Flat Rate Shipping: $9.99+
48 Hour Shipping

Stern Tech School: Performing A Coil Test

How to Perform a Coil Test on SPIKE 2 Stern Pinball Machines


Running a coil test on a SPIKE 2 Stern pinball machine is an essential skill for maintaining your game’s performance and longevity. Whether you’re troubleshooting a malfunction or conducting routine maintenance, knowing how to test the coils can save you time and money while keeping your machine running smoothly.


In this tutorial video, we walk you through the step-by-step process of performing a coil test on SPIKE 2 Stern pinball machines.


Why Is a Coil Test Important?

Coils power many critical components in your pinball machine, such as flippers, pop bumpers, kickouts, and slingshots. If one of these components isn’t functioning correctly, running a coil test is the quickest way to determine if the issue lies with the coil, the wiring, or on the board itself.

Performing this test can help:

  • Diagnose electrical issues.

  • Prevent further damage to your machine.

  • Ensure consistent gameplay.

By understanding how to run a coil test, you’ll feel more confident tackling common pinball issues without needing professional repair every time.


Games that use the SPIKE 2 System:

  1. Avengers: Infinity Quest

  2. Batman '66

  3. Beatles

  4. Black Knight: Sword of Rage

  5. Deadpool

  6. Dungeons & Dragons

  7. Elvira’s House of Horrors

  8. Foo Fighters

  9. Godzilla

  10. Guardians of the Galaxy

  11. Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast

  12. James Bond 007

  13. Jurassic Park

  14. Led Zeppelin

  15. Mandalorian

  16. Rush

  17. Star Wars

  18. Stranger Things

  19. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

  20. Uncanny X-Men

  21. Venom



If your coil is damaged, it may need to be replaced. Consult your manual for the part number and use our website's search feature to find the correct coil.

We carry several Stern branded coils, but also recommend using our premium, long-lasting coils, Pincoils.

You can browse our coil catalog here:

Entire Coil CatalogCommonly Used Stern-Compatible Coils

If you have any questions on coils or need help selecting the correct one for your game, please contact us at sales@marcopinball.com or call 1-803-957-5500.