How to Fix "Close the Media Setting Lever. Left." Error on Graphtec CE Lite-50

Question:
On my Graphtec CE Lite-50, I have already calibrated the machine, but still get the message "Close the media setting lever. Left." I've followed the setup steps and updated the software, but the error persists. How can I fix this?

Answer:

The "Close the media setting lever. Left." error on the Graphtec CE Lite-50 can be persistent, even after calibration and updates. Here are some detailed steps that often resolve the issue:

1. Double-Check the Lever Action

   • Lift the left media lever fully, then press it back down firmly. Do this once with the machine powered off, then again after powering on. Sometimes the microswitch inside does not register unless the lever is reseated with extra pressure.

2. Confirm Pinch Roller Placement

   • Ensure the left pinch roller is positioned precisely on the grit (knurled) area and within the marked valid zones on the rail. If the roller is slightly outside the zone, the cutter will continue throwing the same error. This is the most common cause of the message.

3. Inspect Media Setup

   • Feed media under both rollers with a perfectly straight edge-no curl, skew, or lift. If you're using a cutting mat, check that it is not too thick or misaligned, as this can prevent the lever from fully engaging.

4. Clean the Sensor Area

   • Dust, scrap vinyl, or adhesive buildup near the lever or roller path can block the sensor. Wipe the area gently with a dry, lint-free cloth, paying special attention to where the lever mechanism meets the sensor.

5. Reset the Machine Settings

   • Power the unit off, unplug it for at least 30 seconds, and restart. If available, reload the machine's default or initial conditions (this is a non-destructive reset).

6. Isolate the Roller for Testing

   • Slide both pinch rollers inward, lower the lever again, and test. If the error clears or changes, roller placement was the problem.

7. Hardware Check (Rare Cases)

   • If none of the above clears the error, the lever's microswitch or its connector may be loose or faulty. This requires a mechanical inspection and, in rare cases, replacement of the lever assembly.

For your convenience, we've also published a step-by-step guide on this exact problem: Troubleshooting the CE Lite-50 "Left Media Lever" issue (https://bchtechnologies.com/blogs/blog/troubleshooting-the-graphtec-celite-50-left-media-lever-issue). And for visual walkthroughs, you can find many cutter setup and troubleshooting videos on the BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies).

Addressing printer and cutter 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 repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Because of high demand, this service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can get to your machine. Our services can cover complete units or just specific components, with clear steps on how to proceed. That said, we understand our rates aren't the lowest, so we always recommend exploring self-help options first. A great starting point is our YouTube channel. Using the search icon next to "About" is the fastest way to find videos on specific issues, and YouTube may even suggest other helpful tutorials from the wider community.

Thank you again for your patience and support. We're glad to have you as part of the BCH Technologies community and hope these steps help clear the "Close the media setting lever" error on your Graphtec CE Lite-50.