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General discussion

Kodak printhead

Mar 22, 2010 7:19PM PDT

Hello

I have a Kodak esp5 and for some reason the ink printhead etc does not move so/and the screen says "Paper Jam" - even there is no paper in the printer.

Any ideas please?

Vin

Discussion is locked

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Re: paper jam
Mar 22, 2010 7:31PM PDT

Maybe a small piece of paper is left behind inside the printer. See if you can locate and remove it.

Current consumer printers are made to last until they fail. You'll find that repair (after the warranty period) generally is more expensive than buying a new one. That's the next step, probably, if the above repair fails.

Kees

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Paper Jam
Mar 23, 2010 12:13AM PDT

No. There is definitely nothing there.

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Kodak site says
Mar 23, 2010 12:26AM PDT
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Paper Jam
Mar 23, 2010 2:36AM PDT

Thanks for reply.
Have done all that and even sent mail to the site.
Still not working and it is out of warranty date

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Read Kees reply again.
Mar 23, 2010 2:48AM PDT

Repair is unlikely out of warranty. This is why I take such printers and just pull the loose parts out like the ink cartridge then get out the shop vac. I give it the once over then I turn it upside down and drop it a few inches then do the shop vac again.

Put the loose parts and cart back in and see if it comes back.
Bob

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Paper Jam
Mar 23, 2010 7:32PM PDT

I do not know what you mean about dropping it a few inches etc.

Will this fix the paper jam?

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You don't know until you tried.
Mar 23, 2010 7:35PM PDT

If official repair is too expensive, all you can do is the try-it-yourself repair. That isn't in the books or manuals. So anything is allowed.

Kees

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What I know
Mar 23, 2010 10:44PM PDT

Is that when faced with a device that repair exceeds replacement ALL and ANY methods are now open to try.

The reason for the small drop is simple. To dislodge or move what may be in some sensor you can't see with your eyes. The shop vac is a key tool here since it's hurricane force can suck reluctant paper bits right out.
Bob

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Look into...
Mar 23, 2010 10:43PM PDT

If you had a previous paper jam and was cleared, be sure no remnant was left. Please inspect the entire "paper pathway" is free of such. This is also to include any sensor that could be unseated or broken if ungentle force was used in clearing the paper jam.

As to the other posters, since a self-repair is now the option. Think of a rigorous shaking be required to loosen any object that could be loosen if not part of the printer. Also, be aware that a good lube job on any rails so the printhead can move "easily" is a must, any resistance is unwelcome to include the "unparking" feature when at rest. If the printhead can't release from being parked is not welcomed. If none of this clears the problem, then a possible broken or damage has occurred, replace. As already noted cost of new easily is the real final fix here.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Paper Jam
Mar 23, 2010 11:13PM PDT

Thanks,

There never has been a problem with any foreign object in the printer and certainly not paper. The paper is not jamming. Ever since the "Paper Jam" appeared on the screen there has been no paper in.

But, I don't know if it is relevant, the printhead does not move easily, if at all and I can't make it move.

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So let's go with can't move the print head.
Mar 24, 2010 1:00AM PDT

What's this telling us? Could the little motor that moves this have died and instead of turning is now an unresponsive solid unmoving hunk of metal+plastic?

Think about it.
Bob

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Paper Jam
Mar 24, 2010 1:59AM PDT

Yes

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Sensors can trick us
Mar 24, 2010 2:22AM PDT

The error triggered could mean that paper movement either did not begin or did not complete. Not every process is monitored, however. So, we need to think backwards to the last process that was monitored and completed successfully. The problem could be anywhere between that process and paper movement. Thus, it might not be a jam but something that's restricting a motor from moving or that caused it not to start. It could be a stripped gear, broken or detached spring that engages a gear, or any number of things. What I'd do is find the motor shaft gear and see if I could turn it manually and cause the paper advance mechanism...rollers and such...to turn. If I can move the motor freely but the rollers don't budge, something isn't engaged. If I can't turn the motor, it's either stuck or the advance mechanism is binding. It doesn't take much between gear teeth to lock up a drive mechanism. Check to make sure it turns freely.

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Kodak issues
Mar 25, 2010 11:31PM PDT

Saw a bunch of posts on your dilemma, assume you uninstalled and reinstalled software, sometimes an issue. Early on with the Kodak units we had issues with their software getting goofy, especially with Win Vista not sure what effects with Win 7, got away from the Kodaks over a year ago, were tired of the wheel spinning.

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Check into...
Mar 25, 2010 12:17AM PDT

With power-OFF and any covers removed in order to have easy access to innards. You can trick the ptr. if opening door causing an error, find the sensor and jam it closed or tape it. You do need to unpark if not already the printhead. You say, it doesn't move easily, then either the mechanicals are a problem or lube and/or cleaning. While you can clean the rails, inspect the bearing which are mounted on the carriage. These can become clogged with dust/dirt which act as a "brake". Repeated cleaning and manual movement can loosen or weaken such. If you notice improvement, repeat. You need to use common sense here in any further procedure, but if that helps, make note of it and lube(light oil). I suggest you don't use any "sprays, WD-40 or similar) these are not recommended. All you need is drops of lube or small of electronic greases for this purpose. Since you're there you need to report back any results, etc..

tada -----Willy Happy