Printer Problem

[RayintheUK]

My friend has a Lexmark P706 (USB Inkjet) printer, which was fine until recently. Now, it will not print at all - not even a test page - and the power switch flashes (flash, flash-flash, repeat). This occurs even if the USB cable is not connected (indicating a printer-borne fault rather than a software fault, IMO). Sending a print request to the printer when it is switched off brings it on-line, but it immediately reverts to the condition described and a "Not Connected" or "Cartridge Problem" error box appears, neither of which is correct.

I've installed the latest driver, uninstalled and re-installed, replaced the USB cable (to eliminate it), removed and re-fitted the cartridges, all to no avail. The manual says that the flashing power switch light indicates "The print cartridge carrier is stalled."

Anyone got this printer / experienced this problem / know of a solution?

TIA!

Ray.

[Stormbringer]

Ray,

I'll ask the obvious since you didn't mention it. Are you sure the cartridges have ink in them? Lexmark may, and Epson definitely, will flash the inicator light when a cartridge is low rendering printing impossible until it's replaced. IE, you won't even be able to print in B+W if your Cyan or Magenta cartridge is low. Tons of complaints like these on the Amazon reviews. The "carrier may fail (to print)" b/c of low ink.

Good luck,
Greg

[JSUPreston]

Not entirely recommended, unless the printer is out of warranty...but have you tried to move the cartridge carrier? I had one jam up on one my users at the office, and I had to move it to get the thing working again.

Then again (not meaning to start a flame war), why did your friend by a Lexmark? HP is usually the way to go, IMHO. I've had to service both in my time, and I'll gladly take any HP over any Lexmark any day of the week. Plus, I've had good experiences with HP tech support in the past.

[LCHIEN]

Ray, try and move the cartridgehead carrier as suggested earlier. If its not jammed, or you free it,
then the next thing to do is use the internal test of the printer (almost all printers have this, hold down a couple of buttons when you power it up and it will print a test page - you may have to check the manual or web site for support on which ones to use.

If it won't print the test page or flashes the lights whn disconnected it usually means the internal processor has found a mechanical fault during the power up internal tests. I would say if the printer is out of warranty and its not out of ink, you'll be happier buying a new one.

[cabinetman]

Then again (not meaning to start a flame war), why did your friend by a Lexmark?

FLAME WAR

It's not nice bashing brands. HP sucks. Really, my wife has one of the fancy HP all in one jobs that is continually seeking help from above. I have a Lexmark all in one that I can only say good things about. All my pics were scanned by it. Anyway, back to the original issue, when my ink supply gets to a point where it's not really out, but low, it gives all kinds of prompts. One time it prompted for a new cartridge, and I took out the old one flicked it two or three times, put it back and voila! If the problem is an immediate one, there is obviously a problem, whether it's software or hardware related, I usually start with whatever could be obvious, like excess cat hair, etc.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[scorrpio]

Carrier jam pretty much means something got caught in the mechanicals. Shine a flashlight around, see if you can locate anything stuck in there. And try moving the print head.

Far as flame war, I generally dislike all-in-ones. I don't do fax, about anything we ever need to copy I also store in digital, so I prefer separate scanner and printer. Scanners are far more durable, so I have one scanner that has already seen two printer replacements.

And printers - these days they are almost free once you subtract the price of included ink. I.E. I currently have an Epson R300 - paid $90 for it, and set of 6 cartridges for it is like $65. So printer itself is $25.

[jhart]

No question that the printers are low cost today for what they can do, but they sure get it back in the cost of the ink cartridges. Like the razor and blades that Gillette perfected.

[LinuxRandal]

If it's NOT repairable, consider a laser

FLAME WAR

It's not nice bashing brands. HP sucks. Really, my wife has one of the fancy HP all in one jobs that is continually seeking help from above. I have a Lexmark all in one that I can only say good things about. All my pics were scanned by it. Anyway, back to the original issue, when my ink supply gets to a point where it's not really out, but low, it gives all kinds of prompts. One time it prompted for a new cartridge, and I took out the old one flicked it two or three times, put it back and voila! If the problem is an immediate one, there is obviously a problem, whether it's software or hardware related, I usually start with whatever could be obvious, like excess cat hair, etc.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

Due to the whole Gillette blade thing, and the fact that over 90% of what I print is text only, and I have an imagination, and can figure out what color something is, I went with a lower cost laser. Best thing I ever did.
If you can't get it fixed, just think about that option, you can still get a throwaway color for those times you actually need it.
Now on to the flames:
I have seen problems with different brands, but while my old Lexmark was higher in printing costs, it still did what it was supposed to. The reason I haven't purchased from them anymore, their attempt at charging other cartridge manufacturers with a digital milenium copyright infringement for their ink cartridges.
They all gig you

[TheRic]

How to Perform the Hardware Test on the Lexmark P706 Photo Jetprinter

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press down both the power and the paper feed buttons at the same time.
3. Release the power button, keeping the paper feed button pressed down until it starts to print.
4. Turn the printer off after the first page has printed (otherwise, it will continue to print).
   The page should display the following pattern depending on which type of cartridges you have installed:
   
   Color and black cartridge installed: 3 horizontal colored lines (cyan, magenta and yellow) and one thick black line
   Color and photo cartridge installed: 6 horizontal colored lines (cyan, magenta and yellow; cyan, magenta and black).

