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HP Designjet 430 Series Printers - Flashing Cartridge Light

	Parts required (part numbers are subject to change)
	Troubleshooting steps
	Accuracy calibration

KRS document number: BPP90071

Last updated: 30-Sept-2002

Minimum skill level: 2

NOTE: If the HP Designjet 430c printer has the color upgrade installed, use the HP Designjet 450c work instruction.

Flashing Cartridge LED happens because of a bad electrical connection, missing cartridge, or the wrong cartridge. Use the steps 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	Model numbers - C4714A
Cutter (Required) see note below	C4713-60040	C4713-60040
Carriage Assembly (Required)	C4713-60039	C4713-60039
Trailing Cable (Required)	C4713-60181	C4714-60181
Front Panel Assembly (Required)	C4713-60091	C4713-60091
Electronics Module (Required)	C4713-69203	C4713-69203
Black Ink cartridge (Optional)	51640A	51640A

NOTE: The HP Designjet 400 series printers have a very high rate of Cutter Assembly failure. Because of 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, do not replace additional parts.

1. With the printer turned on, lift the top cover.
2. Check the front panel to ensure that the flashing Cartridge LED goes to steady. If so, continue with Step 3. If the Cartridge LED does not change to steady the cover sensor is not operating correctly. Follow the steps below to activate the cover sensor:
1. Pull the Cutter Assembly out towards the center of the printer.
2. Reach behind the front panel assembly and try to push the sensor towards the front of the printer (to release if stuck). Jiggle the sensor if necessary.
3. Once the Cartridge LED goes to steady, continue with the remaining steps.

NOTE: If the cover sensor exhibits this type of problem, make sure to replace the Front Panel Assembly as well as all other necessary parts to ensure a first time fix.

3. Remove and reinstall the black cartridge.
4. The Ready light should flash; indicating the unit has a good electrical connection. Try reseating twice, as the contacts may be worn.
5. If unsuccessful, remove the cartridge.
6. Clean the electrical contacts in the carriage slot and on the cartridge. Use the HP contact cleaning kit or a lint-free cloth dampened with water. This will remove any dirt or ink that may be preventing a good connection.
7. Reinstall cartridge and watch for the Ready light to flash.
8. If unsuccessful, remove the cartridge and replace it with a new one.
9. Watch for the Ready light.
10. If the problem persists, replace the Carriage and Trailing cable page 8-37, 8-34 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 Partner Care Web site for review or download.

11. Perform an accuracy calibration and attempt to verify functionality. If problems persist, continue with replacing the Electronics Module.
12. Replace the Electronics Module (refer to pages 8-13 of the HP Designjet 400 Series Service Manual).
13. Perform an accuracy calibration (listed below) and verify functionality.

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 of approximately D-size (24 x 36 inches, 61 x 91 cm). Roll media may also be used. 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 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 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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