The machine is set for 3 balls, first off. That is why one of the target banks light up. The Jones plug to adjust is under the playfield. The tilt switches can be very sensitive. The slam switch in the coin door should be normally closed.

The ball needs to be in the outhole before the game will start, even after a fresh reset.

As far as your score reels are concerned, yes I would reattach the wire. I would clean and check the contacts on that reel. The one that closes as the 1000s reel hits 9 is the one I would chase down.

Is the ball kicked out to the shooter lane when you push the start button?

Ok. A manual and schematic is needed at this point. Order from PBR. You can poke around and examine relays for adjustment and such, but be careful. I don't have a manual with me right now, but will be back this evening and take a look at the reset sequence. It could be as simple as a dirty outhole contact.

The AX should be on the motor board in the cabinet near the chime box.

The tile slam switch on the motor board needs to be open.

I will have to check the status of those slam switches. I have a Volley, so it won't be too hard to do...

My bad. That is correct. The only slam switch that should be open is the one attached to the playfield. The ones on the coin door, motor board and in the backbox need to be closed.

First try cleaning the three sets of normally closed tilt switch contacts in the machine with a file. It sounds like they may not be making good contact.

Are there credits showing in the credit window?

So, at this point what I would suggest without having the machine in front of me, would be to check the AX relay for proper operation. Dirt has a way of getting between contacts and ruining your day. The ball count unit also probably needs attention. The simple fact that it did work and now refuses to most likely means dirty contacts somewhere. The manual will have the startup sequence described.

You are gonna have some issues. Just because you see the relay pulling doesn't mean it is making good contact. Expect some more issues like this.

Happy to help. This guide has been very helpful for in understanding and repairing ems

http://www.pinrepair.com/em/index.htm

The schematic shows what is connected to what. If you look for the target bank reset relay, you can see what it is connected to and inspect those components.

It could be simply dirt. Since you said earlier that it was working, my experience is that a dirty contact would be to blame. Try cleaning the score motor contacts. Intermittent problems are usually caused by dirt, a cold solder joint, a broken coil wire (relay in your case) or solder tabs that are too close together.

Could be the contacts at the score motor are not opening.

The score motor tilts up towards the edge of the board. It is retained by a clip. You can actually unmount the entire motor by spreading the mounting ears. Be careful, there are 120 volts going through a set of contacts so unplug the machine first.