Taking bits from a scrap Zebra ZP450 to fix another ZP450. I show how to change the feed roller and front piece to keep some older shipping printers in order. Thanks for watching
I have a ZP450 and it won't calibrate properly. I'm using 4x6 labels, tried cleaning sensors, doing a factory reset and calibration, but it still won't properly read the label breaks and prints things super squished even though I tell it to print 4x6. I'm trying to contact Zebra support but that's a process - was wondering if anybody had insight or if it's just FUBAR?
Would love to know why my GK420d is making popping noises when printing. I have tried everything, reduced the darkness, adjusted the speed. still popping and have to help the labels when they are coming out. Gears look fine on roller
I'm not positive why, but I would make sure the labels are not sticking on the roll and the hopping is the edge of the labels pulling loose. Another possibility is one of the rollers has a flat spot. That would be where I would start
Nice video @FixitFrank. I have a GK420t printer with a broken label roll holder, so I have to take the unit apart from the bottom. Have you done any repair video's of this procedure? Thanks!
Normally that means the flash memory is not responding. It could be corrupted firmware or a bad power supply. If you have another printer, I would switch the powersupply base and try it again. Otherwise it may need a replacement mainboard.
Hi! I would check the photo cell opening. That little hole in the middle. If its full of paper dust that can happen. If it does it when you press the feed button on the outside, that would be my first place to check. I have a bunch of these around if you have any other questions about it
Hello Frank ! i recently purchased a second hand label machine and it's giving me problems when printing. i posted a video on my page and was wondering could you help me out? this is the link. thank you for your time in reading this i appreciate it ! watch?v=k8TwKQVV9x4
Hi, i have this printer model and when a print a type of label that have some "brightness", the print have some issues(flaws), looks like the ribbon doesn't go to the label, did you see something likethat? Thanks!
Hello! I see the thermal print head make lines in text. Kind of like | | | | | | | | where there should be text or barcodes. That can be a dirty print head or loose print head cable. Sometimes the print heads go bad. These are very robust machines so far. I have only had one bad print head in 10 years of using them. Usually it is loose wire or needs cleaning with alcohol.
hi Frank, the paper was stuck in my feeder roll and i removed and cleaned the feeder. Now it wont print at all. Just makes a noise when trying to print. it sounds like its trying to print but the roll is not working. Can this be repaired? Thank you
I would make sure the top roller is latched all the way. If the gear on the right is not meshing with it's drive gear this will happen. The latches that hold the roller can be tricky to put back. They lock when you turn them. Make sure they are fully seated.
I have one that keeps printing two label whenever it's printing. It prints a regular label and a blank label. I've done the recalibration and even the factory reset but nothing seems to work. How would you recommend I remediate this issue???
check the optical sensor on the front(in front of the roller). blow it out if it has paper dust. Also check your computer settings to make sure its not set to print a label and then a blank. I know some systems default to that. Are you using Quickbooks with it or something proprietary?
@@FixitFrank Where would I be able to find that setting concerning printing a blank label? This is for processing packages. Even when doing a test print after being connected and installed on any pc, it will print the regulat label and a blank one
It depends on the software you are using. I run these on Quickbooks enterprise and deal with the setting in the shipping manager but if you have these on a windows machine, go to control panel, devices-printers, then printer options for that zebra and check the paper type. If you want to email me, I have one listed on the about page.
Hey Frank! Wanted to know if you've ever run into a ZP 450 that flashes red-green alternatively. The manual says "needs service: Resolution 8" which equates to "Flash memory not programmed". Due to the error state, my computer isn't picking it up as a usb device entirely. Have you flashed these units or run into this issue before? Thanks for any help
Hello MrSayao! I have not dealt with that personally but I have a pile of these to work with. I will take a look into the issue and get back to you. It may take me a few days but rest assured I will reply.
FixitFrank thanks! I found I was able to communicate still via ZPL. Looks like the print head, although the print head test seems to pass when I send the ~HQPH command. It's just not printing (even the config page), and yet the maintenance command ~HQMA says I need to replace it.
