How to open a Stern Spike2 pinball machine

In my Pinball 101 pages, I describe in several places how to open the backbox of a pinball machine. When Stern changed their backbox design in 2016, due to the transition from dot matrix displays to LCD screens, they also relocated the backbox lock and altered the way it opens. This page explains how to open the backbox on the newer style Stern pinball machines.

You recognise these types of pinball machines: the lcd screen is mounted in a metal panel, which is slightly angled backwards.

First, you’ll need the key for the backbox. It’s usually hanging on a small hook inside the coin door.

One minor change is that the lock is no longer positioned at the very top of the backglass; instead, it has been moved down into the speaker panel. Insert the key into the lock located in the center of the speaker panel, just above the screen.

Here’s what else has changed compared to older games. Previously, you would first lift the backglass out of the game using the plastic trim at the bottom. Once the backglass was removed, you could then take out the speaker panel. In the new Stern games, the procedure is reversed. The backglass now rests on a metal frame, and you must open the speaker panel first. Only then is the backglass unlocked and removable.

Use both hands for this step. With one hand, hold the backglass in place to ensure it doesn’t slide forward. With your other hand, turn the key a quarter turn and open the speaker panel. It folds down completely flat. Once the panel is open, you can remove the backglass. Grip it using the plastic trim at the bottom and support it with your other hand.

With the backglass removed, you’ll clearly see the metal frame it rests on.

Removing the lockdown bar on a Stern Spike game

Another change in Stern games compared to other manufacturers (like Bally/Williams, Spooky, or JJP) is the lockdown bar locking mechanism. Traditionally, when you open the coin door, there’s a metal latch at the center top that you slide to the side.

On WPC games you slide the yellow handle to the left to unlock the lockdown bar.

Stern redesigned the lockdown bar mechanism around 2010 to make it simpler. The lockdown bar now has two tabs with holes that align with each side of the coin door. On each side, there’s a metal hook. Just unclip these hooks and the lockdown bar is unlocked.

The first few times can be tricky since you can’t see what you’re doing, you’ll need to feel around with your hands to locate the metal hooks. But once you’ve done it a few times and understand how it works, it becomes easy to use.

The new Stern lockdown bar.

At the inside of the coindoor, on each side there's a metal locking mechanism. In the first picture it's locked, in the next it's unlocked.

To remove the bar itself, simply lift it horizontally once you've unlocked it at both sides. With the lockdown bar removed, you can slide the playfield glass straight out to access the playfield.

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