1. Fluorescent Light Ballast Troubleshooting
2. Slot Machine Fluorescent Light Ballast 12v
3. Lighting Ballasts For Fluorescent Lights
4. Fluorescent Lights Ballast Replacement Chart
5. Replacement Ballast Fluorescent

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Steps in diagnosing and repairing a flickering fluorescent light:

When one or more fluorescent light fixtures are humming or flickering or if the light simply won't turn on, the problem may be something as simple as a bad fluorescent bulb.

But there are other causes of flickering lights: some are also trivially easy to repair while others require more expertise and cost. Here we sort out the causes and cures for flickering fluorescent lights, and we give details for wiring connections when replacing the ballast or transformer for the fluorescent light fixture shown.

This article series explains how to diagnose and repair fluorescent lights in buildings.
Watch out: flickering or dimming lights might indicate a dangerous condition risking a building fire or an electrical shock. If the simple bulb or starter repairs we describe here don't cure the flickering, switch off the bad-acting light fixture, leave it off, and ask for help from a licensed electrician.

We also provide a MASTER INDEX to this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.

Fix Flickering, Buzzing, Humming or 'Dead' Fluorescent Lights

Here we discuss the diagnosis and repair of flickering or humming fluorescent light fixtures. The diagnosis and wiring diagrams shown here are for a 30-W T8-type two-bulb light fixture.

The diagnostic procedures for other fluorescent light fixtures will be the same, though the final wiring details will differ for other models of ballast or transformer.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Separately at FLICKERING LIGHT DIAGNOSIS - home - we give the causes (and cures) of all types of flickering lights.

Watch out: flickering or dimming lights at a building may be more than an inconvenience. While some causes of flickering lights may be normal and harmless, such as flickering in certain types of light bulbs, many others indicate a dangerous condition, risking fire, shock, injury or worse.

The safest approach is to turn off electrical circuits or components that are causing flickering or dimming or acting strangely in any way.

If you cannot safely access your electrical panel to turn off dangerous circuits or components, leave the building and call your local emergency services.

At FLOOD & DISASTER BUILDING DAMAGE REPAIR PROCEDURES we list emergency numbers for various countries from Australia (000) to the U.K. (112). In Canada or the U.S. call 911. In Mexico call 066.

[Click to enlarge any image]

A fluorescent light fixture may be the only electrical device that is flickering, for any of several reasons we will explain below. Other causes of flickering lights are very dangerous.

Below: our photo shows arc flash burning found inside of a fluorescent light fixture that was dis-assembled for inspection and repair.

After changing to a known-good bulb and trying a new starter I figured that the ballast was probably bad. On opening the fixture for further inspection I found signs of overheating at wiring to the ballast, suggesting that replacing the ballast made sense.

A challenge can be to select the proper replacement ballast or transformer and to make sure that it can support the bulbs that will be used in the fixture.

Article Series Contents

• FLUORESCENT LIGHT REPAIRS - you are on this page - continue below

Watch out: Changing a fluorescent lamp or bulb and changing the fluorescent lamp starter (if your lamp uses a starter) are easy tasks within the ability of most homeowners or occupants.

Electrical wiring is a different story: if you are not trained and comfortable with proper electrical wiring and repair work, hire someone who is qualified.

Making a mistake can cause a building fire, shock, injury, or death.

How do Fluorescent Light Fixtures Work to Produce Light?

A fluorescent lamp is a “gaseous discharge” light source.

Fluorescent light is produced by passing an electric arc between tungsten cathodes in a neon tube filled with a very low pressure mercury vapor (about 0.3 atm) and an inert gas such as argon, neon, or krypton.

The electric current or arc excites the low-pressure mercury vapor which generates radiant energy, primarily in the ultraviolet or UV range.

The inert gases (instead of air that contains oxygen) help prevent oxidation or combustion of the mercury inside the tube.

[Click to enlarge any image]

This radiant energy causes the phosphor coating on the inside of the tube to “fluoresce,” converting the ultraviolet light (invisible to the human eye) into visible light.

By changing the composition of the phosphor coating the manufacturer can change the color temperature of the light emitted by the tube.

Start-up Voltage vs. Operating Voltage

Let's look at just how a fluorescent lamp works in more detail.

Fluorescent lamps have two electrical requirements. Start-up voltage and operating voltage.

