Twilight Zone

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1 Game Information

Manufacturer System Year Model Produced
Bally WPC-Fliptronics 1993 50020 15,235


IPDB Link (including software and schematics)

Twilight Zone Playing Tips and Rule Sheet

Twilight Zone Shop Guide

2 Game-Specific Issues

2.1 Upper Left Flipper Doesn't Work During LITZ or Powerball Mania

A game adjustment turns off the upper left flipper during certain game modes. This setting should normally be set to "No". Note that while the manual indicates both flippers will be disabled, only the upper left flipper is disabled.

The game adjustment to disable the upper left flipper under low line voltage conditions.


2.2 Powerball detection

For problems like "Switch 26 error" or the powerball being incorrectly detected, see Twilight Zone Eddy Boards.

2.3 Clock

If you are getting the "Clock is Broken" error message, see Twilight Zone Clock.

2.4 Gumball Machine

The Gumball Machine and Geneva Switch: Balls jammed in gumball machine; switch xx error

2.5 Mini Playfield

Servicing the Twilight Zone Mini Playfield: "Magna-Flip" not working

  • Make sure that the connectors for the mini playfield are connected correctly. Two connectors are identical and can be swapped around. If this happens, you will also likely have to replace the optos at the entrance and exit of the mini playfield since the voltage for the magnets would have blown the opto LEDs.

2.6 Clock and Slot Machine Targets

These targets take fast balls from the flippers. These fast balls lead to airballs, damaging the playfield. The targets also get beaten up and broken. It is a good idea to replace them with reinforced targets from Pinball Resource, or you can make your own reinforced targets with parts from Pinball Life. Also, the aftermarket slot machine scoop from Mantis Amusements has a reinforcing bracket. Finally, you can fabricate a rod that holds the slot machine target in place. Even with the reinforced targets, it is a good idea to have some kind of brace (either the Mantis scoop, or the rod) to ensure the target does not bend. The reinforced target tends to transfer more force to the under playfield wood.

2.7 Mini playfield wiring

The switch wires, opto wires, and light bulb wires on right side of mini playfield can get a lot of ball hits. Keep an eye on them for wear, breaks and shorts. A break can happen inside the wire casing where you can't see the damage. Heat shrink tubing over them can provide a little armour for them.

2.8 Mini playfield connectors

The opto and magnet connectors are the same size. When reconnecting, make sure that you match up the wire colours and not just connector size. If these are mixed up the optos will blow out.

2.9 Replacing Original "Blinker" sockets with Bayonet Sockets

Using a bayonet socket in place of the original black wedge style socket in Twilight Zone.


Twilight Zone originally shipped with wedge style blinker bulbs #545. These bulbs are obsolete and very pricey. Replacing the original wedge style sockets with bayonet sockets allows the use of inexpensive #455 blinker bulbs.

Pull the wires from the IDC connector on the black wedge style sockets. Strip back the insulation where the wires originally pressed into the IDC connector. Staple a bayonet base socket into the location. Solder the original wires to the socket's solder tabs. Insert a #455 blinker and enjoy the cheap light show.

Alternatively, a number of vendors have made #545 LED blinkers available. While they tend to have a slightly "blue" tint, they do make an attractive alternative to modifying your Twilight Zone.

2.10 Pop Garden Posts

Pop Garden Posts Removed and Replaced with "Plugs".


Twilight Zone was originally designed by Pat Lawlor without the two posts (with 1 inch rubbers between them) separating the red and orange capped pop bumpers in the pop garden. The story goes that Pat was frustrated with player complaints about quick drains from that area, walked into Williams one morning, drilled two holes in the pop garden area and installed the posts. And so it was from that point on.

If your game has these posts, you can remove them and "plug" the holes as shown in the picture at left.


3 Misc

Coil Sleeves

03-7066-5 flippers x4

03-7066 Total=10 outhole kicker x1 slingshots x2 bridge diverter x1 right diverter x1 rear diverter x1 a-16647 assembly x1 jet bumpers x3

03-7067-5 Total=3 ball popper x1 eject assembly x1 knocker x1

03-7067 kicker assembly x1

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