LaserJet 5Si strange problems

[Zomalaja]

This printer usually powers up to a READY prompt as long as it has been turned off for a few hours, but it only responds to control panel keys for a few seconds before becoming unresponsive. It is not connected to a computer right now but it will not print from Windows when it is connected either by Parallel Cable or Ethernet. It will not print anything from the control panel, I can't get to the test print menu fast enough. Power cycling it again results in a blank panel moth of the time. I have pulled the formatter board and inspected it as best I can. It has a JetDirect card installed, nothing looks out of the ordinary. The DIMM slots are all empty. With the formatter board installed, with or without the JetDirect card, pressing the engine test does nothing at all. With the formatter board removed, pressing the engine test starts what seems to be printing, the sound of something spinning up, then the clackity-clack of the tray(s) lifting, then nothing. Any ideas as far as a next step would sure be appreciated.

[Big Al]

Over the years I have worked on a few 5si printers. When they work they are really good but when they don't you have a real problem. This sounds like something basic. Maybe a power problem on the main board. You could look for a reconditioned 5si replacement then use this one for parts. Some thing to check for: make sure all the fans are working, even if the fan is turning the tachometer pulses may not be getting to the logic board and that might shut down the printer. Do you have the service manual? If not you can download one free from the Internet. Please let us know what you find.

Al

[Zomalaja]

Here is what I have found so far:

Tray 2 is stuck - it will not quite close or latch and will not pull out more than about an inch. I removed the covers to get a better look at what may be holding it but so far I don't see what the problem is.

The fans are incredibly filthy, i'll clean them up.

I found a broken piece of plastic on the output side - here's a picture of it:

http://postimage.org/image/pzb12ec/

The part that looks like a locator pin is around 5/8" tall and 5/16" in diameter.

[MichaelTech]

The black piece is from the rear door, not crucial.
If you can not even get a config page out, the formatter may be a problem. Put the JD card in the other slot. The JD may be bad. Or the slot is. If you can get to ready, and Print a config, that was it. Update it's firmware.
Open the small door above the tray, and reach inside to push down the paper tray, and pull open. Check all the rollers in the PIU {6}

[Zomalaja]

I finally figured out where that broken piece went. I finally was able to get tray 2 out - I just pulled and pushed and turned everything I could see, finally something went CLICK and the tray freed up. It was the lever that lifts the paper, was stuck in the up position. The tray still will not latch tho, so far no insights as to why.

Sorry for my ignorance but what is "PIU {6} " ?

[Zomalaja]

It looks like the entire paper feeding module is somewhat destroyed. The part that latches tray 2 is broken off, I can see several parts floating around inside the gearbox and the shaft that drives one of the feed rollers is also broken, there are several springs attached to nothing and the middle support bracket for that roller shaft is loose. Looks like someone manhandled it pretty badly. Between that and the other problems, I'm thinking it's just not worth pursuing.


Anyone that wants some parts, I will save the trays, LVPS, HVPS, laser module, main board, formatter, JetDirect, motors, Control Panel. All I ask is that you reimburse me for shipping and a few dollars for a box and packing supplies. I'll keep that stuff for a few weeks then toss it too. I'm in Southern Calif if you want to figure out approximate Post Office/UPS/Fedex rates. I have no idea if the boards are OK just so you know.

Thanks for trying to help.

[agates]

Your issue is the Paper Input Unit. It has a latch that sometime can break. It will lock the tray in place, due to the tray lifting motor getting hung. Remove and replace.

[Zomalaja]

Your issue is the Paper Input Unit. It has a latch that sometime can break. It will lock the tray in place, due to the tray lifting motor getting hung. Remove and replace.

As I posted earlier, the Paper Input is destroyed. I don't see them available for under 100 dollars and there is still the issue of the blank display. To me i just wasn't worth putting money into, so that's why I said "If anyone wants any parts, etc"