T210 paper cutter does not return to rest position

[Jim-in-Michign]

I got this printer from a third party a couple weeks ago. It was new and (mostly) unused but out of warranty. 

The paper cutter does not return to its rest position after making a cut. If I don't manually retract it, the paper cutter gets in the way of the paper and causes a jam involving the paper and the print head. 

I replaced the paper cutter with a new one from HP. It does the same, leading me to have no idea what to do next.

Any suggestions?

[Repairatrooper · Accepted solution]

There is an lever on the print carriage that grabs the cutter, make sure that it is working properly. Also make sure that the cutter retainer that holds the cutter in place after you insert it is installed properly.

[Jim-in-Michign]

That suggestion is very helpful. I don't see a lever on the print carriage, but it looks like something broke off at the front of the print carriage.  I would like to see a photo of the print carriage so I can tell if that needs to be replaced.

[Repairatrooper]

Lower blue circled in red is the lever I was referring to that locks the cutter in place. The upper red circle is the tab on the carriage that grabs the cutter.

The part that contains the engagement notch comes in cutter replacement kit HP sells. If something appears broken that is likely the part. Not sure if that part is available by itself.

[Jim-in-Michign]

Do you have a photo of the right side of the carriage assembly? That's where it looks broken. 

The cutter is engaging, moving left to right to make a cut, but then it just sits there at the right side of the paper path. 

[Repairatrooper]

[Jim-in-Michign]

Yes, I have the part that is in the plastic wrap in your photo. It looks like it might fix the problem.

That piece was not mentioned in the instructions for replacing the cutter.  Are there instructions for replacing that part?

[Repairatrooper]

I am not aware of any simple instructions that are not covered by my partner NDA agreement.

Search online and find a manual.

You need to remove the top cover, there are three screws on the frontside you will find by flipping up the front door and then looking along the rail behind that door. The backside of the panel is either held in place with tabs or velcro and just pry it off. Then center the carriage and remove the cartridges and printhead (either shut off the printer when the carriage is not locked or remove the right side cover and manually cycle the service station to release the head.. There are four lock tabs on the part you need to replace, 2 on each side that you disengage and then that plastic piece lifts straight off and the new one is just pushed on straight down.