There is an opto on the ramp entrance but sounds like it is working or else the diverter would not activate. You can move the diverter in the test menu to get a better idea of what it is doing but sounds like you need to take the supercharger off to inspect it on the bottom side. There are just a few connectors under the playfield and a handful of screws holding it down. Maybe all it needs is a good cleaning.

I am familiar with the problem.

This needs to be mentioned.

There are 5X opto pairs in the Supercharger.
One at the entrance, 3X with the magnets, and one on the front in the return portion of the Supercharger.
All these require to properly functioning to give the necessary timing, both in entry, operation, and exit.
The most critical for ENTRY is the opto set behind the Redline Mania sign.

The Supercharger is subjected to EXTREME vibration.
Opto leads can break off due to cold solder joints.
Flaky opto emitters are common as well.
It normally will not show up in test only when the game is played, or a full Supercharger test.
Other causes of the diverter not operating properly are binding in the diverter mechanism because of use.
Sometimes a good cleaning of the mechanism and replacement of the coil sleeve is warranted as well.

Even with all this, if you recently rebuilt the flippers and have a highly waxed playfield it is STILL possible to have the diverter not activate soon enough. This is just due to ball speed and nothing can be done.
For example, hit the freeway orbit from left to right a 3-4 times, and then shoot the supercharger.
If you do it right the ball will be well over 80 MPH.
If you wax the supercharger ramp itself, the situation is even more insane with the ball way over 120 MPH.

You can check if the optos are working in the switch menu. Just break the beam with your hand or something and you should see it register. Doesn't sound like that is the issue, though. I'm not sure I understand what is going on with the coil. It should be very responsive and snap the diverter open and close.

When I shopped out my Getaway, I went ahead and replaced all opto sets. I figured the old optos were 20+ years old.

The owners manual doesn't even have a detailed part view and breakdown of the diverter. My diverter sometimes acts strange in that when I shoot the ball in the supercharger for lets say 10 loops, it either closes too early or too slow and causes the ball to come back down the supercharger ramp instead of to the left return lane. I think it just needs a good cleaning but with no parts view what do I replace if anything? Is there a coil there, new sleeve needed, other needed parts? Otherwise I suppose just take apart and see what I need then. Is it difficult to get to or remove the diverter from the supercharger? Hoping someone can chime in that has rebuilt or fixed their diverter and what to expect. Thanks.

^^^Anyone? I'd like to order any parts before the Hollidays and rebuild my diverter. Thanks!

There are some excellent threads on Pinside about removal and repair of the HS2 diverter that you should check out. The diverter uses a special coil that is available from PBR. Coil is typically not a problem, unless it has overheated. Usually a good cleaning of the diverter shaft if it has dried grease on it will help. Make sure the diverter moves freely by hand, opening and closing the diverter paddle without the game powered on. The diverter will sometimes close too quickly or too slow and cause the ball to go out the side exit onto the PF or back down the ramp. That happens occasionally on my game but not everygame. Make sure the paddle is closing flush against the ball guide when it is diverting the ball around the supercharger and staying tight to the guide. Also make sure the alignment of the supercharger ramp is good and not off centered to ensure a smooth entrance of the ball to the magnet race.

Thanks.

Replace the optos, they are the most common problem, as long as there are no switch matrix issues, and the diverter is operating normally, not binding, and not broken due to welds or overuse. Remember, HSII has a SPECIAL set of schematics that are NOT in the manual. It is a separate document book. Purchase it for future reference.

ever figure out this issue? im getting a divertor error. upper works fine, nice and snappy, but lower does nothing

ever figure out this issue? im getting a divertor error. upper opens nice and strong seems to stay closed on lower, no movement.