To start the lamp, a high voltage surge is needed to establish an arc in the mercury vapor between the lamp filaments at each end of the lamp tube.

Those filaments remain hot as long as the tube is lit or 'on'. The flow of electrons between the lamp filaments excites the electrons in atoms of mercury inside the tube, causing them to emit radiant energy in the form of UV (ultraviolet) light.

The high start-up voltage, at 400-600 V, is supplied by an electrical transformer or ballast in the light fixture.

Once the lamp is started, the gas offers a decreasing amount of resistance, which means that current must be regulated to match this drop. Once the lamp is operating, voltage drops to a much lower level, usually around 93V for tubes under 30 Watts, or from 100-175 V for tubes at 30 Watts or more.

How the Starter Fires Up the Fluorescent Lamp

Our sketch above illustrates the basics of how a fluorescent lamp works. [Click to enlarge any image]

Line voltage enters the ballast / transformer where it is converted to high voltage to operate the lamp

When the circuit supplying the lamp is switched ON current passes first through the ballast, then across the filaments at one end of the lamp, following the path of least resistance through the starter switch and on through the filaments at the other end of the lamp.

Current flowing through the starter, itself filled with neon or a similar gas, causes an arc between the two contacts in the starter, essentially closing the circuit across the starter switch to permit a high initial voltage to flow to the lamp filaments causing them to heat up, boiling electrons off of the filament surface, ionizing the gas inside the tube or lamp and causing it to light.

As current continues to flow through the starter, a bimetallic strip in the starter heats, curves to close a metal-to-metal contact, stopping the arc inside the starter (as current now flows through the metal contacts). Stopping the arc inside the starter allows its bimetallic strip to cool, opening the starter circuit.

Because current is now flowing through the ionized gas inside the fluorescent lamp the starter is no longer needed.

Once successfully lit, the fluorescent lamp remains on, operating at a lower voltage, giving off light as the ionized gas excites the phosphorescent coating on the inside of the lamp tube.

When the circuit supplying power to the lamp is switched OFF current ceases to flow through the fluorescent lamp - it is turned off.

- adapted from FLUORESCENT LIGHT STARTER REPLACEMENT and from Sylvania and other sources cited in detail

at FLUORESCENT LAMP INSTRUCTIONS, PARTS, REPLACEMENTS

Fluorescent lamps operate at a very low gas pressure.

Changing the composition of the phosphor powder inside fluorescent tubes changes the spectrum of light produced.

Mercury is present in the lamp in both the phosphor powder and in the vapor.

Fluorescent lamps are more energy efficient than incandescent light bulbs of an equivalent brightness because more of the energy input is converted to usable light and less is converted to heat.

They also have a longer lamp life since there is no filament to burn out. - sources: adapted from IMERC & Sylvania cited in detail

at FLUORESCENT LIGHT FIXTURE BULB / BALLAST DISPOSAL and

at FLUORESCENT LAMP INSTRUCTIONS, PARTS, REPLACEMENTS respectively.

Recommended spot to keep reading: FLICKERING FLUORESCENT LIGHT CAUSES

Flickering Fluorescent Light Fixtures

This topic is discussed in detail at FLICKERING FLUORESCENT LIGHT CAUSES

Diagnose a Bad Fluorescent Light Bulb

At DIAGNOSE a BAD FLUORESCENT LAMP / BULB we list the things to check if the fluorescent light won't turn on or if it flickers or buzzes.

Identify Fluorescent Lamp Types / Bulb Codes

This discussion is now at FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULB CODES & TYPES

Also see BULB & LAMP TYPES GUIDE - topic home, for all types of bulbs or lamps.

Photo Guide to Fluorescent Bulbs by Connector / Base

These photos are now at FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULB PHOTOS

For bulb dimensions see the table at FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULB CODES & TYPES

Replace the Fluorescent Lamp / Bulb in the Fixture

This discussion has moved to REPLACE a FLUORESCENT LAMP / BULB

Replacing a Bad Fluorescent Light Starter

This topic is now found at FLUORESCENT LIGHT STARTER REPLACEMENT

Replacing & Wiring a Fluorescent Light Ballast or Transformer

This information is now at FLUORESCENT LIGHT TRANSFORMER / BALLAST REPLACEMENT

Types of Fluorescent Light Ballast

Please see FLUORESCENT LIGHT TRANSFORMER / BALLAST TYPES

Types of Fluorescent Lamp Sockets

This material got a promotion to its very own page, now found at FLUORESENT BULB SOCKET TYPES

