Spent the whole weekend putting LED lights in three machines and soldering on some new lamp holders for a few broken lights. Can't for the life of me figure out something simple.

How do you change the bulbs in the can or flood light looking over playfield lamps? I feel like the bulb should pull out forward; however, it seems like a lot of pressure to be put on so I quit.

Thanks in advance.

#2 11 years ago

NTR

TheFamilyArcade

Pinside+ Frequent

New City, NY

11y 104K 9,960 5 37

Remove the shade/can first, then the bulb.

#3 11 years ago

TOM

tomdotcom

Pinside member

Kamloops, BC

15y 112K 6,198 2

Pull harder...

#4 11 years ago

TSR

TaylorVA

Reese Rails

13y 116K 8,893 11 7

Remove the shade, the bulb will follow.

#5 11 years ago

DAD

Yoxxy

Pinside member

11y 46,050 138 19

Quoted from TheFamilyArcade:
Remove the shade/can first, then the bulb.

The shade twists off or pulls off?

#6 11 years ago

???

Tommi_Gunn

Inactive member

11y 0 1,634

they got a couple tabs. pull one up and pull off

#7 11 years ago

DAD

Yoxxy

Pinside member

11y 46,050 138 19

Quoted from Tommi_Gunn:
they got a couple tabs. pull one up and pull off

Perfect, will do when I get home.

Thanks.

#8 11 years ago

NTR

TheFamilyArcade

Pinside+ Frequent

New City, NY

11y 104K 9,960 5 37

I'm trying to see it. I think once loosened the shade slides back, so the bulb is no longer squeezed into its socket. comes out easier then.

#9 11 years ago

DAD

examiner

Inactive member

13y 35,900 815 8

Not all spotlights are 2 piece though, so you can't remove the reflector.

In that case, use a spare rubber post sleeve (some folks say shooter bulb tip, but I find a black post sleeve works better). Jam it up over the bulb. It's tight enough to give you a snug fit and then just pull the sleeve out and the bulb will come with it. Always works for me.

If it is a 2 part spotlight, ya, just lift up the tabs and pull the whole reflector/bulb out as if you were removing the bulb. The reflector will bring the bulb with it.

#10 11 years ago

CAT

DCFAN

Pinside+ Frequent

Chantilly, VA

12y 148K 12,776 34

Here is a great tool to own for pulling and installing hard to reach bulbs:

ebay.com link: Mill Pinball Machine Light Bulb Lamp Removal Tool

#11 11 years ago

TSR

TaylorVA

Reese Rails

13y 116K 8,893 11 7

You can also use a shooter rod rubber tip.

#12 11 years ago

???

Tommi_Gunn

Inactive member

11y 0 1,634

we're talking stern right? 555's?

push out on the tabs, one at a time and pull, the reflector will come right off. then pull the lamp from the assem.

545-5409-01.jpg

#13 11 years ago

DAD

Yoxxy

Pinside member

11y 46,050 138 19

Going to replace whole assembly. Thanks.

#14 11 years ago

MST

mystic

Inactive member

Nashville, TN

12y 34,900 1,763 19

ouch.. that thing is rough.. just replace the whole thing!

#15 11 years ago

DAD

Yoxxy

Pinside member

11y 46,050 138 19

Found it. Thanks.

#16 11 years ago

DAD

examiner

Inactive member

13y 35,900 815 8

Telling you again, push a rubber post sleeve down over the bulb and pull it out. No need for a $20 tool.

8 years later

#17 2 years ago

BDR

Riefepeters

Pinside member

3y 69,550 598 8 1

Found this thread and....

The rubber post idea is literally the bomb!!!! Worked like a charm.

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