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HP Designjet 400 Series Printers - Noise Along the Carriage Path

	Parts required (part numbers are subject to change)
	Troubleshooting steps
	Checking the encoder strip
	Instructions for entering Service mode
	Accuracy calibration

KRS document number: BPP90083

Last updated: 30-Aug-2002

Minimum skill level: 2

Noise can usually be attributed to one of two (2) causes: two (2) surfaces rubbing together due to lack of lubrication, or a moving object hitting a stationary one. A few examples could be a dirty or dry slider rod, damage to the carriage belt, or debris in the back guide. Use the steps listed in this document to accurately determine the cause of the failure and replace the appropriate parts.

Parts required (part numbers are subject to change)

Part description	Model numbers - C4713A, C4715A, C6080A, C6082A	Model numbers - C4714A, C4716A, C6081A, C6083A
Cutter (Required) See note below	C4713-60040	C4713-60040
Anderol oil (Required)	6040-0858	6040-0858
Carriage (Required)	C4713-60039	C4713-60039
Carriage belt (Required)	C4705-60082	C4706-60082
Carriage motor (Required)	C4713-60092	C4713-60092
Encoder strip (Required)	C4713-60098	C4714-60098

NOTE: The HP Designjet 400 series printers have a very high rate of cutter assembly failure. Due to this, the cutter assembly must be replaced during any on-site repair (refer to pages 8-21 of the HP Designjet 400 Series Service Manual for teardown procedures). If the cutter appears all right, it still must be replaced at some point during the service call.

Troubleshooting steps

If parts are replaced or fixed in any of the steps listed below, attempt to verify printer functionality by turning the printer on and printing internal test prints. If functionality is verified, no additional parts should be replaced.

1. Turn the printer off and open the top cover.
2. Visually inspect the carriage-wheel guide at the back of the carriage.
3. Use a clean lint-free cloth to clean any aluminum, dust, or ink particles from the rear wheel and guide track.

WARNING: Be careful when working around the encoder strip, as the edges are very sharp and can cause injury.

4. Visually inspect the carriage belt for cracks, fraying, or general wear. Replace carriage belt as needed (refer to pages 8-41 of the HP Designjet 400 Series Service Manual).

NOTE: If removal and replacement instructions are needed for reference during any repairs performed, refer to the HP Designjet 400 Series Service Manual available on the Computer Care Web site for review or download.

5. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe all foreign materials from the carriage-slider rod.
6. Apply two (2) or three (3) drops of lubricant to a clean lint-free cloth and wipe the top and back of the slider rod. Ensure the entire length of the rod is covered (move the carriage and cutter as needed).
7. Manually move the cutter and carriage assemblies along the slider rod to lubricate the bushings. Move each assembly left and right three (3) to four (4) times.
8. If the Y-axis motor does not allow carriage to move freely, replace the Y-axis motor (refer to pages 8-18). Following replacement, perform an Accuracy calibration (listed below) and attempt to verify functionality.
9. Place the cutter and carriage assemblies back to their respective home positions (carriage - far left, cutter - far right).
10. If no problems are noticed in the above steps, load paper and attempt to verify functionality.
11. If the noise persists, lubricate the carriage-slider rod again (Steps 1 through 7).
12. If the noise continues, replace the carriage (refer to pages 8-37).
13. Following replacement, perform an accuracy calibration (listed below) and attempt to verify functionality.
14. If the problem persists, continue with the remaining steps.

Checking the encoder strip

1. Turn the printer off and open the top cover.
2. Using a lint-free cloth dampened with water, wipe the encoder strip from the left end to the right end. Move the carriage and cutter assemblies as needed, to reach the end of the strip. Replace the encoder strip if it is damaged (refer to pages 8-15).
3. Following replacement, perform an accuracy calibration (listed below) and attempt to verify functionality.
4. If no problem with the encoder strip is found or the problem persists, continue with the remaining steps.

Instructions for entering Service mode

Service mode 1

1. Hold the REPRINT key down and turn the printer on.
2. Continue to hold the REPRINT key until LEDs on the front panel begin sequencing.
3. Press the appropriate key(s) to perform the necessary test.

Service mode 2

1. Hold the MEDIA SOURCE key down and turn the printer on.
2. Continue to hold the MEDIA SOURCE key until LEDs on the front panel begin sequencing.

NOTE: Service mode 2 contains tests that need a complete initialization or the printer (same as normal operation mode). If a system error occurs while trying to access Service mode 2, turn the printer off and enter Service mode 1 to complete the necessary test(s).

3. Press the appropriate key(s) to perform the necessary test.

Accuracy calibration

1. Place a sheet of polyester film over the top of the printer for approximately 10 minutes to let it stabilize to the environmental conditions. Use a sheet approximately 24 x 36 inches, 61 x 91 cm (D-size). If sheet media is not available, roll media can be used if cut into a 24 X 36 inch sheet. When using polyester film, load it with the matte (dull) side down.

NOTE: If a polyester or matte film is not available, use HP Coated media when performing an Accuracy calibration.

2. Turn the printer off.
3. Press and hold in the MEDIA SOURCE key and turn the printer on (entering Service mode 2).
4. Set the Media Type on the front panel to Coated Paper.
5. Load the film with the matte (dull) side down, in portrait orientation.
6. When the Ready LED lights up, press the REPRINT key.

NOTE: The Ready LED will begin to flash. Allow several minutes for the printer to complete the calibration print.

7. The printer will eject the sheet, and the Load Media LED will light up.
8. Unload the sheet from the printer.
9. Wait until the ink on the sheet is dry.
10. Cut the sheet along the dotted line and reload it facedown into the printer in the direction indicated by the arrows on the calibration plot.

NOTE: The Ready LED will begin to flash. The printer takes less than 10 minutes to read the calibration sheet, calculate the calibration data, and save the data in the EEROM.

11. Unload the sheet from the printer.
12. The Accuracy calibration is now complete.
13. Turn the printer off then on, and verify printer functionality.

Copyright Hewlett-Packard Co. 2001
This information is subject to change without notice and
is provided "as is" with no warranty.
Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for any direct,
indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages
in connection with the use of this material.

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