Imaging Unit K - image quality problem

[BrentV]

We have an image quality problem with our Konica C550. The top 3-4 inches of all the pages printed are splotchy black. I pulled the black IU and there was a ton of loose toner on the imaging unit that looks like it is causing it. We cleaned the unit up real good and replaced the black imaging unit and everything worked perfect for about 2 weeks......and this morning it is back. Sure enough I pulled out the Imaging unit and the same problem occured. I also noticed a possible seemingly unrelated error code P-21 now on the unit.

Any ideas?

[tech51]

The image unit is spilling developer and will need to be replaced (they are not repairable). When you fit the new unit, pad out the lower part of the locking arm so that the unit has minimal free play. This should ensure the unit does not loose contact with its electrical connections inside the machine which contributes to this problem.

[BrentV]

Can there be any other problem? It just seems like the chances are too high that we would have 2 imaging units doing the same thing, especially when one is brand new. I've padded out the existing (but new in the last 2 weeks) imaging unit BUT it didn't help. It just happened again this morning. Once they spill developer are they ruined? Since Konica came out here and installed this imaging unit should they be responsible for replacing it at 2 weeks old. I paid $425 for it. We needed it quickly and that is why we bought it from them. Usually I order over the internet and can get for around $300.

[Albonline]

This problem can be a money pit type of thing. common causes are loose contacts, bad lot of toner, blown hv board. blown printer contol board, mfp board, print head unit. Outside chance of dc power supply unit.
You really should call a konica certified company to fix this problem!!!!

[BrentV]

I did call a Konica Certified Company. The tech came out and replaced the imaging unit. Said it is self contained and that would be the only problem. I asked him surely there is something up the line it could be? He said it only could be the imaging unit. I told him it keeps happening.

Quick question on how likely it might be the HV board, Printer control Board, MFP Board, Print Head Unit. Is it likely that it is one of those if after I clean the imaging unit off it works great for days or would we be having problems often or all the time? Color hasn't had a problem at all.

[krazeekidz3]

I am experiencing the same problem with a C550. I have replaced the black imaging unit twice, now. The 1st time the problem was assciated with a ticking noise at the front of the machine. Replaced the imaging unit and it went away. Now, three weeks later it's back, without the noise! Replaced the imaging unit and it went away again. The symptoms sound the same as what you're experiencing. Toner collecting at the front of the drum. As if the blade wasn't cleaning anymore. The copy comes out with a shaded area and you can feel the developer on the paper.

[Albonline]

A key question would be are your mechines displaying any alert codes like say p14?. and as to the tech saying hes sure its only the image unit causing the problems get him to put it in wrighting, and make him come back and fix it for free when it happens again.

[BrentV]

I do have an alert code of P-14! In my first post I had a P-21 (mentioned) but now I don't have a P-21, just a P-14.

I'm very intimidated by the tech as he is a tech and I am not, if you get my drift. I don't have access to the knowledge base as he does as I can't talk to Konica direct myself, lookup TSB's etc. I tried to suggest to him that he needs to contact Konica to see if they have any ideas. Thanks!

[BrentV]

One more thing, it continues to print fine, I suppose until it dumps developer again. I put a piece of paper behind the IU lever so there is no way the imaging unit can move. I did see another post here that talks about a similar problem. They suggested Print Heads as a potential problem. Also said to check the lot of IU as there is a bulletin about them and something about modifying them. Again I don't have access to the bulletin so I don't think I can check this. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Albonline]

i do the inshop repairs for a konica branch. i have seen 5 units in the same family as yours do this after the feild techs had already replaced all the boards and power supplys and they still spewd developer. the first time i saw i replaced all the boards that the feild guy said he'd already done, just to be sure, it did'nt fix it. as a last resort i replaced the print head unit. and that fixed it. the next 4 times the print head was either the first or second unit replaced and it fixed them all. dont get me wrong it could be any of the boards or a loose connection but when i've seen the p14 issue its the print head i go after first. also replace the affected image unit at the same time due to lost developer.

[BrentV]

Just curious, how much ~approximately does replacing the print heads cost. Time? Material? Is it worth checking the lot of the imaging unit first? I wasn't really clear what they were talking about but wanted to rule out anything before having them replace the printheads.

Background: I bought this machine and negotiated a service contract and signed it. Apparently the salesman left shortly thereafter (he says he left, they say he was fired on bad terms) and the service contract was not honored (I had not received the service contract back because it "had to be signed by the regional mgr). What they then wanted for the contract was much higher than what they sold me the machine on. The whole experience left such a bad taste in my mouth I said forget the service contract. That was probably the wrong thing to do but that is what I did. That is why I'm curious how much they cost. Thanks!

