I recently acquired a Williams Whirlwind pinball and am not exactly sure how certain aspects of the game should function. Hoping one of you has a fully functioning machine and can weigh in.....Specifically I am curious about the operation of the ramp lifter and the GI lighting on the playfield.

For the ramp lifter, I found a wire that was disconnected under the playfield that attached to the "cellar" switch. Once connected the ramp opens sometimes when the quick multi-ball is lit and other times is does not. Same for million dollar shot. Curious what events should make this open and close.

As for GI lighting, I have an issue in the back box that needs resolving. Two of three strings are out - the string on the top (under whirlwind name) and lower right string under the kid with the tv camera. When I test with a multimeter the dead strings read 2.5 vac, the center/left string that does work measures the appropriate 6.5 vac. I have replaced all the fuses so the simple fix is out. I also rebuilt the relay board attached to the backbox by the hinge by replacing the relay and leaky diodes and it did not solve the problem.

On the playfield - the GI lights for the lower half (e.g. under kicker or 3-drop target) of the playfield are "dim" and are not as bright as the the AC GI lights that are in the back of the playfield (e.g. left rear corner under lightening bolts). When I measure the voltage of the GI lights in the back of the playfield they measure the appropriate 6.5 vac, the dim lights in the front of the playfield measure 2.5 vac. I am guessing from the various online posts that I have an issue with a relay board and/or a pin that is burned out on one of the inner-connectors but have been unsuccessful at tracing the issue.

I see there are two other relay boards under the playfield but both appear to have been replaced at some point in this machines history as the relays are not cube style - they are the new sealed black type. Could this be my issue? Thoughts?

Thanks for the quick response - my interconnect board is likely the issue as you suggest - appears a couple of connectors have been changed over time but many appear dingy.... cheap upgrade if not the fix.

For the ramp - you mentioned it raises to lock the third ball for multi-ball - mine does not it stays down and third ball is "locked" when it goes up either ramp - right ramp diverts ball to collector then multi-ball starts. Seems would be much easier to make the million shot if the third ball locked under the ramp...

Well - I think I found the problem - photo attached. Why do folks attempt fixing electronics when they don't even know how to use a soldering gun.....pic attached. Contacts on pin 9 appear to be peeling off board in addition to bad repair. Anyone know if the interconnect boards are still available - haven't seen on any of the part vendor sites?

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