[TR7_Driver]

I have a straight lane changer, on one of the lanes the flipper can be activated and moves to allow the car to change lane, but when the next car approaches it wont move back, so that car also changes lane. Flipper can be reset by hand. Have taken the back of and all parts look to be connected correctly and no loose wires.

As it moves in one direction I assume its not the sensor, anybody else had this problem or got a solution, don't really want to spend £30 on a new one.

 

[MrFlippant]

Probably a physical obstruction, likely a bit of plastic from the molding process. I had a similar problem and ended up cutting out the bottom of the slot below the tip of the flipper to stop it from dragging and getting stuck to one side. If you can tilt the track to one side and the flipper moves, but the same amount of tilt the other way won't move it back, or even more tilt won't move it back, then it's definitely a physical problem.
If it moves freely just by tilting the track, then it might be a bad solenoid on the one side, or some other electronic issue.

 

[RikoRocket]

PM sent.

 

[Ade]

hi
these xlc are usually ultra reliable.Try pushing the car across the xlc rather than driving it.

First thing i do if one does start to play up is get the vacum out and hoover across the section,9 times out of 10 this usually resolves the problem.

As it moves one way but not the other i would point the finger at one of the pushrods that exits the solenoid and is not engaged into the flipper but you say you have looked inside so all should be ok...

I am sure you will get this going again but if all else fails and you are uk based i have a spare xlc board complete with solenoid packs i could send you for a small fee..Just drop me a pm if you are in need..

 

[TR7_Driver]

Thanks for all the advice and offers of help. Tried the flipper tilt test, which was not really conclusive, removeed the back and gentlly removed the sealing glue on the PCB.

Loose cable found on one of the feeds to the solenoid, dab of solder and a fiddly reassemble (love to know how the Chinese put these items together), tested ok and we are know back in business.

 

[MrFlippant]

Excellent sleuth job and repair!
when I put mine back together, I often use a magnetized screwdriver to get the solenoid pins into position, and tweezers or pliers to put the plastic bit in place. Usually takes more than one try.

Yay! Working lane changer!