Lincoln idealarc sp 250 mig.

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I tried to find info in the search but could not find anything, so I'm hoping someone can possibly help. I'm able to get a idealarc sp 250 for free from friend. The catch I went to look at it and someone buttons work and others do not. He said sometimes he's able to weld with it then sometimes he's able to use some of he buttons. The buttons that did work on the lower half, the others that didn't work were voltage and wire speed. I cant find anything from lincoln or nothing from google except panel needs to be replaced. I'm just confused as to why some would work but others don't. Any suggestions, thank you in advanced.
Reply:Well, sounds like it's broke. Call around a LWS and see if their welding machine mechanics can work on that thing and fix it.
Reply:The keypad has likely come to the end of it's useful life. The wire speed and voltage keys are not working most likely because the contacts are worn out(probably get the most use) or there is dirt between the membrane and the keypad board surface. The latter might be indicated if there are cracks in the membrane but some keypads are sealed and not meant to be worked on. There might be a way to codge something up to bypass those switches but is likely going to be difficult and ugly and in the end and maybe not too reliable depending on the build. The simplest repair is probably what you suggested, replace the keypad if it is available. I looked at the manual on the Lincoln site it is listed under SP-250 not under Idealarc and it looks like there is an "auto" selection that may be available on the lower buttons which might let you use it as is but you would not be able to fine tune. Not sure about that so go over to your friend's place and try that out. Hey, it's free at worst you could part it out, at best you only have the cost of the keypad in it(if it is available)---Meltedmetal
Reply:Get the code number and see if you can get a new touch pad. I had an SP-250 and sold just a month or so ago.....great machine but a new Millermatic 252 came home to power my 30A.