Mystery Part! Small black part and small blue spring flew out while taking out the service station.

[CPS88]

I was changing the belt and removing the service station when a small part and small blue spring flew out. Can anyone tell me where to put it back? I'm midstream replacing the belt and hate to leave all the parts unassembled. Help please! Thank you!!

me what this is and where to put it back?mystery part!taking out service stationjust want to replace belt!

[D Hook]

What is the model number of the printer?  Designjet or Officejet or ?

[Repairatrooper · Accepted solution]

The spring likely fits that boss on the plastic part and where the part fits there will be a slot that the hooked arm locks into. As @D Hook says, a model number would be helpful in this situation. The problem you face if you cannot find the location is that HP manuals for Designjet typically treat the service station as a whole unit replacement not a repairable part.

[CPS88]

I have an old HP Design Jet 500. 24" size with roll paper. I use it for 24x36 check plots, not large sets of drawings.  The part flew out of the bottom when I was sliding out the Service Station to replace a shredded old carriage belt.  (I was watching a YouTube video and it certainly did not happen to the technician in the video!) I can't seem to find if the part was on the service station that I slid out or somewhere on the plotter itself. Nothing seems intuitive as to where it might have attached.  It looks like it will be some sort of snap fit if I can find the location....or what it does!  I am afraid to put the whole thing back together without this part in place.  Thank you for your advice and attention!

[D Hook]

Here's a link to the service manual:  https://www.laserexpressinc.com/manuals/HP/hp-dsj-500-510-800-series-service-manual.pdf

When I get a chance, I'll take a look through it to see if that part shows up.  The manual should show you an exploded view of the area where that part might be and will help you with instructions on how to change the belt.

[CPS88]

Thank you!  I will take a look at the exploded views!  I hope I can find it!  

[CPS88]

Could it be part of the carriage lock? I see a little hook sticking up through a hole that looks to be similar in profile. 

Page 220 in the manual and NOT covered in the you tube instructions!

[Repairatrooper]

That looks like the answer.

[CPS88]

Yes, it is the carriage lock!  When I looked at the part separately from a supplier, I realized the little tab that holds it in place against the spring action had broken off.  I just ordered from LPS.  -funny the fix it video was from an LPS person who did NOT mention the carriage lock!  Anyway, I'm so glad they have the part.  It's on the way!  I may need help installing it! Thank you for sending the manual with exploded views!!!!! THANK YOU!