Replace a Bad Fluorescent Bulb Connector or Base

Please see this page: FLUORESCENT LAMP CONNECTOR / SOCKET REPLACEMENT

Fluorescent Light Ballast & Bulb Disposal Regulations

Please go to FLUORESCENT LIGHT FIXTURE BULB / BALLAST DISPOSAL

Fluorescent Lamp, Bulb, Socket, Starter & Ballast / Transformer Sources, Instructions

• General Electric, LED T8 UNIVERSAL TUBES INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS [PDF] for LEDs used to replace traditional T8 Fluorescent lamps in luminaries.
• Maine DEP, WHAT IF I ACCIDENTALLY BREAK A CFL, FLUORESCENT BULB ... IN MY HOME [PDF] Main Department of Environmental Protection, retrieved 2018/09/17, original source: https://www.maine.gov/dep/homeowner/cflbreakcleanup.html

[Click to enlarge any image]

• NLPIP, 'What is the Light Output of T8 Fluorescent Lamps' (2006), [web article], National Lighting Product Information Program (NLPIP), Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180 USA Vol. 9 No. 1, June 2006, retrieved 2018/09/17, original source: https://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/NLPIP/lightingAnswers/t8/02-t8-light-output.asp
• NLPIP, T8 FLUORESCENT LAMPS [PDF] (1993), National Lighting Product Information Program (NLPIP), Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180 USA Vol. 1 No. 1, June 2006, retrieved 2018/09/17, original source: https://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/NLPIP/lightinganswers/pdf/view/LAT8.pdf
  Excerpt:
  In 1981, the 32-watt T8 lamp was introduced in the United States, providing further improvements in the efficacy of 4-foot fluorescent lamps.
• Osram Sylvania, FLUORESCENT LIGHT BALLAST TECHNOLOGY [PDF], retrieved 2018/09/17, original source: https://www.sylvania.com/en-us/innovation/education/light-and-color/Pages/ballasts-technology.aspx
• Osram Sylvania, FLUORESCENT TECHNOLOGY, www.sylvania.com/LearnLighting/LightAndColor/FluorescentTechnology [obsolete link]
• Osram Sylvania Lighting, Website: http://www.sylvania.com, LEDVANCE North American Headquarters 200 Ballardvale Street, Wilmington, MA 01887 USA,
  Help for U.S. Consumers: Tel: 800-lightbulb (544-4828) Email: lightbulb@ledvance.com
  LEDVANCE Canadian Lighting Headquarters, 5450 Explorer Drive, Suite 100 Mississuaga, Ontario L4W 5N1 Canada Phone: 905-361-9333
  Help for Canadian Consumers: Tel: 800-720-2852 Email: lightbulb@ledvance.com
• Phillips, 10275 W. Higgins Rd., Rosemont IL 60018 USA, Customer Support Tel: 800-372-3331 Website: www.phillips.com/Advance
  Phillips website also offers transformer cross-reference tables to help find the proper replacement unit for your fluorescent light fixture.
• Universal Lighting Technologies, BALLAST NAVIGATOR CATALOG [PDF] provides a guide to selecting ballasts for all types of fluorescent light fixtures, Universal Lighting Technologies, TEl: 1-800-BALLAST, Website: https://unvlt.com/literature/ballast-navigator/ produces electronic ballasts for fluorescent light fixtures. Universal produces the Triad® brand of lamp ballasts.
• U.S. DOE, LED REPLACEMENTS for FOUR-FOOT LINEAR FLUORESCENT LAMPS [PDF], (2011) U.S. Department of Energy, EERE Information Center, website: www.eere.energy.gov, retrieved 2018/09/17. original source http://cool.conservation-us.org/byorg/us-doe/led-t8-fluorescent-replacement.pdf
  Excerpt:
  Summary: LED replacement products have improved in light output and efficacy but do not appear to provide equivalent light output, color quality, distribution, or cost-effectiveness, compared to four-foot linear fluorescent lamps. DOE will continue to monitor and report on developments in this product category.
• U.S. DOE, Performance of T12 and T8 Fluorescent Lamps and Troffers and LED Linear Replacement Lamps [PDF] (2009), retrived 2018/09/17 original source: https://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/PNNL-18076.pdf
  Conclusions excerpt: CALiPER testing of currently available LED replacements for 4-ft T12 and T8 fluorescent lamps indicates a significant performance gap between the two technologies.
  Light-emitting diode linear replacement lamps are marketed as one-for-one drop-in retrofits for general fluorescent applications; however, their comparatively low light output could result in unacceptably low illumination levels in retrofit applications.
  To maintain existing light levels, it would be necessary to install additional LED replacement lamps, thereby diminishing potential energy savings and requiring additional fixtures or fixture modifications.
• US EPA WHAT to DO if a COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT (CFL) BULB or FLUORESCENT TUBE LIGHT BREAKS in YOUR HOME [PDF] U.S. EPA, retrieved 2018/09/17, original source: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/cflcleanup20120329.pdf
• Vitanza, A., R. Scollo, & A. Hayes, , ELECTRONIC FLUORESCENT LAMP BALLAST [PDF] (1999) ST Microelectonics, Singapore Design Centre And Headquarter Asia/Pacific, Business Headquarters 5A, Serangoon North Avenue 5 Singapore ,554574, Singapore
  Tel: +65 6216 5000
  Tel USA: (844) STMICRO Tel: outside US: 1 (512) 434-1253 Website: www.st.com, offices world wide, retrieved 2018/09/18, original source: http://www.labkit.ru/userfiles/file/documentation/Power_supply_doc/Electronic_Fluorescent_Lamp_Ballast_(eng).pdf

