HP 450C data+cartridge lights on steady in error group

[Kimmer7]

Printer was printing fine until the above error showed up. Pressing the cancel button turned off the data light and the cartridge light began to blink and the lights at Media type, source and quality came on while the ready light goes off.

I can't find this situation in the service manual. To summarize, the printer takes an extra long time to "boot up" and a lot of paper (roll) is fed out during this process. I've tried removing the cartridges (all brand new but not authentic HP) which have been installed without change. Does anyone here know anything about this fossil of a plotter and how to repair it? I'm in Toronto, Canada so I can't very well send it out to Britain for example.

[Repairatrooper]

First things I would check are to make sure that the carriage moves smoothly and that the encoder strip is not damaged. Then check the service station to make sure that it is moving. If you have a service manual you will find information on how to disassemble to the point you can confirm these things. Your desctription of the lights is a little confusing, can you post a picture? With that many lights might be a serious terminal error.

[Kimmer7]

Carraige operating. No cable damage. Photos attached. Thanks for your input.

[Kimmer7]

I posted a coouple of pictures as requested but without a response. Anyone else have any suggestions about how to diagnose this issue?

[Star_Fox]

Hi Kimmer7

HP Designjet 450c, 455ca and 488ca Series Printers - Flashing Cartridge Light

http://www.computercarefiles.com/TWI_Docs/bpp90072/default.html

[Kimmer7]

The description of the issue ststes two lights are steady. Both the Data and Cartridge lights are on as shown in the photo. The lights blink until the "Cancel" button is pushed which is when they become steady. I now have been told the red sensor needs to be replaced and that the encoder strip needs to be replaced. I would like to know if anyone has had this issue (lights) and what they did to resolve it.