If you’re stuck trying to fix the broken elevator in Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic, you’re not alone. This puzzle is one of the trickier parts of the game, requiring a mix of careful listening, precise actions, and a little patience. The elevator is your ticket to the Big Top Showroom, but it won’t budge until you’ve completed every step of the repair process correctly. Here’s a straightforward, spoiler-free guide to getting it up and running again.
The first thing you need to do is pay close attention to Mrs. Helpful, the in-game guide who provides hints throughout the repair process. She’ll tell you exactly what to do, but if you miss something, you might find yourself stuck. Turn on the machine near the elevator and let her walk you through the initial steps. Her first instruction? Find the repair cassette.
Finding the Repair Cassette
Head to the second-floor balcony in the Welcome Lobby—the area opposite the elevator. Look for a red wall box with a number panel. This is where you’ll input the code 0158 to unlock the repair cassette. Once you have it, return to the Repair-Matic machine near the elevator and insert the cassette. This will officially start the repair sequence.
Powering Down and Clearing Obstructions
Before you can lift the elevator, you’ll need to turn off the power using the switch nearby. Safety first, right? Next, inspect the machinery around the elevator. If there’s anything blocking it—like an elephant head—remove it. This step is crucial because any obstructions will prevent the elevator from moving properly.
Using the Hand Crank
Now comes the physical part. Grab the hand crank and start turning it clockwise to lift the elevator. It might take a few rotations, but eventually, the elevator will rise high enough for you to access the area underneath. This is where the real repair work begins.
Engaging the Emergency Brake
Once the elevator is raised, crawl underneath it and locate the emergency brake lever. Pull it to lock the elevator in place. Skipping this step is a big mistake—without the brake engaged, the elevator could shift during repairs, making the next steps impossible.
Fixing the Alignment
Under the elevator, you’ll see a set of slider controls with an orange marker. Your goal is to move this marker into the green zones using the sliders. This part can be a bit finicky, so take your time. The elevator won’t function unless it’s perfectly balanced, so keep adjusting until the marker stays firmly in the green.
Inputting the Elevator Code
With the alignment fixed, it’s time to enter the final code. Near the repair panel, you’ll notice red buttons numbered 1 through 4. Press them in order: 1, 2, 3, 4. This triggers the diagnostic and repair function. If you’ve done everything right up to this point, the elevator should now be ready for use.
Wrapping Up the Repair
Release the emergency brake, close the hatch, and turn the power back on. The elevator should now be fully operational, allowing you to ride it up to the Big Top Showroom. If it doesn’t work, double-check that you didn’t miss any steps—especially the alignment or the brake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Brake: Forgetting to engage the emergency brake before alignment can mess up the entire process.
- Wrong Code Order: Pressing the buttons out of sequence (like 4-3-2-1 instead of 1-2-3-4) won’t trigger the repair.
- Ignoring Obstructions: If something’s blocking the machinery, the elevator won’t lift properly.
- Rushing Alignment: The orange marker must stay in the green zones—close isn’t good enough.