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• FLUORESCENT LIGHTING GUIDE INDOORS for Indoors and Guide to Using Compact Fluorescent Lights

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Technical Reviewers & References

• Sun, J., D. Czarkowski, and Z. Zabar. 'Voltage flicker mitigation using PWM-based distribution STATCOM.' In Power Engineering Society Summer Meeting, 2002 IEEE, vol. 1, pp. 616-621. IEEE, 2002.
• ...

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• Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. The firm provides professional HOME INSPECTION SERVICES and also extensive HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION and home inspection-related PUBLICATIONS. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
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If you have a slot machine or you have bought one old used vintage slot machine and want to have some fixes to get it work then obviously you will think you need a machine technician. Many of you will even think of taking it to some repair station to get things done. But here in the guide you will find some of the repairs that you yourself can do with your slot machine and you need not need to join machine technical repair training school.

Like any other machines Slot machines too are a blend of electronic and mechanical components, that wear with age and require routine repairs. Before you begin to repair yourself do note that every slot machine that you have purchased whether old or new comes with installation and user guide manual. You need to read that many a times until you are familiar with each components and parts of the slot machine and understand thoroughly as how the slot machine works.

In your guide to repair slot machines you will find some common repairs that can be carried out by you, some videos to watch as well. If your slot machine has some complex issue then obviously you require a qualified technician.

Changing the Top Florescent Light

The top florescent light bulb is easily changed by following these simple procedures. The replacement bulb is an F15T8/CW 18″ 15 Watt bulb which is available at most hardware and department stores or may be purchased online at Ebay or Amazon or realslotmachinesforsale under the category ‘parts of slot machine’.

• Open the main slot machine door and ensure the door is fully open. Turn off the power to the slot machine. The power switch can be found with the main door open about midway down on the right side just inside the machine.
• If the machine is equipped with a top ticket printer, you must pull the bottom of the printer out far enough to see where the ticket paper is located, and note the area large enough to place a couple of your left fingers under.

• Remove the top metal trim strip which is a cover plate to the right of the ticket printer and/or is located along the bottom of the top glass. There are a couple of clips on the back of the metal trim strip that fit into notches on metal bracket which holds the top glass. The metal trim strip should be lifted upwards and outwards to remove.
• Once the metal trim strip is removed, the next step is to remove the top glass. Note that some top metal trim strips have a slot in the top that holds the top glass and they must be removed very carefully as to not damage or drop the top glass.

• You can now see the top glass is held in place by usually two or three clips that rise above the metal bracket behind the top metal trim strip. Now slowly lift up on the top glass from both bottom edges until the top glass until it is high enough to gently pull it forward and allowing it to slide down and away from the top track and clips holding it in place.
• Once the top glass has been removed, put it somewhere where it will not get knocked over or broken. You will see the florescent bulb in the middle of the top box area of the machine. Care should be taken removing the bulb as it may be very hot. Remove the old bulb by twisting the florescent tube about a quarter to half turn allowing the two prongs on the bulb to slide out of the fixture on both sides of the bulb.

