When the game encounters an error the top row of clowns will turn red. To determine the error on the game press the "UP" button located in the front center door when the game is in attract mode. See the listing below from the game manual listing the error codes and possible solutions.
Error Codes for Down the Clown
Error 1 Ticket Error (same on both)
Error 2 Compact Flash Error (same on both)
Error 3 Ball Gate Error (new version did not see the close sensors).
Error 4 Top Motor/Switch Error ; Top Row switch not seen.
Error 5 Middle Motor/Switch Error ; Middle Row switch not seen.
Error 6 Bottom Motor/Switch Error ; Bottom Row switch not seen.
Error 7 (new version only) Motor Home error - Check cannon home switch at back of game.
Error 8(new version only) Ball gate open error - did not see open sensor on ball gate.