Common Problems - OKIDATA Pacemark 3410 Service Manual

Page: 97
Service Guide PM3410
Chapter 4 Failure & Repair Analysis

4.4.05 Common Problems

1. Nothing happens when the printer is powered ON.
Make sure the printer is plugged in.
Check the power cord connection to the printer and the outlet.
If a power strip is being used, make sure the strip is powered ON.
2. The ALARM lamp is lit.
The printer may be out of paper or the paper may have jammed. The SEL lamp will not light. After loading
paper, press the SEL switch.
If the ALARM lamp does not go out after paper is loaded, refer to Section 4.5 of this Service Handbook.
3. The printer does not print when the computer sends it data.
The printer may be deselected. Make sure that the SEL lamp is lit. If it is not, press the SEL switch.
4. The paper keeps jamming.
Verify that the top of form is set so that the paper is held in place by the bail bar. If the top edge of the
page is below the bail, it will catch on the bail as it advances. Do not use the FORM FEED switch to load
paper into the printer.
If the paper does jam, power OFF the printer. Carefully back the paper out of the paper path by using the
platen knob. Remove any shreds of paper from the paper path.
5. The printer suddenly changes to unidirectional printing. It then stops printing completely. The MENU
light is flashing.
This indicates a Printhead Overheat Condition. When the printer prints for a long period of time, heat will
build up in the printhead. When the printhead temperature reaches approximately 115 degrees Celsius,
the printer will print unidirectionally. If the temperature continues to rise, printing will stop until the
printhead cools. Printing will resume after the printhead cools.
6. Static electricity causes the paper to stick.
In cold, dry weather, static charges can build up on continuous-form paper. This can make the paper cling
to the paper separator. If this problem occurs during high-volume printing jobs, try moving the single sheet
paper guides on the separator together so that the paper rests on the guides rather than on the separator
itself.
7. Files do not print the way the printer menu and front panel are set.
Before sending a file to a printer, many word processors send an initialization string. This string contains
codes that reset the printer to a default set of features. Otherwise, the printer might print using features set
for a previous job. The codes will override panel or menu settings.
Check the word processors manual to see if the initialization string can be modified. If so, remove any
codes that interfere with the printers settings.
To set the printer to ignore the reset code, follow this procedure.
1. Verify that the printer is loaded with paper and that the ribbon and printhead are installed.
2. Verify that the printer is powered ON.