HP Deskjet 520 -- Crunch!
"I just picked up an HP DeskJet 520 printer
that doesn't work. On startup, the print head moves right an inch,
then all the way left, where it slams into the left side of the
carriage and grinds away for about a tenth of a second before stopping."
(From: Tech Guy (patrickmcardle@sprintmail.com).)
You may wish to check the undercarriage (no pun
intended).
The printhead location sensor microswitch may
be on the fritz The printer uses this switch to determine the starting
point of the printhead after which it uses assumed location by how
far the data has sent the head every time the unit gets a reset
code, it checks this switch and if the signal is not detected, it
may slam the head to either rail end or not move at all. If this
is the case you can make sure that the platen is not clogged with
label or paper debris. Gently move the head by hand to the right.
If you shine a bright light into the area where the printhead usually
calls "home" you may be able to see this switch (it may
however be located under a cover triggered by the belt) if the switch
is defective, replace it. If in fact it is jammed by debris, simply
clear it and you may have solved the problem. Beyond this, you may
have a logic problem (bad chip or other component) I make a good
practice of doing a thorough cleaning of all machines that have
left my shop to reduce the possibility of other problems during
my warranty period. (it also makes the customer think that they
have gotten something for their money)
I have replace a switch or a fuse on many machines,
charged my base fee and heard the response upon their pick-up by
customers that, "I can tell right away that you have found
and fixed the problem" without even so much as a demo.
(From: michae98@ix.netcom.com).
There is a clear plastic strip strung between
the both ends of the printhead pathway. This strip of plastic has
microscopic vertical bars which the printhead can read and sense
what position its in the pathway. The strip may be contaminated
with excess ink which may confused the printhead. Take a soft cloth
or Q-tip dampened with water and wipe of the strip (the ink is water
soluble) and the printer should work.
(From: Raymond Carlsen (rrcc@u.washington.edu).)
Closely examine the toothed belt that drives the
printhead. Look for a few missing teeth at one end. I managed to
make one work again by shifting the belt over a bit (past the bad
teeth). If that's it, the belt should of course be replaced.
Back to Inkjet Printers -- Hewlett Packard
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