When trying to move the print cartridge, make sure it is unplugged. It should more pretty freely. If it sticks, or is tough to move it might need a good cleaning. The rod(s) / ledges / etc that it rides on need to be cleaned. Slightly oil them, with a light oil. Move the cartridge back and forth, should start to move better. May need to repeat the cleaning / oil / move steps several times.

As for the Flame Wars. I would rather deal with Lexmark any day than HP, but I will say HP is my second favorite (the list does drop sharply). Lexmark is the only brand I buy here at work, at home, or recommend.

Laser printers are much cheaper to operate. I print out about 10+ reams a year of paper at home. A toner cartridge will last me years. I might pay 250 - 500 for the printer, and 75 - 150 for a toner cartridge. But compare that to a ink cartridge, and you are $$$$$$$$ money ahead. Plus the speed is about 10 times faster.

[Thom2]

Due to the whole Gillette blade thing, and the fact that over 90% of what I print is text only, and I have an imagination, and can figure out what color something is, I went with a lower cost laser. Best thing I ever did.
If you can't get it fixed, just think about that option, you can still get a throwaway color for those times you actually need it.

I'm from this same school of thought, had a few different models of Lexmark printers over the years and can't say I've ever had a particular problem with them except for the cost of cartridges. With a wife and 3 daughters that can barely identify the power switch on a PC, I decided to opt for the laser simply so that they CAN'T print in color. I've never seen them print anything that HAD to be in color, yet I was replacing cartridges left and right.

I ended up buying a Brother HL5140 Laser printer (I believe it was), $170 on sale at Staples, which has been a blessing. Toner cartridge for this printer will be about $80 or so (one of the cheapest for a personal laser) and will print approximately 6000 pages. My lexmark black cartridge was only good for 150>500 pages depending on what settings and cost about $40 for a high-yield.

On the other end of the "all-in-one" discussion, I just picked up a Canon scanner for $70 that seems to be REALLY decent (Lide60 I think was the model #) Eventually I'll pick up a cheapo color printer for those times I really need color, but for photo's it's almost impossible to beat the prices and convenience of Wal-Mart (or any other local online printing).

While I can't necessarily help you with the problem, Ray, I can try and help you justify replacement of said unit

[RayintheUK]

I'll ask the obvious since you didn't mention it. Are you sure the cartridges have ink in them?

First thing I asked, Greg, was how old the cartridges were - fairly new.

...but have you tried to move the cartridge carrier?

It moved from its storage position on the right and slid all the way to the left, but not easily.

Carrier jam pretty much means something got caught in the mechanicals. Shine a flashlight around, see if you can locate anything stuck in there. And try moving the print head.

Next step was to remove the outer case (a very simple four-screw job) and have a better look. Turns out that the chrome slider bar that supports the cartridge carriage was sticky - had been greased, but the grease had gone stiff - probably heating on high (resident elderly mother).

I cleaned and lightly lubed it, cleaned the clear plastic register strip, then found that the cartridge cleaning head mechanism was all gummed up too.

How to Perform the Hardware Test on the Lexmark P706 Photo Jetprinter

The printer wouldn't perform even this (forced hardware) test - so I knew that I had to go in there!

Result - printing fine now - thanks everyone for the suggestions, which certainly put me on the right track.

Incidentally, replacement of the unit was not in the program - this person runs a voluntary animal rescue center and things are always tight. Seems like she'll get a bit more service out of it now.

Ray.

[Stormbringer]

Result - printing fine now - thanks everyone for the suggestions, which certainly put me on the right track.

Incidentally, replacement of the unit was not in the program - this person runs a voluntary animal rescue center and things are always tight. Seems like she'll get a bit more service out of it now.

Ray.

Great news Ray. I'm especially glad b/c of the great service she's doing. I'm a sucker for animals. We rescued both of our cats.

Greg

[scorrpio]

Glad the problem is solved.

Laser printers are much cheaper to operate. I print out about 10+ reams a year of paper at home. A toner cartridge will last me years. I might pay 250 - 500 for the printer, and 75 - 150 for a toner cartridge. But compare that to a ink cartridge, and you are $$$$$$$$ money ahead. Plus the speed is about 10 times faster.

Ain't that the truth. If my need involved more text printing, I'd get a laser. But I really only print photos and CDs/DVDs, and I am yet to see a laser that does DVDs. And inkjets seem to print better photo. Btw, for my Epson R300, I been buying Wellprint cartidges from Newegg. ~$15 for a full set of 6, and results just as good as genuine Epson ink.

I think I'll get a cheap color laser when my daughter gets a little older and starts using a PC - kids love to print stuff, and she'll need it for school as well.