I got one of these for cheap and now I think I know why. The paper feeder isn't advancing the paper at all when I press the feed button. Any ideas on where to start on this? I popped out the part as per the video, the roller itself looks good best I can tell.
Check the gear teeth that mesh with the roller gear. Also make sure the roller is held in place. There are a few mechanical bits between the motor and the rollers. They all need to be meshing. Also the tension between the rollers when the top is closed matters. If its not closed tight enough(the latches can crack) it wont feed. Lastly the rollers themselves. If they are worn down, they can slip. If they are turning and the labels isn't moving, then they are worn out. I've heard of people wrapping rubber bands around them to beef up the thickness enough to pull labels. Might be worth trying at least for troubleshooting.
@@FixitFrank Thank you for the response! The gears are completely stuck and won't move (they feel "locked"). I don't see any way to access them from the outside. Presumably I will need to open up the plastic housing to get at them? I haven't tried applying lubricant as of yet.
I wouldn't worry about lubricant. They use nylon gears. You will have to open the unit up. they are buried inside. If you end up needing parts and are in the USA, I have some scrap units.
Hi I have a zebra printer but when a print a label , sometimes print well and sometimes only print half of the label, the green light turned off and turned on , what can be the problem?
Which half is it printing? left/ right or top/bottom? If left/right, then check/clean the thermal head. If top/bottom, I am not sure but would suspect the mainboard or possibly just a software driver problem(not sending all data from spooler).
Same issue I’m having. Just got a brand new zebra printer and it only print the top part of label and not the bottom half. I’ve tried a million times. Help😩
Hi Frank, I have a zp450 that was working perfectly. While printing the paper hit a box in front of it. Not the printer will no longer feed. I took out the rubber roller and reseated it, same thing is happening. Any idea what else I could check? Thank you
Do you by chance have any of these same black plastic pieces you could part with? I need one for mine and can't seem to locate a used or new one Thanks for the video and your time
Hi,Ive got a problem is anyones know,when i printing lable is printing fine but after that comes out another one empty! How to fix this problem?? Thank you
I've had that issue. Check your paper label settings in the print software. I think I had '4x6" with doc-tab' picked. Make sure its "'4x6" no doc tab' The other possible cause is a dirty paper end sensor(that little black notch in the middle). Run a cleaning pad through. They should be in the label box. If this doesnt work, let me know what software you are using for a shipping manager.
@@FixitFrank Hi,thank you for quick reply)) I was tryed to clean sensor same printing,lables are clean... I am using Zebra Setup Utilities for Windows for GK420d model,yes its set up as 4x6in,what is mean ''no doc tab''? Still printing one printed one empty,one printed one empty/// maybe sensor is broken?
@@zdarowdy I got you. you may get 2 labels when testing in windows, that can mean the calibration is off. Try holding down the front button until the LED on the left flashes 2 times. That means its calibrated. The other cause is the paper setting in the print properties. It needs to know what size your label is. If this used to work and failed recently, I would suspect calibration over paper type. What is your shipping software? UPS worldship? Quickbooks? Does it also print 2 labels in your shipping software?
Hi Andrei, That is a tough one. Have you checked the button itself? I know that they use the dome type switch that can crack and no longer make contact. I would start by verifying continuity with the switch.
If the switch is giving no continuity, it might be repaired by soldering another button in place. th-cam.com/video/MWb54DK5FtE/w-d-xo.html I do a video repairing a similar button. Another idea is to find another junk printer and cannibalize the button to repair yours.
Great video! I accidentally pushed the small dark sensor into the housing and I can hear it rattling around inside the case now. Could this be an easy fix by just cracking the case open and popping the sensor back in place or did I break something permanently and need to look for a replacement sensor piece?
@@FixitFrankThat was easy, but apparently I lost the little smoked out window piece. I though it was still in the printer somewhere but it's not. It's reading the labels correctly now with the sensor back in place, but will not having that window let it gunked it up too quick?
