I'm a little new to EMs, but I do understand the basics of how setting a machine on free play works. (I was able to take my Old Chicago off free play by bending the switch back into place so that it registers when zero credits has been reached).

My Doodle Bug arrived set on free play. You can add credits with the coin switch, and credits are properly being subtracted when the start button is pressed. Once you get down to 1 credit, it stays on one credit forever. If I try manually triggering the credit reel, I can get it to go up and down. But once you get to 1 credit, it won't subtract down to zero. (Although I should note that there is no zero on the credit reel).

Any help would be greatly appreciated - thanks!