DesignJet z5400ps 08:11 error code

[Grubal]

DesignJet z5400ps - Error code 08:11, Formater LED lights #1 - on, #2 - on, #3 - off

I bought this printer new several years ago and due to unforeseen circumstances I basically never got used.  We bought for a business venture.  It has only the print hours it took to go through the demo cartridges sent with the new printer.  Other than those few prints it has been sitting in my office.  I recently decided to try and get it back running again so I bought a round of expired HP cartridges to test things out.  At first it worked through loading and reading the cartridges but after a few resets and reboots it read them all.  As it was preparing the print heads it would freeze at about 85%.  I did further system resets and several hours of diagnostic trail and error with no luck.  Now it goes directly to the 08:11 error code upon startup.  I see in the service manual as a formatter board issue.  My question is how could there be any issues with those parts on a printer that is almost brand new. Even though it has been unused for a long period of time.  I expected to have some issues with possibly ink delivery but never expected hardware issues with such low print hours.  I mostly want to sell the printer and move on but now I will get much less for the machine not functioning.  I don't mind buying the part to repair but I am hesitant to make the purchase without knowing for sure if it will solve the issue.  I have tried to go through HP support but it will not find my serial number so I can't contact them.  Any help or advice on next steps from this community would be greatly appreciated. 

[Repairatrooper]

This formatter should be easily removed. I suggest you pull the formatter and check the edge connector on it for signs of tarnish/corrosion or other contamination. Carefully clean the contacts and reseat the formatter and test.

How could the formatter fail in a relatively new but little used machine? Several ways:

-as discussed above, dirty boards caused by humid environment

- If the power was connected it could have suffered a fatal surge

- It could have been a manufacture defect but it did not show in the limited time you used the plotter, but now has shown up.

[Grubal]

Thank you for the speedy reply Repairatrooper!

I will pull it again tonight and inspect it with a critical eye but at first glance I didn't really notice anything obvious.  One of the first troubleshooting attempts I made was to pull the formatter and check to make sure it was properly seated.  I also wiped everything down and also removed and reseated the HDD.  The machine has been in a climate controlled space with the power source disconnected.  The weird thing is that it all seemed to be working fine other than having to convince the machine to read the old cartridges. Then boom, I restarted and I get the error code every time.  Would something like a faulty ink cartridge be able to short out the formatter board or is this just a coincidence that it failed?  I guess it really doesn't matter how it happened at this point. Either way I am still sitting here with a printer that won't start.

I would some advise on next steps if you are willing to lend it. 🙂 I see some parts online but I am not sure who is repeatable.  I also don't know exactly what part I should start with.

I see information suggesting to replace - 

- Engine PCA board

- Formatter board

- Hard drive

I do have some experience replacing internal parts on DesignJet printers but I by no means an expert.  I am mostly torn on just selling the printer as is and taking my lumps or if it's worth the time and money to repair.

Thanks again for your insight and your time. This community of experts is amazing!