Printer Carriage Jam After Replacing the PFG: Causes and Fixes

Question:
After replacing the PFG (Paper Feed Gear), my printer's carriage hangs on the right side with a jam error. Could this be related to the belt or encoder, or is there something else that might be causing the problem?

Answer:
When the carriage gets stuck on the right side and the printer shows a jam error after replacing the PFG, the problem is usually not related to the carriage belt or the encoder strip. Instead, it often points to mechanical alignment issues or obstructions in the carriage release system. Here are the most common causes and fixes:

1. Carriage Release Mechanism

The carriage assembly relies on a mechanism to "tip out" or disengage from the parked position. If this mechanism isn't engaging properly, the carriage won't move freely, and the printer interprets it as a jam. A frequent culprit here is the white rubber runner. If it's misaligned or encountering resistance, the carriage won't be able to release correctly.

2. Lever Engagement

Beneath the carriage area, a lever is responsible for triggering the release action. If this lever isn't engaging smoothly-either due to misalignment or debris-it can prevent the carriage from leaving its parked position, again leading to a jam error.

3. Capping Station Issues

The capping station, which seals the printhead when parked, contains gears and moving parts that allow it to retract. If a gear in the capping station is broken, the carriage won't be able to pull away properly, and the system may lock up on the right-hand side. Inspect the capping station carefully for broken or stripped gears.

4. Other Considerations

Although less likely, it's still worth ensuring that:

• The encoder strip is seated correctly and free of ink or smudges.

• No foreign objects (like dried ink chunks or paper debris) are interfering with carriage travel.

• The newly installed PFG is properly aligned and meshing with the drive gears without added resistance.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. For this reason, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do, however, offer an in-person evaluation and repair service at our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, our service is first-come, first-served, and it may take several weeks before your printer can be dropped off. We repair both entire printers and specific parts, and we provide clear instructions for proceeding. Please keep in mind that our rates are not the lowest available, so we highly encourage self-help research as a first step. A great place to start is our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). You can use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to find specific videos. Since we've been creating content for over nine years, it's difficult to recall every video offhand, and YouTube's search often suggests related videos from other creators that might also help.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting our work. We truly value your engagement and look forward to continuing to assist the printing community with helpful resources and services.