Quoted from Pinslot:I compared it with the outer two targets and noticed that a round ceramic capacitor* is missing. (See photo). Could this be the reason why the switch is so reluctant to work?
Yes the missing capacitor is absolutely the likely cause of the problem of missed fast hits of the target switch.
These capacitors often fail by going short circuit and cause other problems in the switch matrix. Operators simply cut them out to get the games back up and running but fast hits will sometimes be missed.
Install a 0.047uF 50V capacitor.
The purpose of the capacitor is to extend the amount of time that switches appear as closed between MPU board scans of the switch matrix to avoid very fast switch closure/releases from being missed.
The capacitors are only installed on switches that can activate and release at very high speed such as target switches, pop bumper switches and some rollover switches where the ball can travel very fast over them.
The switch matrix schematic in the manual shows which switches should have capacitors installed.