• Remove and discard the old bulb. To install the new bulb, align the two prongs on each side of the florescent tube with the slits on each fixture in the top box of the slot machine. Twist the bulb into place normally using about a quarter to half of a turn. If the bulb is not secure or aligned, repeat the procedure.
• If your slot machine is an IGT S Plus machine, it is equipped with a florescent bulb starter. Then you can replace the starter when replacing the florescent light bulb. The starter is an FS-U Universal Starter. They are available at most hardware and department stores or may be ordered online too. The starter for the top florescent bulb on an IGT S Plus machine is located directly behind the florescent bulb fixture on the left side of the slot machine in the top box area.
• It is replaced by twisting about a quarter to half a turn as it is held in place with a bayonet type mount. Remove the old starter and discard. Replace with a new FS-U Universal Starter by aligning the two pins on the bottom of the starter with the notches in the starter receptacle, pushing it up into the starter socket, and then twisting it a quarter to half a turn into place.
• Prior to re-installing the top glass, turn the power switch on the right inside of the machine on to verify the bulb works properly. If it does not, turn the power off and check that the bulb is properly installed and secure. If replacing a starter, check that it is also properly installed and secure.
• After verifying the bulb is working, it is now time to replace the top glass. If your slot machine has a top ticket printer, ensure the ticket printer is still pulled out so you can place your fingers in the opening while replacing the top glass.
• Carefully and slowly lift up the top glass placing each hand under the bottom of the top glass. Slide it into the upper edge track on the top box of the slot machine carefully lifting it so it slides into the tracks while being able to push the top glass back far enough to clear the two or three raised clips on the metal bracket where the top glass holding track is located.
• Gently and slowly lower the top glass behind the clips so as to allow them to hold the glass in place. If properly secured, the top glass will not be able to slide down or out of its position. Keep a secure hold on the top glass until you are certain it is secured in the proper position.
• Replace the top metal trim strip by aligning the two or three hooks the back through the metal bracket that supports and holds the top glass. Once the hooks on the back are in place, gently push the top metal trim strip down and it should snap into place. If you have a slot machine with a top ticket printer, close it tight into position. Close the main slot machine door and you are ready to play.

Changing the Belly Glass Florescent Light

The belly glass florescent light bulb is easily changed by following these simple procedures. The replacement bulb is an F15T8/CW 18″ 15 Watt bulb which is available at most hardware and department stores or may be bought online as spare parts of slot machine.

• Open the main slot machine door. Turn off the power to the slot machine. The power switch can be found with the main door open about midway down on the right side just inside the machine.
• Facing the slot machine door, look on the right side of the door just around from bill acceptor area. You will see a knob sticking out that is approximately the size of the end of a regular pencil. This knob when pulled out releases the slot machine belly glass assembly (belly door) to fold down so the bulb can be accessed.

• There are a couple of very important thing to remember prior to pulling this knob to release the belly door. First try pulling gently on the knob. If it does not allow you to pull out and you have a lock installed directly above it, the lock must unlocked in order to allow the release knob to pull out. When pulling out the release knob, be ready for the belly door to fold down.
• Most of the time you must lightly pull on both sides of the belly door to get it to fold down, however always place your hand under it so it does not fall down too quickly causing the belly glass to break or crack.
• Once the belly door is in the down position, you will see the access to the florescent bulb bracket that is held in place by a small Phillips screw. Remove the screw and place it the coin tray so it will be handy when you need it after replacing the bulb.

• The long metal bracket that holds the florescent bulb must be slid slightly right or left so as to be able to lift it out of the belly door. Gently lift the metal bracket with florescent bulb out of the assembly far to be able to turn it over to replace the bulb. Be cautious as the bulb could still be hot!
• Grasp the metal bracket holding the florescent bulb and remove the old bulb by twisting the florescent tube about a quarter to half turn allowing the two prongs on the bulb to slide out of the fixture on both sides of the bulb.

• Remove and discard the old bulb.To install the new bulb, align the two prongs on each side of the florescent tube with the slits on each fixture that is on each side of the new bulb. Twist the bulb into place normally using about a quarter to half of a turn. If the bulb is not secure or aligned, repeat the procedure.
• Now turn the metal bracket that holds the newly installed bulb over and back into position in the belly glass assembly. Slid the bracket slightly right or left into position and replace the small screw which holds the metal bracket in place.
• If your slot machine is an IGT S Plus machine, it is equipped with a florescent bulb starter. So you need to replace the starter a well when replacing the florescent light bulb. The starter is an FS-U Universal Starter. They are available online and you can purchase one.
• The starter for the belly glass florescent bulb is located on the back of the main slot machine door on the lower right hand corner as you face the back of the door.

