Midway Off Road Thunder Operation Manual

							Troubleshooting          6-9
Player Control Troubleshooting Table
SYMPTOM CAUSE REQUIRED ACTION
Faulty switches or
lamps1.  Enter Menu System by pressing and holding
TEST MODE switch inside coin door. From
Diagnostic Menu, choose SW ITCH TEST. Run
tests to confirm switch operation.
2.  Check for loose parts or wires caught in switch
contacts.
3.  Check continuity at each switch connection
(Common to Normally Open or Common to
Normally Closed).
4.  Verify that control operates properly by placing it
in working VGM.
5.  Verify that dashboard switch light bulbs are type
specified in parts listing. Other types light, but
may produce too much heat. Eventually excess
heat may cause switches to bind.•  Intermittent or completely
non-functional player
controls
• VGM (video game machine)
starts normally.
Faulty switch wiring 1.  Check for wires caught in door hinges, latches,
or switch contacts.
2.  Verify that harness connectors are attached and
fully seated.
3.  Assure that control switches connect properly to
control input wires.
4.  Check that cabinet wiring is correct for this VGM.
•  Steering pulls to one sideFaulty W heel Driver
BoardFind power amp on W heel Driver Board’s large
heatsink. Test and replace bad part or board.
How to Adjust Belt Tightness 
						

							Troubleshooting          6-10
Player Control Troubleshooting Table, continued
SYMPTOM CAUSE REQUIRED ACTION
Blocked or faulty fanW ith VGM power on, check airflow near each
computer fan. Case cooling fans are intake fans.
Power supply fan is exhaust fan. Assure that
nothing blocks airflow.
Faulty mechanical
partsTurn off VGM power. Open dashboard. Support
steering wheel and remove outer mounting
screws. Remove metal shield (if your VGM has
one) over motor. Inspect for faulty or worn belts,
bearings, couplings, gears, etc.
Faulty W heel Driver
Board1.  Inspect W heel Driver Board under low-light
conditions. LEDs glow if motor driver circuits
receive AC power from transformer. (Voltages or
signals may or may not be normal.)
2.  Examine fuses and cables on W heel Driver
Board. Replace bad fuses. Using digital
voltmeter, verify AC voltage between each fuse
holder and ground. You should measure
approximately 25V. See W iring Diagram.
3.  Using 20 VAC setting on digital voltmeter,
measure DC voltage at motor. Don’t move
steering wheel, drive belt, or motor while making
this measurement. Any reading indicates
unstable supply that may contain ripple or noise.
4.  Verify proper operation of W heel Driver Board by
placing it in working VGM.
•  Sloppy, unpredictable or
ineffective steering
•  Video appears on screen
• VGM (video game machine)
starts normally
Loose or worn drive
belt1.  Turn off VGM power. Open dashboard. Support
steering wheel and remove outer mounting
screws. Remove metal shield (if your VGM has
one) over motor. Inspect for faulty or worn belts,
bearings, couplings, gears, etc.
2.  If drive belt isn’t worn or damaged, check its
tightness.
Improperly set
feedback1. From Diagnostics Menu, choose FORCE
FEEDBACK ADJUSTMENT.
2.  Set feedback to match player requirements.
Maximum force may be too extreme for very
young or inexperienced customers.
Faulty circuit1.  Examine fuses and cables on W heel Driver
Board.
2.  Check cables and wiring between computer,
interface, driver and motor.
3.  Check transformer and its connections.
4.  Replace bad parts.
•  No wheel feedback
•  Steering aims vehicle as
expected
Faulty motor1.  Turn off VGM power. Open dashboard. Support
steering wheel and remove outer mounting
screws.
2.  Remove metal shield (if your VGM has one) over
motor.
3. Unscrew caps.
4.  Inspect motor brushes. Replace worn parts. 
						

