IIRC it stores dynamic states in memory - if the sensor arm is up and out or in stylus service mode, if the platter is in release mode, etc. When I first got mine years ago I somehow managed to get it stuck in an odd state that locked it up. I briefly shorted the battery to clear the memory and it returned to normal. It will not operate with a dead or discharged battery.
Thankfully mine is 100% functional, though some day I will go through it all as a preventative measure. That's been on the back burner as creating schematics is thus far part of the task.