Bally Vector, the right flipper coil became stuck on and the game was shut right off.
That indicates a mechanical problem with the flipper (you probably already knew that). The flipper plunger probably became mushroomed on the end causing it to stick in the coil sleeve. Either that or the coil stuck on causing the sleeve to melt and stick to the plunger. The coil stop can also become magnetized causing this problem but that seems like the least likely cause in this case.
I would disassemble the flipper and see what needs to be replaced. You can post pictures here if you're unsure.
Zack5959 said:In an attempt to ghetto fix it before a party, I freed everything up then powered the game on. Started a game then hit the flipper button twice.... all flippers are now dead, no attract mode, no displays on and only 6 flashes from the MPU LED.
No blown fuses and no 43v on T4 Fuse on the Power Supply.
No 7th flash is an indication that there is no solenoid voltage. More specifically it indicates that the solenoid voltage is not making it to the zero cross detector circuit on the MPU or there is something wrong with that circuit. In this case we can cut right to the chase and assume there is no solenoid voltage. The first thing to do is pull the solenoid fuse and check it with a meter (F4 on the rectifier board. 5A). Sounds to me like it's blown. If not you'll need to check for positive voltage thought the fuse, the header on the rectifier board and out to the coils. I would start by checking for voltage at the flipper coils. There should also be a fuse under the playfield. Check that one too though I can't really see that one causing only 6 flashes on the MPU.
Zack5959 said:I put a new coil in it and then tested it. 2 of the 3 readings well above 2.5 ohms.
3rd reading 1.4
A new coil may or may not have been necessary depending on the condition of the old one but if it was shorted it definitely could have caused the fuse to blow. I wouldn't say a shorted coil would cause your original problem but it could cause your current problem.
In any case... the first thing to do is figure out why there's no solenoid voltage.