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HP Designjet 300 Series Printers - Paper Skew

	Parts required (part numbers are subject to change)
	Identify skewing
	Troubleshooting Steps
	Check/Replace the Paper Spindle
	Check/Replace the Rollfeed assembly

KRS document number: BPP90094

Last updated: 23-Aug-2001

Minimum skill level: 2

Media skewing issues on the HP Designjet 300 series printers can be attributed to several causes. The most common causes of media skew are a dirty drive roller, malfunctioning paper spindle, or a defective rollfeed assembly. Use the steps below to determine the actual cause of the skewing issue and to replace the necessary parts.

Parts required (part numbers are subject to change)

Part description	Model numbers - C4701A, C4699A	Model numbers - C4702A, C4700A
Rollfeed assembly (required)	C3174-60013	C3174-60013
Spindle (required)	C3174-60005	C3174-60005

NOTE: If Removal and Installation instructions are needed for reference during any repairs performed, refer to the 300 Series Service Manual available on the Partner Care website for review or download.

Identify skewing

Accurately identifying the skewing issue will lead to a quicker resolution and repair time. First determine if the skew is happening on roll media, sheet media, or both. If the issue is affecting roll media only, the most common causes are the rollfeed assembly or the media spindle. If the issue affects sheet media 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. In rare cases the printer's Overdrive assembly may be the cause of the skewing issue.

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. 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 using a small piece of paper.
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 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 Paper Spindle

1. Ensure that the paper is loaded on 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 Rollfeed assembly

1. Remove the paper spindle from the printer.
2. Check the right Rollfeed assembly for tension. 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 Rollfeed assembly (refer to pages 6-8 of the 300 Series Service Manual).
4. If the Rollfeed assembly moves easily, or does not spring back, replace the Rollfeed assembly (refer to pages 6-8 of the 300 Series Service Manual).
5. 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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