Need help, my old Qe60 with the old VE LXi software, blade won't come down

[ACQe60]

So i have an old vinyl express Qe60 with the old VE LXi software. Plotter goes through all the right moves the blade just won't come down to cut. I have not used it in years decided to open it up and use it. Found mouse evidence, which just i could not even believe, my step dad replaced two of the ribbon wires and everything else is working, this blade carriage moves all over like it's cutting and it's not. It's clean and cleaned up from the mouse.. I've wiggled wires, messed with the setings, i don't want to give up on it, my patience is wearing thin. Sign warehouse isn't much help. any help or tips would be much appreciated, thanks

 

[Vassago]

Unfortunately rodents like this tend to "Leak" - they dribble urine everywhere, so corrosion and physical damage will be the issue.. Only real way back is to trace the solonoid wires and test for continuity. Plus make sure everything moves freely. Rust is very likely. Fortunately these sort of potters are VERY basic, so it'll most likely be a open circuit cable or connector, followed by the driver transistor or relay. A simple multimeter will do the job in all cases.