I lived with the first two not working, but the third one is too much. Column jammed, and I cleared it but the cylinder was not in the right starting position. I turned the cylinder manually but still will shows "sold out." Microswitches all are OK. There must be some way to reset these columns but I haven't figured out how to do it. Also can't seem to find a vending machine repair person for help in my area.
What should I check or do?
Thanks.
while the door is open the logic board should try to home any motor that it doesn't see at home. Home position is when the motor switch arm is resting in one of the notches of the timing cam. Your cams could be blue or green and the number of notches showing in the edge of the cam equals how many products deep the column is loaded. You can get a "sold out" message from a bad motor switch, a motor not at home, a jammed column, improperly adjusted rear spacer that doesn't fully depress the sold out paddle or a wiring or board problem.
There isn't any way to "reset" the columns other than with the door switch as I described above.
You don't mention how your first two columns became problematic or what and how the column was jammed this time. There are gate links behind each motor that operate the left hand gate in each column. These links are plastic and wear down to the point of causing jams. This results in a stuck rotor that won't turn even though you don't find an actual jammed product, other than possibly an extra row of product that has slipped past the gate because it jammed and didn't close quickly.
If this sounds like what has happened then the gate links can be easily replaced. If you have three jammed columns then I would recommend replacing all the links as they are probably all worn down now.
If you would like further help or for me to send you the gate links you can send me an email using the button below my screen name.