Dealing with a Blank-Printing L1800 Printer: No Error & Just Prints Blank

Have you ever faced a scenario where your L1800 printer starts up, cleans itself, but simply refuses to print anything? It might leave you perplexed, especially if you aren't receiving any error messages. In this guide, we aim to shed some light on the two primary issues that might cause this problem and guide you through the steps to address them.

1. Identifying the Root Problem

For printers like the L1800, there are mainly two culprits behind the issue of blank pages:

• Mainboard Fuse Issue: The fuse to the printhead could have blown. This often results in the printer functioning normally but failing to print anything on the pages.
• Driver Chip Malfunction: This is another significant issue. The driver chip might not be functioning correctly, or perhaps it isn't sending a robust enough signal to the printer to initiate the printing.

In either case, the printer often exhibits no direct errors, and during cleaning cycles, you'll even observe ink flowing out of the waste tube.

2. Accessing the Mainboard

For those using the modified 1800, here's a brief overview of accessing the mainboard:

• Begin by removing the control panel. Once that's done, focus on removing the top case of the printer.
• Rotate the printer to access its back. This is where the main board is located.
• There's a substantial tab that you need to release. Gently pull it towards you to loosen it.

3. Removing the Mainboard Safely

• Switch to the other side of the printer. Carefully disconnect the wires, ensuring you don’t damage any connections.
• Utilize a screwdriver to push the panel tabs and carefully take off the entire panel. This exposes the main board assembly.
• Pay attention to all the screws securing the board. They need to be removed, especially the one hiding beneath the heat sink – it's easy to overlook.

4. Disconnecting Cables and Wires

For those unfamiliar with removing and installing the necessary cables and wirings, we have a video demonstration. This step-by-step guide ensures that you can perform this task without causing any damage.

5. Assessing and Addressing the Mainboard Issues

Once the mainboard is exposed, begin with testing the F1 fuse.

• If the F1 fuse is blown, other components are generally unaffected. However, if the F1 fuse appears to be functioning, then the driver chip might be the issue.
• Interestingly, the board has a considerably large F1 fuse, making it easier to test. But if the issue is with this fuse, you won't need to dive deeper into the driver or logic chip.

6. Replacing and Repairing Components

The replacement chips might differ slightly in appearance from the original ones, but they perform identically. If you need to purchase a fuse or any other small part, “BCH Technologies” is a reliable source. Their inventory also includes other essential components, such as the tiny springs that can be lost during disassembly. Moreover, if you're hesitant to fix the problem yourself, BCH Technologies offers a printer repair service that ensures your printer board isn't just fixed but is also tested rigorously to confirm its functionality.

Putting It All Together

After securing the repaired or replaced parts, it's time to reassemble the printer. Once everything is connected and the printer is reassembled, run a test print. If everything was addressed correctly, your printer should be functioning as good as new.

Don't forget to check out the video below for a visual demonstration of the entire process.