[emujo]

I would agree that just because the I/U is brand new, the issue can come back and be once again a problem with the I/U, but I think the main issue is coming from somewhere else and causing the I/U to fail. I suspect a HVT problem (poor contact to the bias connectors or an issue with the HVT itself. The Print head can cause image problems, but not the grittiness on the paper you are describing. The I/Us are not cheap, if you are under maintenance, after the 2 nd failure I would be suspecting something else. On the other hand, the black units are having issues that are being looked at and I'm sure at some point in the future there will be a firmware or other type of update/mod that will resolve this. As long as your not paying for a brand new I/U each time, give the tech time to figure it out. EMujo

[Albonline]

Yes the print heads can cause this problem i've seen it now six times as a 652 sitting in front of my bench makes the number 6 now. this happens after the p14 code shows up. i think the copier trys to make adjustments to compensate and looses control of hv unit. (seems to be loss of developer bias, have seen it be black unit 5 times and magenta 1 time) as i said before iget the machines after feild techs have tried 3 or 4 times to fix them (all the easy things have been done)

As to the cost about $1600 for the print head, 1 hour labor.what ever the going rate is there.

How long have you had the copier? Is it still in warrenty? Do you have a copy of the sales/service contract agreement you signed?

[BrentV]

I do have the sales / service contract but they are not honoring the service contract as they said the salesman sold it at a cost that is way to cheap and he did it just to get the sale of the machine at month end. We received delivery of the machine around 3/7. The problem has been ongoing for over a month. Is this still covered by warranty? Is there a standard warranty on Konica equipment? Is the Konica dealer obligated to fix this under warranty?

[Albonline]

Three words CALL A LAWYER!

[billak]

The cause is IU all the way. Black IU is complex and heavy and sometimes it gets damaged while transported. The problem is the distance between developer brush and drum gets uneven in front or sometimes in back side. Causing developer brush and drum to contact each other. Then developer splits. Just replacing the IU will solve the problem.

[tech51]

Definately faulty IU and loss of bias contact at the rear of the unit as per my previous post. Latest info is that the K IU`s have been modified in production since Feb 2010 (look for a green dot next to the lot number) and a proper locking bracket is going to be fitted to stop the IU`s moving forward in use. Lets see if this is a fix...
The P14 code can normally be cured by firmware update and skew readjustment.

[krazeekidz3]

Hey, that's great news! Just had a call today on that same C550. Having black streaks and image offsetting. I couldn't reproduce the problem, this time. That bought me a little time! Thanks a bunch!!!

[krazeekidz3]

SOLUTIONS SUPPORT DIVISION

Bulletin Number 7370

Date: 03/29/10

From: SSD

Subject: Dirty Images, Black Developer Spew - MANDATORY CHANGE

bizhub C451: 073 bizhub C550: 082 bizhub C650: 066

SYMPTOM

In some cases, prints may be either partially or completely covered by excess toner, creating a dirty
appearance. At the same time, developer may have spewed into the machine.

CAUSE

Poor electrical contact of the charge terminal at the back of the IU results in improper operation of the drum
charge control. This causes too much charge to be applied to the drum, resulting in dirty images. Poor contact
can occur if the IU is not seated firmly and securely.

SOLUTION

Install a new lock plate to secure the black IU in the correct position. Fasten it with
the existing screw that is used for the sub toner hopper as shown.
This lock must be installed on all of the machines listed on the next page. Refer to
the Important note on the next page.
Page 2 of 2 Bulletin Number 7370

CUSTOMER INSTRUCTION

For those instances where a customer, rather than a technician, replaces the IU, you must show the customer
how to remove and reinstall the lock plate when the replacing the IU. A magnetized screwdriver is required.

SERIAL NUMBER INFORMATION

Model Serial No.
C451 All
C550 All
C650 All

PARTS INFORMATION

Description Part No.
Lock Plate for black IU A00JP33100
IMPORTANT: Effective March 29, 2010, warranty claims for black Imaging Units for these models will not be
processed unless a Lock Plate has been ordered for that serial number. Determination will be made by
comparing the Warranty Claim serial number against the shipments of Lock Plates.

FOC PARTS ORDERING PROCEDURE

Free-of-charge (FOC) Lock Plate p/n A00JP33100 can be ordered via the Online Technical (FOC) & Special
Program order form, located within MyKonicaMinolta.com (Service → Warranty, Repair & Special Programs).
*FOC parts for this program will be available for units that are within the affected serial number range as
mentioned above. These FOC parts will be available from March 29, 2010 to July 31, 2010.
Upon our receipt and verification of your online claim information, KMBS Service Operations will process a
Free-of-Charge order. All replacements will be shipped via UPS Ground Service. As mentioned above, KMBS
will ship all Lock Plates at no-charge. Therefore, no invoice will be generated. No defective parts are to be
returned to KMBS for this specific FOC Program.
Questions related to your FOC Lock Plate claims may be directed to KMBS Service Operations at (201) 934-
5339.
Thank you for your continued support of Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Inc. products.

[Matt25112]

You have till July 31st to get these in as you see in the most important quote of this bulletin:

"IMPORTANT: Effective March 29, 2010, warranty claims for black Imaging Units for these models will not be
processed unless a Lock Plate has been ordered for that serial number. Determination will be made by
comparing the Warranty Claim serial number against the shipments of Lock Plates"

We have ours and I am heading out to install these shortly that explains why I had enough buildup inside my c650 where it fell on the write glass.

[Kmdurrin]

We just got done installing these mod kits on all our machines as well. Its just a little metal plate to hold the IU in place. Super easy to do.