I haven't, but like you, a loose ball trough opto would be my first guess. Perhaps reflow 'em.

Yeah, probably trough opto problems. If you have another Stern you can try swapping the boards to see if the problem follows the boards.

The two small opto boards at the end of the ball trough. reseat the connectors to them a couple times.

If problem returns I'd reflow the solder on the connector pins on the board.

LTG : )™

Yes , had that on a shrek . Was an outlane switch , adjusted it and all was fine .
To locate the culprit go into switch test and bang on the playfield watching the display for the upcoming switch .

Ball trough optos like others have said. Reflow (or replace) solder on the header pins. I'd also highly recommend replacing the actual connectors with locking ones so that they stay tight on there. I've done the zip-tie thing with the existing ones, but that didn't last terribly long before they started flaking out again.

Ok before you try reflowing or replacing anything can i suggest unplugging any plugs that go to the trough and reconnect them.

This happened to my Tron and all i did was unplug and reconnect the trough plugs and it worked fine.

Hope this helps.

you need change those connectors that go to both opto boards. do that and the problem goes away. it has to be done on every stern. every stern i own had the same issue. replaced all connectors on every game, no more issues since.

Push the trough connectors on TIGHTER...push them on so the white plastic base part on the board slides down more down the metal pins - this will give you a better connection and most likely solve the issue...it's solved it on any game I've had with this problem.

What do you suggest to use as replacement connectors? I have this problem on my AC/DC also.

Actually, I used connector grease on them the last time it flaked out and it has not flaked again since then. That was about 6 months ago. Before greasing them, they would flake after about 3 weeks and would need to be disconnected and reconnected a few times followed by another 3 weeks of working.

I had the same problem and just replaced the trough opto boards. They were only $10-15 each. I could not find any broken traces.

normal molex connectors with trifurcon pins that you actually crimp..the good ones.
not the horrible ones williams used (and stern) on these.

normal molex connectors with trifurcon pins that you actually crimp..the good ones.
not the horrible ones williams used (and stern) on these.

Try to zip tie them or a little hot glue to keep them snug and then try replacing if that doesn't work.

Ive had that problem on various sterns and the zip method worked great.

zip ties is a band aid and if you sell to another they accuse it of being "hacked". do the connectors and its good and done.
in the words of big daddy kane...........
ain't no half steppin'!

I'm just curious, what did you find to be the culprit? Mine is now doing the exact same thing.

Another 3 months for mine without any trouble after using the connector grease.

If reseating the connectors fixed it, that means all you have done is verify the problem. It will act up again. I give it a month or two at most depending on how often you play the game.

As far as I know, Trifurcon contacts are only available in 0.156 pitch. These connectors are 0.100 pitch. I never did find a better replacement connector. I just used the dielectric grease and solved the problem.

Running into this same issue. Re-seated the connectors and hoping that does the trick.

Can someone take a picture of the zip-tie method? Not quite sure how you folks are doing that. It would be much appreciated.

I ran into this problem with my MET, but it wasn't the connector. The LED on the trough board had the legs cut too short and they did not come through on the solder side like a component leg should. Essentially there's no way to properly solder the LED. So I got a warranty replacement.

Rob

I just solder the wires directly to the boards, and never have a problem again.
I don't normally condone eliminating connectors, but they are nothing but trouble here.
And it's only 2/3 wires.