Blown F1 fuse when changing the marquee bulb

Spyridon

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On the Mappy I just picked up, both marquee bulbs were out. I put two new bulbs in and turned the game one. One of the bulbs did nothing, the other flashed on for a second and then blew. At the same time, fuse F1 in the main transformer also blew.

Besides getting a new fuse and a new bulb, what do I need to check so this doesn't happen when I replace these parts? Game was working find before I changed the bulb (yes, the bulb is the correct one)






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The light that blew out right away has a shorted ballast transformer. You'll now need to replace the ballast, light bulb, and starter before you attempt to apply power again.

Once you correct the problem with the shorted one then you can move on to the other light fixture that didn't light at all. Could be something as simple as a bad starter.

Always buy more than one package of FS-2 starters since you can have bad ones right out of the package.
 
Thanks Ken. I did pick up extra bulbs and starters in my trip to Lowes today. I also have a few ballast around. I'll go change that out. I'll need to head over to Rat Shack to pick up some fuses.


The light that blew out right away has a shorted ballast transformer. You'll now need to replace the ballast, light bulb, and starter before you attempt to apply power again.

Once you correct the problem with the shorted one then you can move on to the other light fixture that didn't light at all. Could be something as simple as a bad starter.

Always buy more than one package of FS-2 starters since you can have bad ones right out of the package.
 
Okay, I replaced the ballast in the one that lit up briefly and it is now working. However, the other bulb is not.

I checked the bulb and it must have blown at the same time as the first one. I'm down to one good bulb remaining. Could this have been caused by the other bad ballast going, or do you think the ballast on this one needs to be replaced as well? The F1 fuse is not blowing now. I'd hate to throw the last bulb in and have that go on me.



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Above link provides you the info on testing the ballast first. Check out the link also in Arcadenut's post. Should help you out.
 
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