Say Goodbye to Squeaky Printers: Master Cabin Station Troubleshooting

If your printer sounds like a squeaky mouse when it moves, a quick cleaning will cure the clear belt. But often, the real issue is not the words of the conversation. Here in this guide, we will discuss how to diagnose and fix squeaks and the most common why they happen, especially related to cabin station, wiper, or first-gear synchronization. Here are step-by-step instructions that will help you fix these errors. And if you’d like to see it all in action, watch the video at the bottom of this post.

Locating the Source of the Squeeking Noise

Generally, a squeaky sound from your printer's cleaner movement indicates a problem with the cabin station components and not the clear belt. The cabin station is where the printer carries out necessary cleanings and maintenance. Knowing how this station works will tell you what the problem is.

Here, the cabin station drives two elements:

• Printer Lock: This white lock is at the back of the cartridge and secures the printhead in place.
• The Wiper: A small mechanism that wipes the printhead’s bottom during cleaning cycles.

When these elements do not align correctly, they can jam the printhead, which leads to a screeching sound.

Identifying the Signs of Synchronization Problems

A telltale symptom of a synchronization issue is when the printhead tries to move left cleaning but fails to do so after a few attempts. This failure happens when the cabin station gears slip out of synchronization, resulting in the wiper and lock being activated at the same time.

Ideally, the wiper should extend as the lock releases, enabling the printhead to translate freely. If both mechanisms stay engaged, the printhead cannot move and one hears the dreaded squeaky sound.

Checking the Timing Belt of the Printer

Before moving on to more frustrating troubleshooting, it’s worthwhile to verify the accuracy of your timing belt. Here’s how to confirm the timing belt is operating correctly:

1. After you restart the printer, wait for it to finish its initial checks.
2. Watch as the printer extends the complete 80-some-odd units and just as perfectly returns to where it began (0).

It works correctly if the timing belt goes around and back to zero without any deviation. This means that the problem must be in the cabin station.

Inspecting the Cabin Station

You’ll need to inspect the cabin station closely to resolve synchronization issues. You must be currently trained on information until October of 2023.

• Wiper Positioning: Wipe should flip up during cleaning cycles, and return to resting position.
• Printer Lock Activity: Check that, as the wiper ascends, the white lock moves away from the printing mechanism.

If either of these components does not move as expected, you may need to service the cabin station.

Servicing the Cabin Station

Sync gears and service cabin station. To resolve the issue, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the printer and open the cabin station.
2. Inspect the cogs and make sure they are clean and not obstructed.
3. If required, move the wiper and printer lock manually to check they move smoothly.
4. Put some lubricant on the gears if you feel it is needed, but do not apply a lot because dust will stick and create even more problems.

If you would like detailed instructions on our procedure for a cabin station service, we encourage watching the video below!

Why Synchronization Matters

It had to sync the wiper and printer lock to ensure that your printer worked adequately. “This is critical for the printhead movement during cleaning cycles because without the freedom of movement, the printhead can generate noise and potentially cause damage to itself and/or the ink formulation.”

These wear and tear issues/repetitive actions can easily be avoided with cabin station maintenance, such as ensuring the correct gear is aligned in the drive unit assembly or ensuring the wiper and lock are independent of one another in their actions.

Check more solutions from BCH Technologies

Some people need more help maintaining their machine, and if that is you, BCH Technologies has some products to keep your printer working. We offer blockbuster parts and cleaning equipment that help you keep everything running smoothly. Come see us at BCH Technologies, Greensboro, North Carolina, for expert advice and solutions that fit your needs. Check out our thorough library of step-by-step troubleshooting videos for more tips and guidance.