							Troubleshooting          6-11
Player Panel Controls
WARNING: 
The W heel Driver Board heatsink, power resistors, and other components
may be very hot. The DC Motor in the steering wheel may also be hot.
Steering Components 
						

							Troubleshooting          6-12
Video Troubleshooting Table
SYMPTOM CAUSE REQUIRED ACTION
Power problemVerify connection of AC Power to video monitor.
Inspect CRT neck in dim light. Glowing filament
near CRT base proves that some monitor
circuits receive power. Still, voltages or signals
may not be normal.
Faulty wiring1.  Turn off VGM power. Verify that video signal and
Remote Adjustment Board connectors seat
properly on Video Monitor Board.
2.  Assure that video cables connect to circuit
boards and computer.
3.  Assure that no wires are caught on chassis or
mounting brackets.
Improper monitor
adjustmentsCheck that BRIGHTNESS (intensity) and
CONTRAST are set above their minimum levels.
•  Monitor appears non-
functional
•  Audio is present
• VGM (video game machine)
controls operate normally
Faulty monitor
circuitry1.  Examine AC line fuse on Video Monitor Board. If
fuse is faulty, replace it with identical fuse.
2.  If fuse is good: Verify that video monitor
operates correctly by placing it in working VGM.
3.  If monitor is bad: Check monitor power supply.
4.  If power supply is good: Check monitor
horizontal output transistor and related circuitry.
WARNING: HIGH VOLTAGE. VGM (video game machine) monitors 
generate and store
potentially lethal high voltages. 
Avoid touching any part of the monitor until power has
been off for some time. A picture tube can maintain a hazardous charge for up to
several days. Only qualified technicians should service monitors. Turn off the power,
unplug the VGM and discharge the CRT before attempting service. Even properly
discharged tubes can revert to a highly charged state, without reapplication of power.
WARNING: 
In normal operation, the monitor doesn’t require isolation from AC line
voltage. During bench servicing, you may need to operate the monitor outside the
cabinet. If you do, isolate the monitor from line voltage with an isolation transformer.
Typical Cutaway Rear View 
						

							Troubleshooting          6-13
Video Troubleshooting Table, continued
SYMPTOM CAUSE REQUIRED ACTION
Floppy disk in driveCheck floppy drive for diskette. If you find disk,
eject it. Leave VGM power on. Turn off
computer. W ait for hard disk to stop spinning.
Turn on computer.
Faulty wiringLoosen computer case lid thumbscrews and lift
off cover. Assure that hard drive ribbon cable
connector is fully seated into mating connector
on motherboard. Check hard drive power cable.
Improper components1.  Verify that hard disk drive is correct for this
VGM. Label on drive records manufacturer
name, assembly number and program version.
2.  Verify that circuit boards are correct for this
VGM. Label on each board records
manufacturer name, assembly number and
hardware version.
• VGM (video game machine)
doesn’t appear
• No audio
•  Power-up self-test runs
Hard drive problems1.  Turn computer on. Immediately look under hard
drive. Hard Drive Activity LED flashes if drive is
operating properly.
2.  Allow VGM to load normally. Note and record
any error messages that occur during self-test.
3.  Remove hard drive and install it in working VGM.
If symptom recurs there, hard drive is faulty.
Replace it.
•  Blotches of color appear on
screenPicture tube aperture
mask is magnetizedRemove diskettes from room. Demagnetize
monitor with external degaussing coil. Take care
not to magnetize neighboring VGMs. Monitor
may be on or off for this procedure.
•  W hite areas in center of
screen appear tinged with
color
•  Object edges have fringe of
one or more colorsPicture tube purity or
static convergence is
out of alignment1.  Turn on VGM.
2.  Press and hold TEST MODE to enter Menu
System. At Operator (Main) Menu, select
Diagnostic Menu. Then select Monitor Patterns
Menu. Run through Crosshatch, Red, Green and
Blue screens to find clearest display of problem.
3.  Display screen with greatest problem.
4.  Display Crosshatch Screen. Locate purity and
static convergence ring magnets on back of
monitor neck. W atch screen in mirror. Adjust
magnets to minimize problem. Follow
instructions from monitor manufacturer.
5. Display Crosshatch Screen. Touch up
adjustments while watching screen in mirror.
CAUTION: 
Don’t operate the monitor without its Remote Adjustment Board.
WARNING: HANDLE FLUORESCENT TUBE AND CRT WITH CARE. 
If you drop a
fluorescent tube or CRT and it breaks, it will implode! Shattered glass can fly eight feet
or more from the implosion. 
						

