Ricoh 5560 Laser Copier and fault SC445. A little help?

[jarrardlowe]

So I have read that this is a paper transfer belt / gear issue and have tested the machine and it does sound like the fault comes from that error. Basically the copier turns on, does basic noisy startup then makes this grinding noise for a few seconds and produces error 445. Just before this error I tried to do a test print of 2400x600 DPI color.

Just wondering if its a good approach to just pull that transfer area apart and inspect the gears, it does seem somewhat awfully tight. Also worth mentioning is that print out of the high dpi color never came out, I can't find it jammed anywhere obvious but it seems it never got to the printing stage perhaps?

Any input would be welcome.

[TonerMunkeh]

It's not paper transfer, it's image transfer. Whip out the ITB unit, check the belt's okay and the cleaning unit's not siezed.

[jarrardlowe]

is there a diagram or more info on those particular parts so I can better identify them. There appears to be a unit above this section as well with gears but not very accessible. Not sure what the ITB looks like thats all.

PS. From outside observation it looks pretty good but I guess I will need to open it up a bit.

[mikadonovan]

Sounds like you need to call your local service rep. You will save yourself time and money in the long run.

[jarrardlowe]

its a unit I got off someone and I am a tech just not a photo copier tech. I do very technical electronic work as it is. I am not part of a multi million dollar company sorry so any help is welcome. I won't be breaking anything (already fixed a few things) but do need some info on parts. Anyway found this thread http://www.copytechnet.com/forums/ri...-sc-445-a.html and this image (http://www.copytechnet.com/forums/at...r-sc-445-0.jpg)

Will be able to get a idea from that. I will also find time to ring Ricoh service techs and talk to them but they will be asking for big payouts here in New Zealand to do any work, will likely get information off them instead.

[teebee1234]

As TonerMunkeh stated, you need to check the ITB unit, not the paper transfer unit. The SC445 is an Image Transfer Motor error- which means the Image Belt is most likely ripped and needs replacement (locking up the drive).
The ITB (Intermediate Transfer Belt) sits below the pcu's and above the transfer unit. These are the basic removal instructions in hopes of dissuading you from attempting this - if you haven't practiced on one in a training class I can guarantee you'll damage something that will end up costing you more than a routine service call.

• Lower the paper transfer lever by turning the blue handle (the one you rotate to slide out the fuser/transfer unit).

• Remove toner hopper (let down the leg so it doesn't topple when you set it on the floor)
• Rotate the blue transfer lever so it lines up with the cutout opening
• disconnect the fan
• Remove the 5 pcu support plate screws
• Remove the support plate (tight fit)
• Slide out the ITB unit and set it on a drop cloth (don't touch the belt)
• Remove and replace the belt (I won't even get into the procedure to remove/replace the belt)
• Replace everything in reverse order (Good Luck)
• Run calibration
• What? Doesn't work?
• Call Technician

[jarrardlowe]

Got it fixed in the end, unsure on exact cause but after leaving it off for a day it came right (shrug), and doing a clean and silicon spray and prod etc etc of gears. The booklet feeder unit however has a jam of sorts were its tension gear is slipping. I can probably figure that out eventually too. (makes clicking noise, clearly its not sensing something right.

Also I do much harder technical work on circuit boards then this printers internals, infact even with the complexity its easier to diagnose and fix then most the electronics I deal with (and I go to the extreme levels of repair lol).


PS. Thank you for the information, it will come in handy in future if the problem develops into a more perm.. thing. Hopefully can get this booklet unit sorted next.