• It is replaced by twisting about a quarter to half a turn as it is held in place with a bayonet type mount. Remove the old starter and discard. Replace with a new FS-U Universal Starter by aligned the two notches on the bottom of the starter, pushing it into the starter socket, and then twisting it a quarter to half a turn into place.
• Prior to closing the belly glass door, turn the power switch on the right inside of the machine on to verify the bulb works properly. If it does not, turn the power off and check that the bulb is properly installed and secure. Also check to ensure the starter is properly installed and secured.
• Lift the belly glass assembly up and push it into place in the slot machine door. Ensure the belly glass door snaps into place and the knob on the side of the door is in its normal position. It is spring loaded so as to not allow the belly glass assembly to open unless it pulled. If the belly door appears to be in place, pull on both sides of the belly door to make sure it is locked and secure.
• If you unlocked the lock above the knob, re-lock it. Close the main slot machine door and you are ready to use your slot machine.

Changing the Push Button Bulbs

All of the slot machine’s push button lights such Play Max Credits, Spin Reels, Bet One Credit, etc. are easily replaced by following this simple procedure. The replacement bulbs are #161 on IGT S2000 machines and #555 on IGT S+ machines and may be purchased from online stores.

• Fully open the slot machine door. Look on the backside of the door. Each push button will extend down from the shelf on the door and will have a small wire bundle going to it. Identify which push button bulb needs to be replaced.
• Carefully pull down on the bottom of the push button area that is normally white and is where you will see wiring connected. Using your thumb and two fingers, pull straight down and the bottom portion of the push button should snap out.

• You will now be able to see the bulb in the top area of the lower push button assembly. Use caution as the bulb may be very hot. Pull the wedge bulb out and discard it. Notice the slot in which the bulb located.
• Place a new bulb in the slot noting the direction of slot ensuring the new wedge bulb is inserted so as to line up in the slot. Push the new bulb into place.

• Replace the bottom of the push button assembly by inserting it into the top portion of the push button assembly. The bottom portion will snap into position. Ensure that none of the wire connections have been accidentally knocked loose on the bottom of the push button. Note the push button light will not illuminate until the slot machine door is closed. Close the main slot machine door and you are ready to play.

Changing the Small Panel Lights

The small panel lights that illuminate the denomination amount and other areas behind the glass are easily changed. For denomination amount lights on the IGT S2000, a #73 bulb is needed and a #86 bulb is needed on the IGT S+ slot machines. They may be bought online from slot machine selling sites.

Here it is described as how to change the lights behind denomination amounts such as .25 Cents. Other small panel light bulbs are changed in the same manner.

• Fully open the slot machine door. Look on the backside of the door. Note the location where the denomination amount would be located near the center just below the slot machine’s center glass. The area will appear to be flat with a small bulb holder projecting out that is slightly larger in diameter than a regular pencil and is flat on two or four sides.

• This bulb holder is removed by simply twisting it a quarter to half a turn and then gently pulling it out of its socket. It is held in place by somewhat of a bayonet type mount.
• Once the bulb holder is removed, pull the wedge bulb out of the socket and discard the old bulb. Caution should be taken as the old bulb may be very hot. Replace the bulb by firmly inserting a new bulb into the socket of the bulb holder being careful to align the wedge bulb correctly into the slot.
• Take the bulb holder and look for two notches on each side of the opening where the bulb holder is inserted. Note there are two notches on the bulb holder. Align the notches inserting the bulb holder into the panel.
• Gently twist the bulb holder about a quarter to half a turn to lock it into place. Verify the bulb is illuminating, and if not repeat the procedure using a different new bulb. Now close the main slot machine door and ready to use.

Cleaning Your Slot Machine

This is common thing and all you need is usually nothing more than a damp cloth to clean the exterior cabinet of your slot machine. Never use any abrasive or ammonia based cleaners on the cabinet of the machine.

