Common Problems - OKIDATA ML380 Service Manual

Page: 88
Service Guide ML380
Chapter 4 Failure & Repair Analysis

4.4.05 Common Problems

1. Nothing happens at all when the operator powers ON the printer.
The printer may not be plugged in. Check the power cord connection to the outlet. If you're using a power
strip, make sure its turned on. Check to be sure that the external line fuse hasn't blown or that the circuit
breaker hasn't tripped.
2. The printer doesn't print when the computer sends it data.
The printer may be deselected. If the SELECT lamp is not lit, press the SELECT button.
3. The paper keeps jamming.
Be sure to set the top of form so that the paper is held in place by the bail. If the top of the page is
below the bail, it will catch on the bail as it advances. Don't use the FEED button to load paper into the
printer. Use the bail lever. If you are using continuous forms, be sure that you have the paper loaded
squarely onto the tractors. If the sprocket holes are out of sync on either side, the paper will jam.
If the paper does jam, back it out of the printer carefully using the platen knob. Be sure to remove any
shreds of paper from the printer before loading the paper. If you're using continuous feed paper, you can
do this by using the following procedure.
Back the paper out of the printer.
Fold the paper over three times to produce a page four sheets thick.
Load the folded sheet onto the tractor pins.
Turn the platen knob to bring the paper around the platen.
This will clear the pieces of jammed paper out of the tractor path and bring them up and out so you can
dispose of them. Don't forget to remove the quadruple thick sheet from the printer before you return to
printing!
4. Dots are missing on printouts.
The head gap may not be set correctly. Try moving the head gap lever to a lower setting. If that doesn't
help, the printhead may be damaged.
5. Word processor files don't print the way the menu and front panel are set.
Before sending a file to the printer, many word processors send either an initialization string or an I-Prime
signal to the printer.
The initialization string contains codes that reset the printer to a default set of features. Otherwise, the
printer might accidentally print using features set for a previous job. These codes will override panel or
menu settings. Check your word processors manual to see if you can customize the initialization string. If
so, remove any codes that interfere with your printers settings.