							Troubleshooting          6-14
Video Troubleshooting Table, continued
SYMPTOM CAUSE REQUIRED ACTION
•  W hite areas at screen edges
appear tinged with color
•  Dots at screen edges
appear ovoid or cylindricalPicture tube dynamic
convergence is out of
alignmentHave service bureau dynamically reconverge
monitor. This procedure requires removing and
repositioning yoke. Service bureau must follow
instructions from monitor manufacturer.
Faulty wiring1. Check connectors and cables for wiring
continuity. Video cables connect computer to
circuit boards, and then to video monitor.
2.  Assure connection of all cabinet ground wires,
especially at video monitor chassis.
Faulty monitor
circuitry1.  Verify that video monitor operates correctly by
connecting it to working VGM.
2.  Assure that video monitor is correct type for this
VGM. Video monitors with wrong resolution can’t
lock sync.
Improper sync signals1.  Check to see if Video Board puts out type of
sync that your monitor requires.
2.  Verify that jumpers are set correctly for monitor.
3.  If necessary, add or remove video sync jumper
at MagicBus Board jumper block JP4. W ith no
pins connected (or pins 2 and 3 connected),
board outputs positive sync. W ith pins 1 and 2
connected, board outputs negative sync.
•  Video tears or rolls, or has
black bar down middle of
screen
Electromagnetic
fieldsMove cabinet far away from machines,
appliances, or VGMs (video game machines).
Faulty wiringCheck connectors and cables for wiring
continuity from circuit boards to video monitor.• Missing colors
Faulty monitor color
drive circuitryVerify that video monitor operates correctly by
connecting it to working VGM.
•  One color is dimmer or
brighter than others
•  W hites appear tinted
everywhere on screenMaladjusted color
bias pots1.  Turn on VGM.
2.  Enter Monitor Patterns Menu.
3.  W atch Color Bars screen in mirror.
4.  Adjust three bias pots for best colors. (Most
monitor neck boards include these pots.)
5.  Also check W hite Screen. Touch up controls.
6.  If whites still seem tinted, have service bureau
rejuvenate picture tube.
•  Picture is dim or fadedMaladjusted
BRIGHTNESS pot or
subnormal picture
tube emission1.  W atch Color Bars screen. Adjust BRIGHTNESS
and CONTRAST pots for greatest number of
grays. You’ll find these pots on Monitor Remote
Control Board, behind coin door.
2.  If pots have no effect, have service bureau
rejuvenate picture tube.
•  Picture is too narrowMaladjusted W IDTH
potEnter Monitor Patterns Menu. W atch Crosshatch
Screen while adjusting W IDTH pot for best
picture. You’ll find this pot on Monitor Remote
Control Board, behind coin door. 
						

							Troubleshooting          6-15
Video Troubleshooting Table, continued
SYMPTOM CAUSE REQUIRED ACTION
•  Picture is too shortMaladjusted HEIGHT
pot or damaged
vertical circuit1.  Enter Monitor Patterns Menu. W atch Crosshatch
Screen while adjusting HEIGHT pot for best
picture. You’ll find this pot on Monitor Remote
Control Board, behind coin door.
2.  If pot has no effect, service vertical output circuit.
•  Picture seems shifted to one
sideMaladjusted
HORIZONTAL
POSITION potEnter Monitor Patterns Menu. W atch Crosshatch
Screen while adjusting HORIZONTAL POSITION
pot for best picture. You’ll find this pot on Monitor
Remote Control Board, behind coin door.
• Keystone-shaped pictureShorted turns in yoke1.  Substitute working yoke.
2.  Have service bureau converge monitor.
3. Retest monitor.
Software Update Troubleshooting Table
SYMPTOM CAUSE REQUIRED ACTION
You skipped steps or
performed them out
of sequence.Return update components to kit, reinstall
original parts in cabinet, and try process again.
You connected linked
VGMs (video game
machines) to cabinet
being updated.1.  Network communication circuits may have
prevented full update. Turn off power to all
connected cabinets.
2.  Perform update on one cabinet at time. If power
is off, you need not disconnect linking cables.
• Update didn’t work
•  After update procedure,
screen reports lower than
latest version
Installation error may
have damaged
device.1.  Inspect for bent or broken pins.
2.  If you have another kit, try it.
3.  Ask your distributor to check your floppy disk.
NOTICE: 
Someday, software updates for your VGM (video game machine) might
become available. These upgrades may improve your VGM’s performance or add new
VGM features. Such upgrades tend to appear sometime after factory first releases
VGM. Contact your distributor for information about updates. 
						

