Photosmart C6180 Power-Up/Power-Down Problem - Loops on/off/on/off etc

[b70dub]

FYI...

I have had an HP C6180 over 2 years and recently started receiving power cycle on-off non stop.
I tried hard reset with the symbols and numbers numerous times with no effect.

Finally, I opened the printer, took the PCB out and tested it for faults, 2 Capacitors (Electrolytic)were faulty 330UF 10V... I replaced the capacitors but with a higher voltage (25v), The printer is now back to normal operation. The repair cost was 56 cents.

I ended up replacing capacitors C613 and C614 with 25V 330uF caps and my printer is healthy once again. 

Example of bad capacitors:

[b70dub]

If your printer issue is due to failed capacitors then the tools and parts could most likely be found at a local radio shack...if you are not familiar with board level repairs and soldering then you should take it to a repair shop....

[blacklupus]

No easy fix. I dumped it. If I had had $100 plus in new cartridges I would of dump HP for another brand. I bought a Prem-Web autosmart C309n-s. It is of good quality printing, but it detects that you have inserted a 3rd party ink cartridge and it doesn't register the actual ink level but gives you a consist Low-Ink Level warniing. Also the cartridge (HP) have as usual very little volume for a high price cartridge.

[infopipe]

C614 was the culprit and had a swollen top. Replaced it, works fine now.  I bought this machine as a backup and pulled it out of the box 13months after purchase.  It has never received faxes.  HP Warrany - nada - zip.  doesn't matter when it is put in service.  Only matters when it was purchases. 

[Nitaj]

Hello Friend,

I like what you tried and would like to try myself on my C6180 as well. I already have bought another all-in-one, so this one is just lying in closet. I think it worth to try. Just not sure where and how to open the PCB! 😞

Can you help?!

Thanks in advance

Nitaj

[k928e1027]

Excellent!!! Thank you, smartfriend. It worked.

[AzCard]

Nitaj,

Here is a link to a YouTube video that shows how to take out the logic board. (I had to choose the 240p setting on the video to see it clearly).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ioe1-QyaYac

[azhot]

I'm late getting into this -- same problem just happened last week not too long after I connected wireless -- network went down and caused the problem I guess.  #6, #3 -- nothing works.  So I guess the solution would be to get it fixed and as you state, i could buy a new one for about the same amount it costs.  Although I work with a few hundred engineers, maybe one of them will do the repair mentioned since that seems to be the real solution.  I really like this printer - but i have already bought an Epson to replace it for now -- much quieter, and is working well and it only cost me a big $60+tax.  If I get it fixed don't know if I'll keep it or give it to my son.  I have a HP4280 that printed twice before it had the paper jam/cartridge jam problem and i can see the plastic piece that's causing all the trouble.  I also had another one that I think wound up having a problem with the 'plastic' tape ...so maybe HP is not for me.

My issue is really that HP as well as others are touting how 'green' they are now.  How green can you be if you don't stop all these printers from going to the trash?  They could fix these issues for you,  costing them, what $50-$100, and keep you as a customer and keep the printer from the landfill.  My company recycles computers, etc., once a year and they get a truckload.  Hope that helps.

[stolzy40]

Had the same problem. Just got done changing the C613 and C614 capacitors and the printer now turns on fine. The capacitors cost me 50 cents each. First time I ever soldered on a circuit board of this type. Thanks for the help.

[TheCaptBob]

Jackcat described the capacitor problem earlier on 8/16/10 :

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-All-in-One-Install-and/Photosmart-C6180-All-in-one-printer-turn...

I bought two 330uF 16V capacitors from www.parts-express.com ( 14 cents each + $8.45 FedEx = $8.73)  (They were very helpful, BTW)  And I bought a cheap 75 watt soldering iron from a local discount store.  Took me longer to get the covers off and the board out than it did to replace the two capacitors but the fix WORKS!  Thank you Jackcat and b70Dub for your suggestions.

Note: the repair is very easy -IF- you know how to solder on circuit boards.