The idol spins like it should Jacob.It makes the elephant noise but the door doesn't drop. It seems to be an intermittent problem too . Sometimes works . Sometimes doesn't .Just went and had a few games and got the 3 balls locked . Multi-ball started and the first ball came out like it should but the 2nd and 3rd ones wouldn't .
The door slides down easily by hand ( that's how I've been getting the balls out) . Haven't had a chance to check out the test menu but will try that .
Was thinking it may be a problem with the main trough optos ( ie. it loses track of how many balls are on the PF ) . Could this be the case too .
I'm sure I'll get it sorted easily but just not familiar with the inner workings of this pin yet.


OK OK Greg . I'm working on it . I'll upload them now.

Ok so it does not seem like an opto problem - the elephant sound is made after the idol has rotated into the correct position and the door is about to drop. That means the Idol optos are working!

I reckon there is something mechanically screwy at this stage. Keep in mind when you hand activate the door from "above" you are testing it by pushing it. The solenoid actually works by pulling it, so it may pay to lift the playfield and try to pull it from the solenoid side - you may find it binds when testing it this way. This will also let you check for any discoloration of the paper on the solenoid (signs of overheating) too. If the coil has overheated, then it will also have distorted the coil sleeve and will never work properly...

Oh yeah, check the door solenoid plunger to see if it is black, oily or greasy - you never know if some clown has tried oiling the damn thing too!

I reckon it may be as simple as a coil sleeve worn out, or even the wrong spring installed. Also check and make sure on foreign crap has ended up in the area, including any wires from the playfield.

Cheers
Jacob