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Printer Cartridge Stalls or Is Blocked |
Document ID:SO4927 |
| Properties |
Problem
Carrier blocked; Encoder strip; Carrier stuck; Cartridge stuck; Cartridge stall; Printhead stall; Carrier stall
Environment
Lexmark Z2400; Lexmark X2260; Lexmark X2320; Lexmark X2450; Lexmark X2660; Lexmark X2670; Lexmark X3630; Lexmark X4610; Lexmark X6130; Lexmark X7310; Lexmark X8310; Lexmark X6160
Solution
Overview
In the above image:
Remove any foreign objects that are blocking a cartridge carrier or a cartridge that is not seated properly
Cleaning the encoder strip
Required materials
Reseating the encoder strip
Still Need Help?
The cartridge can stall or blocked for several reasons:
- • Foreign objects might block the carrier movement, or
- • Cartridges are not seated properly, or
- • An encoder strip is contaminated, or
- • The encoder strip becomes unseated.
The procedures below will help you to identify and resolve the issue(s).
In the above image:
A: Encoder strip (semi-transparent gray strip)
B: Carrier belt (black and brown toothed belt)
Remove any foreign objects that are blocking a cartridge carrier or a cartridge that is not seated properly
1. Turn the printer off and disconnect the power cable from the back of the unit.
2. Open the printer's front cover.
3. Remove any foreign items that could block the carrier.
4. Remove and re-insert the cartridges.
5. Close the cover and print an Alignment Page.
Cleaning the encoder strip
The encoder strip may have become contaminated.
Required materials
You will need a dry soft cloth in order to complete this procedure. WARNING! Be very careful when cleaning or adjusting the printer's encoder strip.
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Turn the printer off and disconnect the power cable from the back of the unit. |
| 2 | Open the printer's front cover. Pinch the top of the carrier belt and gently move the cartridge carrier to the center of the printer.  |
| 3 | Remove the cartridges. |
| 4 | Using the carrier belt, move the cartridge carrier over to the left-hand side of the printer. |
| 5 | Gently clean the encoder strip with the cloth. |
| 6 | Move the cartridge carrier back to the right-hand side of the printer with the carrier belt. |
| 7 | Reconnect the power supply and turn the printer back on. |
| 8 | Please print an alignment page. Is it printed out properly? If yes, the problem is resolved. If no, proceed to Reseating the encoder strip. |
Reseating the encoder strip
The encoder strip may have become unseated.
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cable from the back of the unit. |
| 2 | Open the printer's front cover. Pinch the top of the carrier belt and gently move the cartridge carrier to the center of the printer. |
| 3 | On the back of the cartridge carrier, there is a small slot that the encoder strip fits into. Gently push the encoder strip down and back up to get it into the slot. NOTE: If the strip is completely out of the slot, it may be necessary to move it first forward and then back.  |
| 4 | Move the cartridge carrier back to the left-hand side of the printer with the carrier belt. |
| 5 | Reconnect the power supply and turn the printer back on |
| 6 | Please print an alignment page. Has it printed out properly? • If yes, the problem is resolved. • If no, then proceed below to contact Lexmark Technical Support. |
Still Need Help?
If you need additional assistance, please contact Lexmark Technical Support. NOTE: When calling for support, you will be asked for your machine/model type and serial number (SN).
Please call from near a computer and printer in case the technician on the phone asks you to perform a task involving one or all of these devices.