@@amtrak23 I wouldnt worry too much. Maybe put a small piece of packing tape over the hole to keep dust out. If you are in the USA and really need that part, I have a few scrap printers I could pull one out of but I think some clear tape will work fine.
I opened up my Zebra with a special tool and found the piece and placed it back in position. Was pretty easy to do. Just finding the right tool was the hard part.
Hard to say but check the plastic bits that lock the feed roller in place. I have seen the drive gear popup when the latch breaks. The left side is the gear side, so I would start there.
@@FixitFrank by latch to you mean the latch for the top lid? I notice everything prints fine if I press that in a little tighter on the left side. Either way, I think you’re onto something. I think the little plastic piece on the left side might just be slipping in and out while rolling. I just swapped the pieces between the left and right side. Seems to be printing better but we’ll see. May just be that they’ve become less tight over time. Thanks again for your help!
I meant the little clips on the roller. The ones you swapped. I've seen those snap so many times. I don't know the proper terms for them but maybe roller retainer clips?
@@FixitFrank ok, yeah that makes sense. I think mine are just so overused now that they aren’t holding against the force of the gear so they keep slipping. I may just order some new ones
good video, my 505 starts printing then shuts off after a few labels, but when it shuts off the PSU needs to be powercycled zebra sent a new PSU but the same thing happens. i cleaned it with the clean labels and its pretty clean
I have a ZP450 and it won't calibrate properly. I'm using 4x6 labels, tried cleaning sensors, doing a factory reset and calibration, but it still won't properly read the label breaks and prints things super squished even though I tell it to print 4x6. I'm trying to contact Zebra support but that's a process - was wondering if anybody had insight or if it's just FUBAR?
Hello, do you fixed it? I have the same issue
Would love to know why my GK420d is making popping noises when printing. I have tried everything, reduced the darkness, adjusted the speed. still popping and have to help the labels when they are coming out. Gears look fine on roller
I'm not positive why, but I would make sure the labels are not sticking on the roll and the hopping is the edge of the labels pulling loose. Another possibility is one of the rollers has a flat spot. That would be where I would start
Nice video @FixitFrank. I have a GK420t printer with a broken label roll holder, so I have to take the unit apart from the bottom. Have you done any repair video's of this procedure? Thanks!
Hay Frank I got a zp500 I get green and red light alternate what kind issue i have? i appreciate your help thank you
Normally that means the flash memory is not responding. It could be corrupted firmware or a bad power supply. If you have another printer, I would switch the powersupply base and try it again. Otherwise it may need a replacement mainboard.
what about a printer that isnt seeming to sense the label breaks
Hi! I would check the photo cell opening. That little hole in the middle. If its full of paper dust that can happen. If it does it when you press the feed button on the outside, that would be my first place to check. I have a bunch of these around if you have any other questions about it
Hello Frank ! i recently purchased a second hand label machine and it's giving me problems when printing. i posted a video on my page and was wondering could you help me out? this is the link.
thank you for your time in reading this i appreciate it !
watch?v=k8TwKQVV9x4
I replied on your video. I have a few ideas
Thank you. I had a paper jam on Zebra 420 and with the beggingof your video, I could open the roller section and clean it.
Excellent! So glad this helped!
Hi, i have this printer model and when a print a type of label that have some "brightness", the print have some issues(flaws), looks like the ribbon doesn't go to the label, did you see something likethat? Thanks!
Hello! I see the thermal print head make lines in text. Kind of like | | | | | | | | where there should be text or barcodes. That can be a dirty print head or loose print head cable. Sometimes the print heads go bad. These are very robust machines so far. I have only had one bad print head in 10 years of using them. Usually it is loose wire or needs cleaning with alcohol.
hi Frank, the paper was stuck in my feeder roll and i removed and cleaned the feeder. Now it wont print at all. Just makes a noise when trying to print. it sounds like its trying to print but the roll is not working. Can this be repaired? Thank you
I would make sure the top roller is latched all the way. If the gear on the right is not meshing with it's drive gear this will happen. The latches that hold the roller can be tricky to put back. They lock when you turn them. Make sure they are fully seated.
