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Recently I found an error message on the screen of my Photosmart C7280 which read “Scanner Failure: Unable to scan, copy, or send a fax”. I already installed the continuous ink supply on this printer and it works perfectly on my network, but according to this error, it would seem that I need to buy a new printer. Thinking that others must surely have had this problem before, I searched Goolge for every permutation of ‘photosmart c7280 scanner failure’ with no luck. I also tried using only the error message, ‘unable to scan, copy, or print’, also with no luck. So, after deciding to attempt the repair without any guidance I found that the problem was simply that the motor which drives the scanner sensor bar had jumped track. This was easily fixed using a simple T-10 torques bit screwdriver. If you would like to attempt this repair yourself, you can find detailed instructions below the fold.
First, let me start by saying that this repair should only be attempted by experienced computer repair professionals. Basically, if you brick your printer or injure yourself while attempting this repair then don’t blame me. Since completing this repair my scanner has worked flawlessly for more than two months. Also, this repair may be adapted to other scanners and multifunction printers which may have similar problems. If you do adapt this repair, please add the brand and model you’ve repaired in the comments below.
Parts
Just to recap, here’s the error we’re trying to fix: “Scanner Failure: Unable to scan, copy, or send a fax”
Also, here’s the printer I’ll be working on:
(Notice the continuous ink supply system (CISS) connected to the left of the printer, I highly recommend getting one if you printer supports it.)
You will also need a T-10 torques bit as mentioned before. Just so we’re on the same page, here’s what one looks like:
Begin Repairs
The first step in this repair is to remove the automatic feeder tray from the scanner. Just lift the lid as shown in the image below, then continue lifting straight up to remove the feeder entirely. There are no clips, screws, or other fasteners holding it in place and it should be very easily removed.
Next we will need to open the cover for the sheet feeder, it’s the box still attached to the top left of the printer. There is a small clip which keeps it from opening completely.
Now you need to remove the cover on the cable attaching the sheet feeder motor. This part clips into place and rotates forward as shown in the images.
Now you can safely remove the sheet feeder motor from the printer as shown here. Using the blue tab, this cable can be pulled straight out of its socket. Be sure not to bend this tab when reinserting it into the socket after the repairs have been made.
Be sure to disconnect the cable attaching the sheet feeder motor before removing it from the printer.
The remaining white plastic enclosure which once contained the sheet feeder motor can now be removed. It is held in place by four black T-10 torques screws which are visible in the preceding photos. Should you be fortunate enough to have the scanner bar stuck at this end of your printer then you can skip the next few steps and avoid removing the glass plate which will be covered next.
If you’re still reading then you’ve got to be even more careful than those who have skipped ahead. The glass plate must be kept free from scratches, dust, and dirt in order to maintain your image quality when scanning. Also, should you accidentally break this glass plate it will likely cost quite a lot to replace it. I didn’t break mine so I’m unsure as to the exact price to replace it, let me know if you’re unfortunate enough to find out.
Glass Plate Removal
There are six screws which hold the frame around the glass plate in place. Five of these are visible in the photo below, the other two are hidden beneath the cover plate on the controls. This cover plate can be removed by lifting on the top corner closest to the LCD screen, just above the ‘!’ symbol.
Once these six screws have been removed, the glass plate can be easily lifted out of the way. Once again, remember to be extremely careful when removing this glass plate.
Scanner Sensor Motor Repair
Now that the scanner sensor motor is accessible, the repairs are extremely simple. The motor is held in place by a bracket on the bottom of the scanner sensor as shown here.
You will need to loosen this bracket and adjust the motor to ensure that the gears within this housing are making firm contact as shown below. Once you have it in the correct position, tighten the screw being careful it’s not too tight. Before putting everything back together it’s a good idea to turn the gears through a few cycles and make sure everything is lining up.
Once this is done, it’s a simple matter of following these instructions in reverse to put the printer back together. Luckily, all the black screws you removed are the same size (there should be 4 for the sheet feeder and 6 for the glass plate, 10 total). And there you have it, “Scanner Failure: Unable to scan, copy, or send a fax” error fixed for the Photosmart C7280.
5 comments
1 ping
Dianne
March 15, 2011 at 8:22 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
awesome repair tutorial – any chance you’ve got one for the same printer not printing in yellow or either of the magenta colors? I’m only getting black and the two blues. I have a CISS.
Frank C Jones
March 18, 2011 at 8:20 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve not had that issue with my printer, but here are a few troubleshooting steps I would try:
Check to see if the ink for each color is flowing through your CISS system properly by using the ‘Clean Printhead’ function on the printer. (Setup > Tools > Clean Printhead)
Pickup a set of factory cartridges in the combo pack for $35 and try them.
If the new cartridges work, then you’re in the market for a new CISS system or attempt at cleaning and repair on the one you have (seems like more work and mess than it’s worth when compared with a new CISS at $44)
If the new cartridges don’t work, then you’re in the market for a new printer. InkSystem.com is a good site for starting your search for CISS compatible printers.
dell
November 6, 2011 at 3:22 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You are the man!
You are the best!
I love you man!
You saved me $149.
DK
April 17, 2012 at 2:53 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am unable to get the white gear to turn, like you mention in the last step. any ideas?
thanks
Frank C Jones
April 25, 2012 at 10:45 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
First, I should mention that I accept no responsibility for any negative side effects of this suggestion. Turning on the printer while it is disassembled would cause the motor to attempt to turn the gears. However, you could also shock yourself, damage the printer, or have some other mishap. It’s best to try turning it by hand instead. Let me know if that works.
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August 8, 2010 at 7:53 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jones PC Repair, FrankCJones. FrankCJones said: Fixed my scanner and wrote a little how to for others having the same problem. http://is.gd/e9f8X [...]