Just purchased my first pinball machine a couple weeks ago so I currently have limited knowledge on fixing them and am looking for some guidance. I had a none functioning Mr. Hanky switch and that was easy to fix...just a loose wire.

What I cannot figure out is the issue I am having with Cartman. When I hit the Kenny hole, Kenny registers and when the ball rolls to the VUK, for some reason, Cartman will register. This does not happen all of the time but does happen 70-80% of the time. Also, when I hit the Cartman hole, it will sometimes register twice. This also happens 70-80% of the time.

What I have tried thus far: checked for loose connections (I checked everything all the way back to the motherboard), examined the switch under Cartman and everything looked fine (the gap appeared to be the same as the other switches), and reset the machine back to factory settings.

I got the machine on Nov. 26 and everything worked just fine for the first week.

Has anyone had this happen or have any suggestions on how to fix? I talked to the person I bought it from and also searched the internet for fixes but was unable to find anything that helped. I found one similar forum on this website but the suggestions didn't work for my exact problem. I figured I would post here before taking the next step of calling a repairman.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Yes, the loose wire was right under the Mr. Hanky switch that was not working...far away from the Cartman hole. The problem did not happen the first week I had the game. The problem was also happening when the Mr. Hanky switch was not. Other than that, I have not really touched anything...I just pushed on all of the plastic connectors to make sure none of them were loose as someone suggested.

I started messing with the switch test but did not get that far into it. Again, I am new to this, so just so I understand right, remove the glass and when in the switch test, roll a ball into the Kenny hole to see when the switches activate? Am I looking for anything specific at this point or do you want me to make sure the ball is rolling over the switch when it activates? Want to make sure I get you the information you are asking for.

Thanks for your patience!

Now I am even more confused. I did some testing and got mixed results.

When in the switch test, I manually triggered the switches. Every time I hit a switch, only the corresponding switch would show up. I went into game mode and manually hit a switch and when I hit Kenny's switch, a few seconds later, Cartman would register. When I manually hit Cartman's switch, he would register twice. This happened 100% of the time. I went from switch test, to game, to switch test, and one more game mode.

Yes, the wire is in the correct place. Same issue happened before the Mr. Hanky switch stopped working. After I reconnected the wire, the Mr. Hanky switch started working again and the issue with Cartman remained the same.

Yes, it came with the manual. I think that might be beyond my capabilities at the moment. Not sure I would know exactly what to look for. Unless you could explain it to me in Layman's terms, I might need to call in an expert.

I will check that. Seems pretty straightforward.

Charm86...I looked into this and the switch with the loose wire was on a different row.

OCD_pinball...I get that slight delay as well but not every time and it always registers (I have not come across it not registering). I am going to order a new switch and diode and replace those. I liked your advise on using a magnetic pickup tool for retrieving the balls when manual testing...I stopped and got one today.

To all...I am ordering a new switch and diode. I will post an update after I get those replaced.

Thanks again for everyone's advise!

Replaced the switch and diode today and the problem is still there...no change. Someone thinks now it might be one of the plastic connectors. This is beyond my comfort level so I am going to call a repairman to come out and fix it. I will post a solution once it gets figured out.

Again, thank you to everyone for your input. Sorry for not posting earlier. OCD_pinball you were correct, it was the VUK after the Cartman switch. The problem can be simulated by pressing the Kenny or Cartman switches in the trough. When the VUK switch is not activated, you will get a credit for Cartman twice. Or Kenny and Cartman if you hit the Kenny switch. I made an adjustment to the switch by bending it up so when the ball rolls into the VUK it depresses the switch better. I had the problem again today and made another adjustment (took 5 minutes) and all is working perfect again. Like OCD_pinball said, this switch takes a beating.