How do I fix flickering/dim lamps (light bulbs)
Games affected: all
The lamp circuits are usually pretty simple, and that makes it easy to fix problems with lamps that flicker, are dimmer than they should be, or don't work at all (let's assume the lamp itself is good and is the right number - except #55's and #44's can/should be replaced with #47's (some people just don't like the dimmer #47's...it's up to you - it's your backglass and playfield light sheilds), #1458's are harder to come by, so #1464's for those can be used instead).
The first step is to isolate the problem. It will almost always be an issue with the lamp socket, and to verify all you need to do is wiggle the lamp in the socket to see if it comes on/brightens. If that doesn't help, then it's most likely a problem on a stepper unit or a trip bank switch.
The lamp sockets
There are two main styles of lamp sockets. The first is a standard bayonet socket that is readily available and cheap if you just want to replace it. There are different shapes, though, so make sure you get the right one.
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| Lamp socket style #1 |
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This lamp socket has three problem areas:
- connection between the socket and the mounting bracket. If the socket can spin around on the bracket, replace it or you can solder the socket to the bracket. If the lamp just wobbles in the socket, you can use some pliers to slightly deform the socket so the lamp fits more snugly.
- solder tab connection to lamp tip. If this is loose, it's easiest to replace the socket, but you can try soldering the pieces together. Just don't get solder into the spring-loaded plunger. The tip of the plunger and/or the tip of the lamp may also be dirty.
- poor solder connection to mounting bracket. Reflow the solder.
side and botton view |
| Lamp socket style #2 |
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This lamp socket is pounded into the wood, and usually there are only two problems:
- center tab is not exerting enough pressure on the lamp tip. bend the tab up so it applies more pressure. The problem is that it's easy to bend the tab from the back by just pushing it down with the lamp out of the socket. Unfortunately, you can't get to the back of most of these sockets without removing stuff mounted over them. You can also "hook" the tab from the front and pull to bend it if you happen to have something that'll fit in there. I found what I think is a dentists tooth scraper that works great. Just don't bend it so much that you short the tab to the socket frame.
- lamp tip is mangled. This type of socket digs a pretty big pit in the tip of the lamp, which is a pretty soft metal. You can reshape the tip to remove the divot, or just toss the lamp.
