I have an odd issue:
Running the flasher and coil diagnostics doesn't do anything. When I got the game, the diagnostic buttons on the coin door weren't working. I've since replaced them, and and can now navigate the menu system. The switch test matrix works too, but I get nada when I kick off the flasher diagnostic and the coil diagnostic.

Any ideas? The fuses look fine, but I haven't actually tested them yet.

Thanks in advance!

Yes--I meant to mention that the coils and flashers work during the game, which is why I've been so perplexed. I'll look into the white plunger thing--thank you!

Yep, that was it. Thanks again, I appreciate it!

And now that you mention it, I remember reading about that somewhere, but had completely forgotten about it until now. Oh, well--I doubt I'll forget again!

I'm thinking about springing for a ColorDMD. Everything I've seen has suggested strongly that LED vs LCD ColorDMD comes down to personal preference. Has anyone seen both on LotR, and do you have a preference?

Thank you for chiming in. That thread is part of the research I've done so far, and it didn't give me a clear winner in general, so I wanted to query LotR people specifically.

I just got one of these sets. I thought they'd sent me used plastics because they look discolored/dirty, but all of the "issues" are in the protective film. Now I'm excited again!

I had this same thing happen. It was tough to figure out, but oh so satisfying to fix.

Do any of you have tips for aiming/aligning the Ring ramp? Most of the Ring shots on my game bounce out, and multiple attempts at adjusting the ramp haven't improved things.

Also, is there a way to modify the Balrog travel? I occasionally have balls from the right VUK get stuck, pinned between the habitrail and the Balrog. This wouldn't be happening if the Balrog didn't swing as far to the right.

I've rebuilt the flippers and they're strong enough, so I don't think that's the issue--most of the ramp shots hit the Ring and bounce back. I think they're hitting high and right of the hole, which would be the opposite problem: the ramp aimed too high or the balls traveling too fast. The game is a re-import from Italy, and I've found lots of unusual stuff in it, so figure the ramp might be off somehow.

I'll definitely look at the spinner and the tip of the ramp. Those could both be adding variance

I'm using the "regular" coils. I had the PBL extra-hot ones for a while, and my plastics took a beating, so I went back to stock.

The playfield angle is 7.5 degrees right now--the middle of the bubble level. Raising it a bit higher might work, though I'm afraid that might make the left (Legolas) ramp too steep. We already see plenty of balls rolling partway up and then back down.

Thanks for chiming in, I appreciate it!

I've been without a working Ring magnet for quite a while, and didn't think it was all that important. I put the fuse back in, and it's changed gameplay far more than I expected. The ramp still isn't 100% on target, but it's definitely helped.

Good call, thank you!

I recently acquired the "Ramp Trap Fix" plastics, and am looking to install it, but the holes don't match up with my machine in an obvious way. Has anyone installed this, and could you point me in the right direction?

Thank you!

Description:
Two commonly broken plastics found in front of the Ring at the back of your playfield. Together they create a ball trap which diverts the ball into the pop bumpers.

Link:
https://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/502-5021-81