The slot machine top, center and belly glasses may all be cleaned on the outside by using a window cleaner. However if you own a slot machine with a frosted exterior glass or one that has any exterior decorated markings such as stars, a window cleaner should not be used as the cleaner may damage the exterior images. Care should be taken cleaning interior glass as a cleaner and cloth may damage labels or markings.

The inside of the slot machine should not require cleaning other than occasionally removing dust. This can normally be done with a damp clean cloth, however ensure the power switch has been turned off prior to cleaning.

When wiping dust inside your machine, be careful not to loosen any wires or connections. Do not use a damp cloth on the face of your reel strips as the playing symbols on the reel strips could come off or become torn. Also be very careful not to touch the back side of your reel strips with a damp cloth especially if the back sides of the reel strips are black. This can cause damage to this type reel strip.

When your Slot Machine Doesn’t Power On

When you get a slot machine and wish to locate or set up at your place, determine the household 120V AC outlet you are planning to use has power. Keep in mind some outlets are controlled on and off by a wall switch.

• With the slot machine unplugged from the outlet and surge protector, open the slot machine main door. Remove the coin tray by lifting up and pulling out the tray. Simply pull it out and down to remove the tray.

• The hopper is on the bottom floor of the machine and slides out on two base rails along two metal guides. Slide the hopper out slowly by grasping the handle with your left hand and supporting the hopper with your right hand. Do not use the black hopper bowl to pull the hopper out of the slot machine.
• On the lower right corner of the slot machine you should see the black power cord coming into the machine. The power cord plugs into the Power Distribution Unit which is located on the back wall of the slot machine.
• Verify the power cord is firmly plugged into place into the right side of the Power Distribution Unit.

• Place the hopper back into the slot machine making sure it slides in easily and completely with the base rails on hopper guides on the bottom of the machine. The hopper plugs into a receptacle toward the back of the machine. It is designed to fit in easily without using excessive force.
• The coin tray can be easily put back into place by ensuring the alignment pins on the coin tray match up to the top alignment holes on the bottom side of the machine. The tray should be pushed down into place. Make sure the tray is even when pushed into place. If the coin tray is not aligned and even, remove the coin tray, and repeat the procedure.
• Verify the power cord is firmly plugged into a good surge protector. Plug the end of surge protector into the outlet you have verified is good, and make sure the on/off switch on the surge protector is turned on.
• Now turn the power switch on the inside right of the slot machine to the on position and verify the slot machine is powered on by lights illuminating.

Jackpot Payout Reset

When your slot machine just hit a 25,000 credit Jackpot it now needs to be reset to continue playing. Depending on the model slot machine you have and the amount of the payout will determine the best course of action.

If you have an IGT S+ Slot Machine and your win is under the maximum payout amount specified on the center glass of the machine, the hopper may run out of coins or tokens. This is normally displayed by Error Code 3300. In this case it usually a simple matter of taking the coins or tokens that have been paid out and putting them back in the hopper allowing it to fully pay out. However, if you won a large jackpot that is “hand pay out”, then follow the steps below.

• First open the main slot machine door. Locate the Jackpot Key which is normally kept inside the slot machine in a plastic envelope on the side of the cash box. If you do not find it inside the machine, often times the Jackpot Key will be strapped with the main slot machine door key. It is a small key as pictured below.
• Take the key in hand and locate the jackpot reset which is a keyhole located on the right side of the slot machine. It is normally about two-thirds up from the bottom of the machine.

• Insert the Jackpot Reset Key into the keyhole. Turn the key only one quarter turn to the right. This will reset the machine, and once you close the main slot machine door, you will be ready to resume play.
• Note that if you turn the Jackpot reset key multiple times you may place your slot machine into a test mode and will thus delay your ability to continue playing.

Some of the Error Codes you get on Slot Machine

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Error Code 3300 (IGT S+ Machines)

Simply put Error Code 3300 is normally telling you your hopper is low on or completely out of coins or tokens.

Open the main slot machine door. Look into the hopper. If it is empty or has just a few coins or tokens, place about 500 coins or tokens back into the hopper. Close the main slot machine door. In a few moments you should hear the sound of the hopper’s motor turning and soon the remaining coin payout will begin.

Error Code 3100 (IGT S+ Machines)

Error Code 3100 (Extra Coin Out Tilt) normally signifies either a jammed/stuck coin or token in the coin-out chute on the hopper, or the hopper coin-out sensor has detected the hopper may have paid out an extra coin.

