7 Steps to Solve Pachislo Slot Machine Hopper Problems

Easy Fixes for Pachislo Hopper Bugs

Most hopper problems are easy to fix. Hopper error codes are general and do not provide specific details about the problem itself. First you need to find the problem.

Step 1: Remove Hopper

There are types of hopper connections: one that has a cable running from the hopper to the power source, and the other where the hopper automatically connects when fully inserted into the back of the machine.

If your hopper has a cable running from the hopper to the power supply, that cable can be removed from the power supply or, depending on the hopper, from a connector on the hopper itself.

Pull the hopper towards you – it is supported by a track and can be tight, just move it slightly from left to right while pulling. Some have a white clip on the bottom front that you’ll need to push down on while pulling the hopper toward you. Others may have a piece of plastic in front of the hopper of the machine. Simply lift the hopper up over the plastic while pulling it towards you.

If your hopper is connected by a cable, remove the cable from the hopper itself or from the power supply.

Step 2: Remove the top of the hopper

Hoppers have two sections that are bolted or clamped together. The top section is the plastic that the coins fall into. The bottom section is the wheel, plug/connector, and sensor. The top of the hopper can be removed.

If your hopper has screws, simply remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver. There should be four screws: two located on the inside of the hopper and two on the outside of the coin area. When you remove the two screws, the top part will come off and hold the entire bottom area with the exposed wheel.

There are also hoppers that have clips that hold the top to the bottom. These clips are usually yellow. The most common has two yellow clips on the front corners. Pull the clips towards you.

Step 3 – Look for Stuck Coins

Look in the area where the coins come out of the hopper and in the holes in the wheel itself for stuck coins. You will see them immediately now that you can see the entire area of ​​the wheel. Remove the obstruction and manually test the wheel.

Step 4 – Lubricate the Wheel

You should be able to turn the chute wheel clockwise with little resistance. If you don’t have coins stuck in the machine, try spinning the wheel. If it seems tight, it has rust, etc. check again for obstructions. Clean the wheel, the area around it, etc. You may need to give it a quick spray of silicone; don’t use WD40 and don’t use a lot of spray. A quick spray will do it. Move the wheel around for a few minutes to let the lubricant do its job.

Step 5: Clean the sensor

If the wheel moves freely and you see no obstructions, look at the area where the coins are paid out from the hopper. Flip the hopper over and you will find a spring loaded arm. When tokens are paid out, that arm swings across a sensor, breaking the light and sending a signal to the machine that a token has been paid out. Clean the sensor of all dust and dirt with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol.

Step 6: Lubricate Sensor Arm and Spring

The spring loaded arm that breaks the sensor sometimes seizes due to dirt or rust. Spray some silicone spray on the arm and springs. Manually move the arm for a few minutes to apply the lubricant to the arm and spring. You will feel it go slack and the spring begins to pull your arm back as you pull it forward. When it moves freely and the spring snaps it back into place without hesitation, you’re done.

Step 7: Manually test the hopper

Put some coins in the wheel and spin it clockwise. You will see the chips fall into the holes in the wheel and move towards the pay ramp. If everything is clean and lubricated, you will see the chips go into the pay hopper one at a time and shoot out of the hopper.

If the wheel does not move easily, clean it again and check for obstructions.

If coins go into the pay hopper but fall out and WILL NOT COME OUT, then clean and lubricate the spring loaded arm, make sure the arm snaps back into place after moving it across the sensor, make sure it is not hitting the sensor but moving THROUGH it and breaking the beam.

Replace the top of the hopper, reinstall the hopper on the machine, restart the machine with the reset key and test it.