Do microswitches just die?

[Mark]

Hi guys,

Probably a stupid question, but on my TSPP the right ramp gate (Moes) has stopped registering. I assumed it would either be a wire off the switch or the connection under the playfield, but both are fine.

I've never had a switch just stop working before - does this happen? I've just finished spending ages removing, cleaning and replacing everything so really would like it functioning 100% again

And, if I do need a new switch, any idea which one I need to order? I've attached a picture of the offending item.

Thanks in advance, Mark

 

[Wiredworm]

Is it definately the only thing that's stopped?

Have you been through the menus and done a switch test?

If a transistor has popped on the board then you could lose and entire row or an entire column of switches I think. If it's the only thing that's gone then it' much more likely to be the switch itself, although they are pretty robust in my experience (although they don't like getting caught and having their armatures ripped off).

 

[Pudsey pinball]

Yep they do just fail at times

 

[RudeDogg1]

Yup I had 2 on the shadow go

 

[Pin Muncher]

They sometimes half fail and get stuck open, use a bit of contact cleaner to bring it back to life and order a new one, can you hear it click on the way down and on the way up ?

 

[JT.]

They do fail. Whilst cheap to replace, you can fix them too (if you're that way inclined). They're very simple mechanical things, just small. if you can be bothered just take if apart and fix it

 

[Mark]

Thanks guys, very interesting. I shorted the connector under the playfield and sure enough that worked fine, so it must be the actual switch! Will add one to my next parts order and might try and fix it too if I get a chance

Cheers, Mark