How to Fix an Antique "Pac-Man" Arcade Game

Preparation

• 1). Remove the control panel and monitor glass from your "Pac-Man" arcade cabinet to gain access to the insides of the game, including the arcade board.
  
  
• 2). Open the coin door, then release the two clamps located beneath the control panel.
  
  
• 3). Disconnect the control panel jack, and remove the control panel. Then remove the monitor display glass.
  
  

Examination and Repair

• 1). Remove the arcade board from the cabinet; use canned air to blow away any dust and inspect the board for any possible issues.
  
  
• 2). Check the harness connector, through which the "Pac-Man" game receives its power and control inputs. Clean the connector with an eraser. Replace the ribbon cable if necessary.
  
  
• 3). Examine any socketed -- rather than soldered -- chips to make sure they are inserted tightly and have not oxidized. If there is oxidation on the chip pins, remove the chip with a small screwdriver and use a machinist scribe to etch off the oxidation. Damaged chip pins can cause all kinds of problems for a "Pac-Man" game, including lines on the screen, faulty graphics and nonmoving characters.
  
  
• 4). Check capacitors for any bulging or leaking that can indicate a problem. Replace accordingly.
  
  
• 5). Flip the board over and inspect the soldering side for any damaged joints; use a soldering iron to repair them as needed.
  
  
• 6). Check the traces for any damage, which could prevent electrical flow between the two end points. Use a soldering iron and wire to repair them as needed. Damaged traces can cause problems like inappropriate repetition of "Pac-Man" graphics.