Quoted from Pin_Guy:Assuming the only switches that are closed are the 4 ball trough ( 11, 12, 13, 14 ) and ballrog (32) the only way you can get phantom closures on 19-22 is if SW16 is miswired and passing the column pulse to row 2 through the switches NC contacts. Of course you can also have multiple issues like a bad diode in both column 2 and column 3 and are just now noticing.
I agree. I'd check switch 16 to make sure it isn't shorted somehow, and also check its diode.
You can also determine if the problem is on the board or in the playfield wiring and/or switch diodes. Do this by replicating the scenario on the board alone using jumper wires. You'll need a jumper wire and access to your CPU/Sound Board. The steps are in homepinballrepair.com link that Gogojohnnyquack provided. I have replaced the connection and switch names/numbers with the ones that are applicable to LOTR:
"Caution
Do not use this, or any, jumper method unless you know what you are doing. It is not uncommon for beginners to cause severe circuit board damage by shorting pins or applying high voltage to a low voltage circuit.
[Editor’s note: This procedure cannot be used for testing the lamp matrix. It would result in a short and potentially damage the circuit.]
For the jumper cable I recommend either a mini-grabber (also called mini-clip) or a .1″ female to female jumper. You can get the latter at most electronics stores in a variety of lengths, but 6″ works well. If you need to jumper more than one row/column at a time you will need a 1N4004 diode installed in the jumper. This is not necessary for the procedure below, but is required for more advanced testing. The end of the jumper with the banded side of the diode should be placed on the column side when testing."
Use the following procedure to test each column.
Remove CN7 (return connector) and CN5 (send connector).
Turn on the game and enter switch edge diagnostics.
Put one end of your jumper on pin 1 of CN7 (row 1).
Place the other end of your jumper on pin 1 of CN5 (column 1)
Switch 1 (column 1, row 1) should indicate closed on the display.
Move the jumper on pin 1 of CN5 to pin 2 (column 2).
Switch 9 (column 2, row 1) should indicate closed.
Continue testing each column by moving the jumper.
Use the following procedure to test each row.
Remove CN7 (return connector) and CN5 (send connector).
Turn on the game and enter switch edge diagnostics.
Put one end of your jumper on pin 1 of CN5 (column 1).
Place the other end of your jumper on pin 1 of CN7 (row 1)
Switch 1 (column 1, row 1) should indicate closed on the display.
Move the jumper on pin 1 of CN7 to pin 2 (row 2).
Switch 2 (column 1, row 2) should indicate closed.
Continue testing each row by moving the jumper.
Deer Park, NY
