HP 5500 PS. Error Code 0c0040 000020c

[jt85718]

I am new to this site and new to this printer, so any help would be appreciated.  Unit fires up great, goes through startup fine and then automatically goes into printhead calibration.  Goes through calibration fine, however it's not printing anything, gets to 99% and throws the error messages System error 0c0040 0000020c.  I powered off completely and rebooted it several times with the same process.  Carraige moves, Prinheads all show OK.  Did a complete printhead recovery, but still throws this error.

Even though everything works, I can't get it to print as the error is unrecoverable.  Took out all the printheads they look very clean, but also dry. (no ink passing to them?)  Put them on a hot damp towel, only a bit of ink coming out a couple.  Machine is very lightly used with only 12,0000 sq put through it in it's lifetime and looks in good shape.  Any help would be greatly appreciated, as its causing me sleepless nights.  

BTW I am new, but I have spent 25 years selling consumables and I am a specialist with reflective ps material, so if anyone needs assistance in that area, I'd be happy to help!

Thanks, and I'm happy to be here!

[Valsimot]

If you aren't getting any ink on the paper the printer can't calibrate and you get 0C0040 error

[jt85718]

That's correct.  I get that error after I fire up the printer, go through the setup which checks out, then the machine automatically goes into Calibration mode, says its preparing the printheads (which all check out OK)  It goes through the process 10% all the way up to 99% in the calibration and then it throws the error.  There is no ink on the media, I  have cancelled the calibration after intital setup and I get to the ready menu.  All printheads OK.  Ink Levels all good except for magenta that is low at 1 7%.  When I got to print a demo, it goes through the calibration of the printheads again untill 99% and then throws out the error.  Then I have to unplug and start again.

[D Hook]

Error code suggests a drop detector problem.

Here's a place to download the service manual.  Check out page 2-21.

https://www.lpscomputer.com/collections/designjet-5000-5500-parts

Scroll down to the link on that page, right above the pictures.  

Usually you can remove and clean the drop detector but they're available pretty inexpensive on internet sites.

Let us know how you come out.

[chris1designjet]

Hello

0C0040
Problem
Description:
Error in Print head Drop Detection. This error code appears when the
Printer detects that the same area of nozzles do not work in different
Print heads. The possible causes are either fibers or a piece of paper
in the Drop Detector or that the Scan-Axis reference is incorrect

so first  check the drop detector by cleaning it and if its well connected (no need if it was not dismounted)

then clean the strip encoder with a soft cotton tissue or a wet wipe  and check the timing of the error  ( if the error comes when plotter carriage is it the right position over the service station  . next if still error

remove  all print heads  check the nozzles if dirty , clean ,them and restart the plotter if it arrives to ready  you may have a print head completely blocked , 

knowing that if you suspect a print head before replacing it you could try submerging the print head in very hot water and check if it ejects ink . putting the nozzles on a wet wipe and cheeking that both row of nozzle are marking the wet wipe .

replace related print head if needed

good day

[jt85718]

Hi:  I have the service manual, and I read aout the drop detector.  If it's the drop detector I'm happy.  My concern is that even though my printheads are showing fine and my ink levels are showing fine.  I don't see ink anywhere, and just a very little on the heads, but not throwing any other error codes.

I appreciate everyones feeback on this.... I will keep all informed as I am having a tech work with me to try to get it printing.

[D Hook]

Can you give some history of the printer?  Has it been sitting for some time?  Do you see any air in the lines?  Maybe have to use a syringe to draw ink up to the printheads to be sure the ink is dried in the lines if it's been sitting for awhile.

[jt85718]

Chris:  Very complete.  I have not checked the detector yet, as I have been working on the printheads.  They all say OK on the board, however, when I took each one of them out and put them in hot water, there was little if any ink that came out.  That concerns me, but I don't understand how I could reclaim all the printer heads on the computer and there is no ink.....I will work on the ink detector today.

I appreciate your suggestions and support