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General discussion

HP 3820 won't work

Feb 11, 2005 9:06AM PST

I have two HP 3820 printers, one of which has quit working. The yellow and green lights are blinking, but there is no paper jam. I can run paper through with no problem. I have cleaned the cartridge docking area which was pretty messy and have cleaned all accessible metal parts with alcohol. When I lift the lid the cartridges stay on the right side and only brute force will move the cradle, but when I turn the machine on the cartridge cradle moves normally and sits in the proper right side position. I have also reloaded the drivers and have searched with no luck for signs of a broken part. Before I scrap it are there any other things I can try?

Discussion is locked

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ok
Feb 15, 2005 1:39PM PST

ok please get to your control panel in your xp system.. look for System" now. click it and once you have it up select "devices or device manger" now
when it opens look closely at your list .. any yellow marks? indicating descrepencies... ? also i would like for you to check your cables... also if your printer is listed inside your device manger ... remove it.. thats right uninstall it rigtht ther.. now. reboot and make sure printer is on and plugged into your tower there... see if your system re detects the printer.. it should after uninstalling it.. what will this do? well operating systems are kinda wierd.. but try this first good luck

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HP 3820
Feb 21, 2005 7:01AM PST

I have an 3820 as well which performs exactly in the same way as oiptoner's. There appears to be a problem with this printer and the windows98 operating system.

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A good news about the deskjet 3820 printer
Feb 24, 2005 3:18PM PST

Hi,

I am a tech support agent for Hewlett Packard deskjet printers. If you are a resident of U.S., here is a good news to you.

You will get a replacement.

HP has observed this carriage stuck issue with Deskjet 3820 printers and is providing this special offer.

Just login to the HP Deskjet Chat support and discuss the issue. After trying some steps, you will get a replacement for free.

I am providing the link to connect to the HP chat support.

http://www.hp.com/support/ipg/chat

Under Product line, select Deskjet and proceed.

This will help you.

Reply me the result.

Arun.

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HP printers
Feb 26, 2005 9:03PM PST

Yadev says "if you are a resident of U.S., good news"
What about residents outside U.S.?
Also for residents of U.K., I've read a report that HP intend to introduce chipped inkjet cartridges which are zoned, like CDs or DVDs, so you will only be able to buy cartridges for your zone. Yet another example of rip off UK!!! I think my next printer will be an Epson.

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Re: HP Printers
Mar 3, 2005 7:36AM PST

I live in Australia, and I have exactly the same problem with my HP3820...what to do??

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Thank you!!
Mar 26, 2005 3:39PM PST

I had the same problem as described above on my HP 3820. I went through the online Chat help and went through their troubleshooting help. Even though my HP 3820 was out of warranty, they are replacing it with a new HP printer. I'm glad I surfed the net and found this helpful information!

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Got a broken gear, do you?
Mar 26, 2005 9:54PM PST

Yep, got the exact same problem only I went further and tore the printer apart and this is what I found. On the right side underneath the printer cartriges there is an ink cartrige cleaner that incorporates an ink drain area and squeegies that clean off the cartrige. Both of these are on the same shuttle driven by a gear that is broke. When that shuttle doesn't move correctly and align to the ink cartriges it won't allow the ink cartriges to move freely. I'm trying to find that gear online somewhere. Let me know if you find one. Thanks

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homemade solution
Apr 18, 2005 10:36PM PDT

Hi, I repaird two printers HP 3820 and HP 3816 yesterday. It was same problem - broken gear. I fix it with soldering station by solder the plastic pin back to the wheel. It is posible to solder plastic too... you know.. but it is necessary to use low temperatures.. good luck

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simple solution !!
Apr 28, 2005 10:40PM PDT

You can fix a piece of paper clip wire with a solder or simly by heating it with lighter !!

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HP 3820 Printer
Apr 5, 2005 12:34AM PDT

I did a search on the same problem with mine and of course HP is deaf and will not help you. It is a weak part area that moves the carraige and costs more than the printer so throw it away, I just did that myself and will get a new printer but never again an HP!

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Carriage Stall HP3820 Printer
Apr 22, 2005 2:26AM PDT

Interesting read - obviously a common problem. Exactly the same for me too - HP UK have offerred to help but only if I can find my receipt and confirm warranty etc - although they did say that if it was out of warranty they might provide vouchers towards purchase of a new printer - would I buy HP again .... hmmmm ..... maybe.

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repair parts for dj 3820
May 31, 2005 9:36PM PDT
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Whooooa...
May 31, 2005 10:50PM PDT

Brute force.......NO way. It never was intended to be treated that way. You have jumped the drive belt if you're lucky or damaged the cog drive wheel. It just can't get it's "timing" right and goes into alarm mode. It needs a total tear down to check the drive mechanish, etc. to see what is broken(if so) and what if anything else. Unless, you're able to get your hands dirty and capable to access the insides, then consider the printer a loss. I do suggest a slight "oiling" NOT a spray lube of the carriage slide bars. To access the carriage, turn-ON printer when it moves away from parking station, pull AC cord. This will give free rien of the carriage, then slightly oil, you may want to wipe off any old crud/lube then oil. Move carriage back and forth to work it in and wipe down again, re-oil several times to loosen any true build-up. MOve carriage to right w/o real force, close cover and power-ON. Does results vary or is it still hosed?

tada -----Willy Happy

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2nd reply
May 31, 2005 10:57PM PDT

HP offers parts for user repair. Again, if you're capable or know someone, access can be difficult for the unknowing. HP under its "parts surfer" section use its "blow-up diagrams" to locate part needed and order. If unable to order, this vendor may provide help /repair or the part:
http://theprinterworks.com -OR- http://fixyourownprinter.com

Sorry, for the late first answer as others seem to already have given an answer.

good luck -----Willy Happy