Strange Donkey Kong Issue

wontwa

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Recently picked up a Donkey Kong at a great price. It works and play fine, but with one catch (don't they all.....) - when I powered it up it would go into attract mode until a coin was inserted, then it would automatically launch into play. If I happened to insert a second coin right after, it would become a two player game.

Didn't think much of this until I installed the high score save/free play chip. Now as soon as I power the machine on it immediately launches into a two player game (whether I want that or not), and will repeat in a loop as games end as it is always "credited". Not sure where to even start troubleshooting this one. Anybody seen this before?
 
I would start with the player one and player two start buttons.Make sure they are open instead of stuck closed.I'd say it would be odd that they are both stuck,but with your symptoms they would have to be.That or a pull up resistor or ic on the pcb that is common to both functions failed.Just something to start with till someone familiar with DK chimes in.
 
I would try disconnecting the wires to the player 1 & 2 switches and then power it up.
If it doesn't start a game then there is your problem.
The switches could be stuck,but I can't see both going bad at the same time unless soda or something got spilled on them.
The wires could be hooked up to the wrong terminals on the switches leaving them always closed.
Another thing to check is the position of the switches.
They are mounted on adjustable holders and the buttons might be too close to the switches.
If that is not the problem then it is most likely a board problem.
I am not sure if a bad power supply would cause that.
 
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