You said "start button does nothing" ... are there credits on the game ?
altered pic from https://www.ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=2063
little square window on backglass
I wonder if activating the tilt is just lighting the GI (general illumination) the left flipper button may do the same thing when first plugged in -or- the start button -if- there are any credits.
the credit wheel in the back should move freely advancing credits ( don't force it )
lemme know the results