I have one that keeps printing two label whenever it's printing.
It prints a regular label and a blank label.
I've done the recalibration and even the factory reset but nothing seems to work.
How would you recommend I remediate this issue???
check the optical sensor on the front(in front of the roller). blow it out if it has paper dust. Also check your computer settings to make sure its not set to print a label and then a blank. I know some systems default to that. Are you using Quickbooks with it or something proprietary?
@@FixitFrank Where would I be able to find that setting concerning printing a blank label? This is for processing packages. Even when doing a test print after being connected and installed on any pc, it will print the regulat label and a blank one
It depends on the software you are using. I run these on Quickbooks enterprise and deal with the setting in the shipping manager but if you have these on a windows machine, go to control panel, devices-printers, then printer options for that zebra and check the paper type. If you want to email me, I have one listed on the about page.
Hey Frank! Wanted to know if you've ever run into a ZP 450 that flashes red-green alternatively. The manual says "needs service: Resolution 8" which equates to "Flash memory not programmed". Due to the error state, my computer isn't picking it up as a usb device entirely. Have you flashed these units or run into this issue before? Thanks for any help
Hello MrSayao! I have not dealt with that personally but I have a pile of these to work with. I will take a look into the issue and get back to you. It may take me a few days but rest assured I will reply.
FixitFrank thanks! I found I was able to communicate still via ZPL. Looks like the print head, although the print head test seems to pass when I send the ~HQPH command. It's just not printing (even the config page), and yet the maintenance command ~HQMA says I need to replace it.
I got one of these for cheap and now I think I know why. The paper feeder isn't advancing the paper at all when I press the feed button. Any ideas on where to start on this? I popped out the part as per the video, the roller itself looks good best I can tell.
Check the gear teeth that mesh with the roller gear. Also make sure the roller is held in place. There are a few mechanical bits between the motor and the rollers. They all need to be meshing. Also the tension between the rollers when the top is closed matters. If its not closed tight enough(the latches can crack) it wont feed. Lastly the rollers themselves. If they are worn down, they can slip. If they are turning and the labels isn't moving, then they are worn out. I've heard of people wrapping rubber bands around them to beef up the thickness enough to pull labels. Might be worth trying at least for troubleshooting.
@@FixitFrank Thank you for the response! The gears are completely stuck and won't move (they feel "locked"). I don't see any way to access them from the outside. Presumably I will need to open up the plastic housing to get at them? I haven't tried applying lubricant as of yet.
I wouldn't worry about lubricant. They use nylon gears. You will have to open the unit up. they are buried inside. If you end up needing parts and are in the USA, I have some scrap units.
Hi I have a zebra printer but when a print a label , sometimes print well and sometimes only print half of the label, the green light turned off and turned on , what can be the problem?
Which half is it printing? left/ right or top/bottom? If left/right, then check/clean the thermal head. If top/bottom, I am not sure but would suspect the mainboard or possibly just a software driver problem(not sending all data from spooler).
Same issue I’m having. Just got a brand new zebra printer and it only print the top part of label and not the bottom half. I’ve tried a million times. Help😩
@@dgp1963 did you end up find out how to fix it? I’m having this issue rn
Hi Frank,
I have a zp450 that was working perfectly. While printing the paper hit a box in front of it. Not the printer will no longer feed. I took out the rubber roller and reseated it, same thing is happening. Any idea what else I could check? Thank you
Do you by chance have any of these same black plastic pieces you could part with? I need one for mine and can't seem to locate a used or new one
Thanks for the video and your time
Hi,Ive got a problem is anyones know,when i printing lable is printing fine but after that comes out another one empty! How to fix this problem?? Thank you
I've had that issue. Check your paper label settings in the print software. I think I had '4x6" with doc-tab' picked. Make sure its "'4x6" no doc tab' The other possible cause is a dirty paper end sensor(that little black notch in the middle). Run a cleaning pad through. They should be in the label box. If this doesnt work, let me know what software you are using for a shipping manager.
