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HP Designjet 400 Series Printers - Paper Skew

	Parts required (part numbers are subject to change)
	Identify the skewing issue
	Clean the drive roller
	Check/replace the media spindle
	Check/replace the roll feed assembly

KRS document number: BPP90077

Last updated: 22-Aug-2001

Minimum skill level: 2

Skewing issues can be attributed to a few different causes. The most common cause of media skew is a dirty drive roller; however, a defective right roll feed assembly or problem with the paper spindle may also cause the problem. Use the steps below to determine the actual cause of the skewing issue. 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)	C4713-60040	C4713-60040
Roll Feed Kit (Required)	C4713-60146	C4714-60146
Spindle (Required)	C4717-60005	C4719-60005

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

Identify the skewing issue

Accurately identifying the skewing issue will lead to a quicker resolution and repair time. First determine if the skew occurs with roll, sheet, or both types of paper. If the issue is affecting roll only, the most common causes are the right roll feed assembly, or the media spindle. If the issue affects sheet paper only, the most common cause would be a dirty drive roller. If skewing happens on both types of media, the solution may be a combination of roll and sheet troubleshooting.

Clean the drive roller

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. Remove any paper that may be loaded.
2. Turn the printer on and allow printer to finish initialization.
3. Open the top cover.
4. Trip the top cover sensor.
5. Using a lint-free cloth dampened with water, clean the entire surface of the drive roller.

NOTE: To rotate the drive roller press the FORM FEED key until the roller reaches the necessary position.

6. Allow drive roller to dry.
7. Close top cover and try loading paper.
8. If loading is successful, try loading both roll and sheet (preferably larger than 8.5 x 11) paper two times each to prove functionality.
9. If loading is unsuccessful, or problems persist, continue with the remaining steps.

Check/replace the media spindle

1. Ensure that the paper is loaded on the spindle correctly.
2. Remove the paper spindle from the printer.
3. Check the right side of the spindle for damage. Replace the spindle if needed.
4. If the spindle is replaced, load paper onto new spindle, and try reloading.
5. If loading is successful, repeat loading procedure with both roll and sheet paper (preferably larger than 8.5 x 11) two times each, to prove product functionality.
6. If loading media is unsuccessful, or no problem is found with the media spindle, continue with the remaining steps.

Check/replace the roll feed assembly

1. Remove the paper spindle from the printer.
2. Check the right roll feed assembly for tension. The spring should be strong, but can be overpowered.
3. Push up on the top portion of spring-loaded clamp. It should spring back down immediately when released. If spring tension is too strong replace the right roll feed assembly (refer to pg. 8-9 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.

4. If the roll feed assembly moves easily, or does not spring back, replace the roll feed assembly (refer to pg. 8-9).
5. 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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