How to Diagnose and Repair Your 8550 Printer's Output Tray Issues

Question:

Why has my 8550 printer's output tray stopped extending and retracting?

I can hear the motor working when I start a print job or press the Output Tray button on the printer, so I believe this is a gear or belt issue. However, I am unable to see into the mechanism to determine the cause or fix it. This printer works perfectly other than the output tray's movement. Please advise on the process and parts required to diagnose and repair this item.

Answer:

Thank you for contacting us at BCH Technologies. We are grateful for your engagement and support, particularly with regard to our YouTube channel. Your feedback plays a crucial role in further developing our technical expertise.

Based on your description, it does sound like the issue with your 8550 printer's output tray is related to the gears or belts within the tray mechanism. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you diagnose and potentially fix this issue:

Step-by-Step Diagnostic and Repair Guide

Tools and Parts Needed:

• Screwdriver set (Phillips #2)
• Tweezers or needle-nose pliers
• Replacement gears or belts (specific to the 8550 model; check the printer’s manual or manufacturer’s website)
• Flashlight (for better visibility inside the mechanism)

Step 1: Safety First

1. Power off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Remove any paper and close the paper tray to avoid damage.

Step 2: Access the Output Tray Mechanism

1. Locate the screws securing the output tray cover. These are usually found on the underside or the back of the tray mechanism.
2. Use the appropriate screwdriver to remove these screws.
3. Carefully remove the cover to expose the gears and belts inside.

Step 3: Inspect the Mechanism

1. Visually inspect the gears and belts for any obvious signs of damage, wear, or misalignment.
2. Check if any gears are cracked or if the belts are loose or broken.
3. Use the flashlight to look deeper into the mechanism if needed.

Step 4: Test the Mechanism Manually

1. With the power still off, gently try to move the output tray manually. This can help you identify any parts that are stuck or not moving as they should.
2. Listen for any unusual sounds or feel for any resistance that indicates a problem.

Step 5: Replace Faulty Parts

1. If you identify a damaged gear or belt, use the tweezers or needle-nose pliers to remove it.
2. Install the new part, ensuring it is properly seated and aligned with the other components.

Step 6: Reassemble the Tray

1. Once the new parts are installed, carefully reassemble the tray mechanism.
2. Replace the cover and secure it with the screws you removed earlier.

Step 7: Test the Repair

1. Plug the printer back in and power it on.
2. Perform a test print or press the Output Tray button to check if the tray extends and retracts properly.

Tips:

• Refer to the Repair Reference: check the repair reference for how the above procedures are done.
• Contact Manufacturer Support: If you're unable to identify the problem or need specific parts, contacting the manufacturer’s support team can be helpful.
• Use Genuine Parts: When replacing gears or belts, ensure you use parts designed for the 8550 model to avoid compatibility issues.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. So, it might take a few weeks before we can get your printer to drop it off or mail it to us. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed if you opt for mail-in or local drop-off services. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Thank you again for contacting us and for your continued support!