Pinball machines are a blast to own, but like any mechanical marvel, they sometimes need a little TLC to stay in top shape. Catching small issues early can help you avoid bigger (and more expensive) problems down the line.

Here’s a look at some of the most common pinball repairs we see, and how to tell when it might be time to call in the experts.

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🎯 1. Flipper Problems

Signs to Watch For:

• Weak flippers that can’t make full shots
• Flippers sticking in the up or down position
• Delayed or sluggish flipper response

Why It Happens:
Flipper parts, like coils, switches, and bushings, wear out over time with regular use. It’s one of the most common repairs and usually a quick fix when caught early.

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🎯 2. Lighting and Display Issues

Signs to Watch For:

• Burned-out bulbs or LEDs
• Sections of the display not lighting up
• Flickering or dim lighting during gameplay

Why It Happens:
Older incandescent bulbs eventually burn out, and connectors can loosen or corrode. Newer machines with LED lighting can also develop loose connections or minor board issues.

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🎯 3. Ball Trough and Ball Eject Problems

Signs to Watch For:

• Ball not launching properly
• Game not recognizing that a ball is in the shooter lane
• Multiple balls being released incorrectly

Why It Happens:
Optical sensors or mechanical switches inside the trough can fail or get dirty. Regular cleaning helps, but sometimes replacement parts are needed.

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🎯 4. Sound or Speaker Issues

Signs to Watch For:

• No sound at all during gameplay
• Distorted or scratchy audio
• Certain sound effects missing

Why It Happens:
Speakers can wear out or disconnect, and in some cases, sound boards can develop faults. A machine without sound just doesn’t feel the same—good thing most sound issues are fixable!

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🎯 5. Random Game Resets

Signs to Watch For:

• Machine resets during gameplay
• Random restarts when the flippers are pressed hard
• Power interruptions

Why It Happens:
This is often a power supply issue or a loose connection. It can also be caused by voltage drops when certain high-powered parts activate (like flippers or pop bumpers). It’s a good idea to get this looked at quickly to prevent board damage.

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🛠️ Regular Maintenance Matters

Many of these issues can be prevented, or at least minimized, with regular maintenance like cleaning, checking connections, and replacing worn parts early.

If you ever notice something “just feels off” during gameplay, trust your instincts. Small problems often give early warning signs before they turn into bigger repairs.

At Ocala Pinball, we love helping keep the game alive, and we’re always happy to answer questions if you’re not sure what’s going on with your machine!

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🔥 Let’s Get You Flipping Again!

If your machine isn’t playing like it should, don’t sweat it, Ocala Pinball has your back!
From quick fixes to fine-tuning, we’ll get your game back to fast flips and high scores in no time.

Call or text us today and let’s keep the fun rolling!