3551ci - a print error has occurred, add paper to tray 1

[blackcat4866]

I wrote down a key for how it works...if you will. Tell me if I have it wrong.

Looking at the "buttons" from left to right....


When all 3 buttons are engaged (top button not engaged), the paper size is 8.5 x 14
When 1&2 are engaged (top button not engaged), the paper size is 8.5 x 11R
When only the 3rd button is engaged (top button not engaged), the paper size is 5.5 x 8.5
When the 3rd button is engaged and the top button is engaged, the paper size is 11.5 x 8.5

PS - I see what you're talking about as far as the rear paper guide pressing down on the small plastic tab.

Your post has been a big help.

PSS - Do you see this problem very often in the field?

Very precise analysis.

I've replaced 15 or 20 0f those rear cassette guides, usually schools. You'll get an enduser that decides they'll bowling for a strike, with a full ream of paper. The impact busts the rear guide.

You'll also find that some endusers lean on the tray, and break holes in the bottom front of the cassette rails. The symptom is that the tray stops 2" shy of latching. If you lift the tray a little it will close.
=^..^=

[tmaged]

Very precise analysis.

I've replaced 15 or 20 0f those rear cassette guides, usually schools. You'll get an enduser that decides they'll bowling for a strike, with a full ream of paper. The impact busts the rear guide.

=^..^=

Which is why the 2 series forward has the slow close drawers.

[BillyCarpenter]

I really, really didn't want to ask for help on this one, but I'm tired of banging my head on the wall.

Here's the deal. I have a 3551ci in the shop and I was about to do some self-training on the paper size settings. I had already taken the size sensor board off a parts machine and learned how that worked. I now wanted to confirm this by manually manipulating the buttons on a working machine.

There's only one problem. I immediately noticed that tray 1 would not recognize any paper size except for Letter Plain. No other paper is recognized. Tray 2 works fine. This machine has 2-trays only.


Here's what I've tried thus far.

- Replaced paper size sensor board
-Replaced the board that paper size sensor board plugs into.
- Reloaded firmware.

I also swapped trays with a known good tray.
I also engaged the buttons by putting a piece of tape over them and it should have read 8.5 x 14.



PS - I'm not in an urgent hurry to repair this problem because it's our machine..it's just buggin' the sh!t out of me because I can't figure it out.

Thanks.

[blackcat4866]

I know we've already covered this ... but are you SURE that the paper size is not hard-set at LTR? It should be on Auto(Inch).

That's the only reason I know that the paper size would not self-detect. =^..^=

[BillyCarpenter]

I know we've already covered this ... but are you SURE that the paper size is not hard-set at LTR? It should be on Auto(Inch).

That's the only reason I know that the paper size would not self-detect. =^..^=

I need you to explain this to me. When I select: Copy>Paper Select, it's set to auto but I don't see a setting for inch. Where would these settings be? I've looked under System Menu>Paper Selection>Auto, but don't see inch there, either.

Thanks.

[BillyCarpenter]

blackcat,


That was the problem.

Please ignore my dumb ass. I found the setting. Dude, I owe you so much already that I'll never be able to repay you. Thanks big time.

[blackcat4866]

This is the broken feature on the rear guide:

AlphardII tray paper size2.JPG =^..^=

[BillyCarpenter]

This is the broken feature on the rear guide:

AlphardII tray paper size2.JPG =^..^=

Since joining this site, I have received help from numerous techs. But I've also received what I like to call the "blackcat education."


This usually involves me doing a lot of work/learning. This seems mandatory if I'm to 100% grasp what he's teaching me.

For instance, he tells me about this tab breaking off on the rear paper guide. That's not hard to understand, but it got me wondering what's the exact purpose of the "tab" Oh, and while we're at it, what's the purpose of all those switches that mate up with the paper drawer?


Here's the picture of the paper size assembly:


20211126_105953.jpg


I have confirmed that the "key' that I posted earlier is correct.


Also, I learned that it's very important for paper setting to be set to Auto/Inch under System Menu>Cassette/Tray Settings.


I think that's a wrap on my education for paper size. I don't think there's anything left.

[BillyCarpenter]

So, I go back to this account this morning and I checked to see if the paper tray was reading correctly and it was. I check to see if tray 1 was set to auto/inch. It was.

Still, the incoming fax would not print. This time I did notice that on the screen that it said "bond". So, I changed the paper type from plain to bond on tray 1 and the fax printed out. I don't understand this at all.

Anyone ?


PS - I also checked the rear paper guide on tray 1 to make sure that it wasn't broken. It was fine.

[bsm2]

Your Welcome