• Open the main slot machine door. Remove the coin tray by lifting up and pulling out the tray. Simply pull it out and down to remove the tray.
• The hopper is on the bottom floor of the machine and slides out on two base rails along two metal guides. Slide the hopper out slowly by grasping the handle with your left hand and supporting the hopper with your right hand. Do not use the black hopper bowl to pull the hopper out of the slot machine.
• Inspect the hopper to determine if any coins/tokens appear to stuck or jammed in the hopper knife or the hopper coin-out channel.
• If a coin appears to be stuck or jammed, empty the hopper of coins/tokens for easier access to clearing the jammed coin/token.
• Once the stuck or jammed coin has been removed, place the hopper back into the slot machine making sure it slides in easily and completely with the base rails on hopper guides on the bottom of the machine. The hopper plugs into a receptacle toward the back of the machine. It is designed to fit in easily without using excessive force
• Refill the hopper with the proper size coins or tokens. The coin tray can be easily put back into place by ensuring the alignment pins on the coin tray match up to the top alignment holes on the bottom side of the machine. The tray should be pushed down into place. Make sure the tray is even when pushed into place. If the coin tray is not aligned and even, remove the coin tray, and repeat the procedure.
• Close the main slot machine door. The error code should be gone and the machine is ready to play.

Error Code 12 (IGT S+ Machines)

The 3.6 volt battery on the slot machine CPU Board normally lasts for years. However when an Error Code 12 is displayed, this is an indication the battery voltage has dropped below 2.9 volts and is now a low battery.

It is recommended to replace the battery as soon as possible. They can be purchased online from ebay, amazon or realslotmachinesforsale. When ordering a replacement battery, they will provide you with detailed instructions on how to change this battery which is located on the slot machine’s CPU Board.

In order to reset Error Code 12 temporarily, simply open and close the main slot machine door. It is important not to wait for a long time to replace the battery as data stored on the RAM may be lost. Replace the battery Asap.

Following are some of the other error codes that might interest you to solve your problem in repairing the slot machine

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Hopper is Full and Coins Go Down a Chute to Bottom of Machine

Slot machines that accept coins were designed this way because when used constantly on the casino floor, hoppers could quickly fill. There is a coin level probe on side of the hopper that looks like a brass screw sticking inward toward the hopper bowl. This probe detects when coins/tokens are at a selected level, and will cause the subsequent coins/tokens played to go down a chute to the bottom of the slot machine.

Provided your slot machine sets on a regular casino slot machine stand with holes in the top and the holes are aligned with the slot machine, those coins which bypassed the hopper will go down the chute, through the hole in the bottom of the machine, through the hole in the top of the stand, and into the open area in the stand cabinet. As casinos have done for years, place a small plastic tub in the slot machine stand cabinet to collect these excess coins.

Retrieving Currency from the Cash Box

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Though not all slot machines are equipped to accept currency in order to comply with certain laws but if your slot machine is equipped with a bill acceptor, bill transport and cash box, the bills in the cash box can easily be retrieved.

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• Open the slot machine main door. The cash box door is located just under the yellow chute for the bill acceptor. Ensure the cash box door is fully open.
• On the right side of the cash box toward the top is a release level. Push release lever down and pull the cash box straight out toward you. If the cash box seems difficult or impossible to pull out, make sure you have pushed the release lever down.

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• Hold the cash box in both hands and turn it upside down. Notice on the bottom of the cash box is a door which has two small finger sized holes on one side. Normally the door is held closed by a small piece of electrical tape so the bottom cash box door doesn’t come open while removing it from the cash box chassis of the slot machine.
• While holding the cash box with the bottom door up toward you, open the door and you will see where the bills are stored. The large spring expands as more and more bills are added to the cash box. Remove the bills by pulling them straight out.
• Close the bottom door of the cash box and re-secure the door using the same small piece of electrical tape. Turn the cash box around to the original position when you removed it from the slot machine.
• Align the flat top of the cash box with the flat surface at the top of the cash box chassis from which you removed it. Slide it firmly into place. Now close the cash box door and the main slot machine door and you are ready to use it for gaming.

All the content, graphics and videos in this post have been gathered by research for you from various online sources and hope this helps you as a guide to repair your slot machines. Note that many guide books and manuals too are there for you to buy from online stores which are handy to know as how to repair your slot machines. Just stay tuned at realslotmachinesforsale and know many more interesting information about slot machines.