@@FixitFrank Hi,thank you for quick reply)) I was tryed to clean sensor same printing,lables are clean... I am using Zebra Setup Utilities for Windows for GK420d model,yes its set up as 4x6in,what is mean ''no doc tab''?
Still printing one printed one empty,one printed one empty/// maybe sensor is broken?
@@zdarowdy I got you. you may get 2 labels when testing in windows, that can mean the calibration is off. Try holding down the front button until the LED on the left flashes 2 times. That means its calibrated. The other cause is the paper setting in the print properties. It needs to know what size your label is. If this used to work and failed recently, I would suspect calibration over paper type. What is your shipping software? UPS worldship? Quickbooks? Does it also print 2 labels in your shipping software?
@@FixitFrank Bingo ! I was hold the botton like you sayed and now printing as should be :)))) nice :)))
Thank you so much for your help!
@@zdarowdy You are very welcome!
Hi Frank I have a GK420d no power light I can hear a small clicking sound upon power I have a new genuine power supply which is fine. Any ideas?
Hi Frank I managed to get it powered up however red and green flashing any thoughts?
Hi Frank , I have a zebra GK420d and the rolling button it's not working what can do ? Thanks!
Hi Andrei, That is a tough one. Have you checked the button itself? I know that they use the dome type switch that can crack and no longer make contact. I would start by verifying continuity with the switch.
@@FixitFrank I will try, thanks!
@@FixitFrank doesn't work ,but can be repaired ?
If the switch is giving no continuity, it might be repaired by soldering another button in place. th-cam.com/video/MWb54DK5FtE/w-d-xo.html I do a video repairing a similar button. Another idea is to find another junk printer and cannibalize the button to repair yours.
@@FixitFrank ok,thanks!
Great video! I accidentally pushed the small dark sensor into the housing and I can hear it rattling around inside the case now. Could this be an easy fix by just cracking the case open and popping the sensor back in place or did I break something permanently and need to look for a replacement sensor piece?
Definitely. Take your time and take pictures to know what goes where. These are pretty easy
@@FixitFrankThat was easy, but apparently I lost the little smoked out window piece. I though it was still in the printer somewhere but it's not. It's reading the labels correctly now with the sensor back in place, but will not having that window let it gunked it up too quick?
@@amtrak23 I wouldnt worry too much. Maybe put a small piece of packing tape over the hole to keep dust out. If you are in the USA and really need that part, I have a few scrap printers I could pull one out of but I think some clear tape will work fine.
I opened up my Zebra with a special tool and found the piece and placed it back in position. Was pretty easy to do. Just finding the right tool was the hard part.
Hey Frank, I’ve got a ZO 505 that keeps slipping and making a grinding noise when printing but works if I push the lid down tighter. Any ideas?
Hard to say but check the plastic bits that lock the feed roller in place. I have seen the drive gear popup when the latch breaks. The left side is the gear side, so I would start there.
@@FixitFrank by latch to you mean the latch for the top lid? I notice everything prints fine if I press that in a little tighter on the left side. Either way, I think you’re onto something. I think the little plastic piece on the left side might just be slipping in and out while rolling. I just swapped the pieces between the left and right side. Seems to be printing better but we’ll see. May just be that they’ve become less tight over time. Thanks again for your help!
I meant the little clips on the roller. The ones you swapped. I've seen those snap so many times. I don't know the proper terms for them but maybe roller retainer clips?
@@FixitFrank ok, yeah that makes sense. I think mine are just so overused now that they aren’t holding against the force of the gear so they keep slipping. I may just order some new ones
good video, my 505 starts printing then shuts off after a few labels, but when it shuts off the PSU needs to be powercycled zebra sent a new PSU but the same thing happens. i cleaned it with the clean labels and its pretty clean