Computer Printer Repair

This Fix-It Guide on computer printer repair tells how a reckoner printer works, what often goes wrong, how to identify a computer printer problem, and what parts and tools you will need to fix it. It and then gives simple pace-by-step instructions for how to replace a computer printer ink-jet cartridge, how to make clean and maintain an ink-jet printer, how to clean a light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation computer printer, and how to service older dot-matrix calculator printers. Luckily, computer printers are relatively trouble gratis. However, printers practice break down just when you need them the virtually, so you lot should know how to perform some basic computer printer repairs. This guide as well refers you to electrical cord repair if appropriate.

How Does a Computer Printer Work?

A reckoner printer is an electronic component that gets data from a computer through a cable and converts the data into a series of small dots that form letters or images on paper.

There are three types of calculator printers used by consumers: the older dot-matrix and the newer ink-jet and laser printers. Each prints differently. The dot matrix printer uses a printhead with pins that strike the paper through a replaceable inked ribbon. The ink-jet printer, also known equally a bubble-jet printer, contains a print head that moves back and along across the sheet of paper, and then moves the paper upwardly later each pass. The impress head fires tiny jets of ink onto the paper to produce rows of dots that build upward into images and characters. In light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation printers, a laser or low-cal-emitting diode (LED) flashes rows of lights on and off toward the printing drum to make images.

Computer Printer Repair

Accessing cartridges and the caput typically requires removing paper trays and component covers.

What Can Go Incorrect with a Computer Printer?

Many printer bug can exist solved hands. If a printer doesn't piece of work, check for a loose connection or a paper jam. Jammed paper tin can commonly be pulled out from under the roller, chosen a platen, one time you've unplugged the printer. Many bug can be solved past checking the software configurations (including printer drivers), by restarting or rebooting, or by cleaning and lubricating. If yous suspect a motor problem, however, you must have the printer serviced by a technician. Consult your owners manual for troubleshooting. Many printers include self diagnostic tests.

Fix-It Tip

Keep your printer covered when not in employ to shield it from dust and debris. Electronic gadgets seem to attract things that aren't good for them.

How Can I Place a Calculator Printer Problem?

  • If the estimator printer does not turn on, brand sure power is on at the outlet, so bank check to exist sure that all cable connections are secure. Check the electrical cord. Also make certain that the embrace is closed properly.
  • If the printer turns on but does not impress, or impress is distorted, check software configurations. Then turn the printer off, wait a few seconds to clear the memory and plough it back on. If necessary, reboot the computer.
  • If the unit nevertheless doesn't print or print is distorted, bank check for a loose belt (dot-matrix only) and tighten, and remove and clean the printhead (dot matrix and ink-jet printers only). If necessary, install a new manufactory-authorized head.
  • Yous besides can run a cocky-test following instructions in the computer printer possessor's manual. If the test fails to identify the problem, contact a service center.
  • If the impress on the folio is smeared or streaked, clean all rollers, platen, and track (dot matrix or ink-jet printers) or make clean the printhead or print cartridge and the corona wire of a laser printer. If the wire is cleaved you'll need to take it replaced by a professional.

Fix-Information technology Tip

Keep whatsoever software that comes with your printer because information technology will include drivers equally well equally diagnostic tools. Alternately, near manufacturers offer software tools online.

What Do I Need for Computer Printer Repair?

Computer Printer Repair

The controls and other mechanisms in many computer printers can too be accessed from the dorsum and sides.

Many components on computer printers snap together, making disassembly relatively easy. For cleaning and repair, y'all may also demand screwdrivers and some of the post-obit supplies:

  • Denatured alcohol
  • Cotton swab
  • Canned air or vacuum cleaner
  • Clean cloth
  • Household lubricating oil
  • Silicone spray

What Are the Steps to Computer Printer Repair?

Replace estimator printer ink-jet cartridge:

  1. Release the ink cartridge by pressing downwards on it, and so tipping information technology dorsum (or forrad) and out.
  2. To replace the cartridge, practice the reverse, snapping the new cartridge into the cradle.

Make clean a computer printer ink-jet head:

  1. Remove the ink-jet head or cartridge following the in a higher place instructions.
  2. Utilise a dry or alcohol-dampened swab to wipe abroad ink from each nozzle.
  3. Reinstall the cartridge head.

Make clean and maintain a dot matrix or ink-jet computer printer:

  1. Clean the interior of the printer by bravado out dust with a tin of compressed air or by vacuuming with a small vacuum cleaner.
  2. Clean guide runway with a soft lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl booze, then relubricate the rails.
  3. Lubricate rail with a drop of lightweight household oil. Slide the printhead to distribute the lubricant. Carefully spray silicone on cleaned gears.
  4. Clean the platen and the rollers by turning the platen while holding a cloth dampened with booze against each roller.

Make clean a laser computer printer:

  1. Let the printer cool completely because it gets hot.
  2. Blow out grit from around the pulsate and the corona wire.
  3. Lightly rub a cotton swab forth the corona wire to make clean off built-up toner and dust.

Service a dot matrix calculator printer:

  1. Unplug the printer and slide the printhead to the middle of the platen. Unfasten the head retainer clips and lift the head off the back up pins.
  2. Clean the pins with a dry swab. Replace the caput if any pins are missing or if cleaning fails.
  3. To adapt tension on the printer carriage belt, loosen (do not remove) screws on the gear mounting plate. Rotate the plate to adjust belt tension, then tighten the screws.