The printing is faint even when I have a new ribbon in. Wanted to check that I'm installing the new ribbon correctly.

I have used this type of printer before. Long ago when it was called the C-ITOH. However, never had to change the print head before. I would imagine that if you did - all the adjustments would need changing. Bad Gap would skip labels and bad pressure would make them too light or too dark. If there are any vertical lines (even faint) the print head is damaged. Also, these things are very specific as to media vs ink roller. You cannot use a paper ink roller with mylar labels. Vise versa works but those rolls are more expensive. I am sure you have tested this already but you point pretty exclusively to the "new" print head with your testing. Sounds like you have answered your own question. I would do some continuity tests on the head to see if it carries any current at all. Good Luck!

Check the new ribbon and see if the printer has worn out one spot.
If you move the print head manually side to side the blue knob on the ribbon should spin. If it does not make sure you have the correct ribbon and it is installed correctly.

Hi,
This is a know error and the only way to resolve is by pulling all 8 sealing ribbons from the PHD unit during first setup and installation? (4 in front, 4 in rear). When you open the printer box. There's also a very good setup instructional video on the CD.
If the 4 rear ribbons are still installed, remove them and print about 20-30 pages. If the print is still faint, you've ruined the PHD unit and you'll need a new one, Dell P/N DT574
Please let us know if you were looking for something else or please accept the solution. Thank You for contacting Fixya.com

you can change which ribbon type is installed in the printing preferences of the printer driver.
make sure you have the right ribbon type selected.
CYMTKO vs. CYMTO, etc.

There is also a button that will auto detect the ribbon right underneath the pulldown menu.

The zebra ribbon has ink on one side and the other side has a backcoating which protects the printhead. simple way to check is to peel off a label and momentarily stick to ribbon and remove. This will show you which side is inked.

If ribbon is installed correctly then reset the printer and re-calibrate it. 1. install labels and ribbon 2. power on printer. If you have a solid green light on then 3 turn printer off. 4 hold down feed key 5 power printer on and after 2 seconds release feed key. printer will perform a calibration routine and eventually print out status page. IMPORTANT 6 Hit Feed Key once more. Printer will display Out Of Dump message. Your printer has now been sucessfully calibrated.

The head may not be close enough - most dot printers have an adjustment for paper thickness (1-5 pages) check this. Also the head could just be going bad - they loose length after beating on the bar over years. Another thing is the bar (or plattem) gets worn down and has a grove in it over time. Lastly the ribbon maybe junk - they sit in a whearhouse for years and get dry. Sorry - very generic answers.- but true

We found that the ribbon was folding over so when it doubled it didn't have the momentum to get through two pages.

To my knowledge the 999 ribbon is the best avaivable. Try these things. put a little light (WD40 works well) oil on the back side of the print solenoid, then perss code and "Q" the display will show 1,2 or 3 set it at 3 and then try code "B" for bold print. These should help.

DickyO

Hi and welcome to FixYa,

Based on your description, the printer is working, it is not a form issue, the printer head is good, an adjustment might be needed and it works, there is no reason to replace the Lexmark 2381plus printer even if it is 7 years old (not unless you would want to).

To the faint printing on the last of the 3 pages:

• the take-up spool/wheel drawing the ribbon is not working (most likely). The ribbon is not moving hence the printer head is not striking fresh ribbon area. Check the ribbon cartridge, it may be stuck or the driving spindle where the ribbon's take-up spool/wheel locks into. It may need a bit of cleaning and/or lubrication;
• the printer head is slightly adjusted away from the paper. Normally, there is a mechanical lever/adjustment that sets how many paper & duplicates are fed. Adjust for 1 only.

Good luck and thank you for using FixYa.

MAKE SURE RIBBON IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY, SHOULD BE BETWEEN "FINGERS" NEXT TO CARDHOLDER AND CARDHOLDER.
COULD BE A BAD BATCH OF RIBBONS
SOMETIMES CORRECTABLE RIBBON DOESN'T PRINT WELL ON CERTAIN TYPES OF PAPER, SUCH AS "NCR" PAPER, TEXTURED, SLICK OR ANY PAPER THAT HAS BEEN THROUGH A PRINTING PROCESS (FORMS, LETTERHEADS, ETC.)
CHECK RIBBON ITSELF. THE CARBON SHOULD BE A FAIRLY EVEN LAYER. IF THERE ARE BLANK PLACES----