							Troubleshooting          6-16
Miscellaneous Problem Troubleshooting Table
SYMPTOM CAUSE REQUIRED ACTION
Faulty fluorescent
tube1.  Remove fluorescent tube from its sockets. If you
find cracks or darkened ends, install new lamp.
Clean tube.
2.  Check continuity of both fluorescent tube
filaments.
3.  Verify that fluorescent tube operates by placing it
in working VGM.
Faulty lamp fixture Verify that lamp pins make good connection with
socket contacts.
•  Marquee lamp is intermittent
or non-functional
• VGM (video game machine)
starts and plays normally
Faulty wiring Measure fluorescent lamp AC voltages. Check
wiring and connector continuity from AC power
chassis to lamp assembly.
Obstructed fan1.  Check bottom and rear of cabinet for blocked
airflow.
2.  Move VGM away from sources of heat.
3.  Turn off VGM power. Remove dust from vent
holes with high-power vacuum cleaner.
Faulty wiring Check fan wiring and connectors.
•  VGM operates normally
•  Cabinet becomes warm after
several hours of use
Faulty fan Check operation of all fans.
•  Error messages appear on
screenFaulty hardware1.  Check any assembly (RAM, ROM, Battery, etc.)
identified in error messages.
2.  Call your authorized distributor for help with
unresolved screen messages.
Fan Location and Mounting 
						

							WARNINGS & NOTICES
WARNING
•  Use of non-Midway parts or circuit modifications may cause serious injury or equipment damage!
•  Use only Midway authorized components and parts. Failure to do so will void your warranty and may result in
incorrect or unsafe operation. Substitute parts or modifications may void the EMC directive or FCC type
acceptance.
•  Federal copyright, trademark and patent laws protect this game. Unauthorized modifications may be illegal
under Federal law. The modification ban also applies to Midway game logos, designs, publications and
assemblies. Moreover, facsimiles of Midway equipment (or any feature thereof) may be illegal under federal law,
regardless of whether or not such facsimiles are manufactured with Midway Games Inc. components.
WARNING
Prevent shock hazard and assure proper game operation. Plug this game into a properly grounded outlet. Don’t use
a cheater plug to defeat the power cords grounding pin. Don’t cut off the ground pin.
WARNING
A small portion of the population has a condition which may cause epileptic seizures or momentary loss of
consciousness when viewing certain kinds of flashing lights or patterns that are present in our daily environment.
These persons experience seizures while watching some television pictures or playing certain video games. People
who have not had seizures may nonetheless have an undetected epileptic condition.
If anyone in your family has experienced symptoms linked to an epileptic condition (e.g., seizures or loss of
awareness), consult your physician before using video games.
Parents should observe their children while they play video games. If you or your child experience the following
symptoms: dizziness, altered vision, eye or muscle twitching, involuntary movements, loss of awareness,
disorientation, or convulsions, discontinue use immediately and consult your physician.
NOTICE
This video game machine was tested. It complies with limits for a Class A digital device, under FCC Rules, Part 15.
These limits provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment operates in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed
and used according to the instruction manual, this equipment may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference. If
interference occurs, the user must correct it at his own expense.
NOTICE
W hen Midway Games Inc. ships a game, it complies with FCC regulations. Your FCC label is proof of compliance.
Legal repercussions to the owner or distributor may result if the label is missing or damaged. If your game does not
contain an FCC compliance label, call Midway Games Inc. immediately.
NOTICE
You may not reproduce any part of this publication by mechanical, photographic, or electronic means. You may not
prepare phonograph recordings of this document. You may not transmit this publication or otherwise copy it for
public or private use, without permission from the publisher.
COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARK NOTICE
Entire contents of this manual copyright ©1999 Midway Games Inc. All rights reserved. Midway® and Offroad
Thunder™ are trademarks of Midway Games Inc.
FOR SERVICE
Call your authorized Midway Games distributor.
MIDWAY GAMES INC.
3401 N. CALIFORNIA AVE.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60618-5899
USA