AppleIIme

Q: Apple ImageWriter II Printer Stuck on Power On

Hi, I just reclaimed an ImageWriter II from the garage, but when I turn it on it makes a horrible groaning/grinding sound, and the print head fails to move. It seems it's stuck and can't return to the home position.

 

Any ideas on releasing it?

Posted on Apr 30, 2014 4:38 PM

Close

Q: Apple ImageWriter II Printer Stuck on Power On

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Appaloosa mac man,Solvedanswer

    Appaloosa mac man Appaloosa mac man Apr 30, 2014 11:35 PM in response to AppleIIme
    Level 5 (4,330 points)
    Apr 30, 2014 11:35 PM in response to AppleIIme

    Applelime,

     

    Are there any obstructions?  Is there any evidence of rust?  If you take the belt off, will the head slide freely?

     

    The noise makes it sound like the motor is working but the head has seized on the stainless steel rod.

     

    There is a tensioning spring for the pulley that holds the belt.  If you remove the screww to release the tension, the belt should come off easily.  Then try moving the head manually.

  • by AppleIIme,

    AppleIIme AppleIIme Apr 30, 2014 11:49 PM in response to Appaloosa mac man
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 30, 2014 11:49 PM in response to Appaloosa mac man

    Thanks. I loosened the belt, and knocked the transport carefully with a metal screwdriver and hammer. It came loose, and now returns to home position on the left when switched on.

     

    New problem now that maybe you can help with. The red error light blinks regularly (about twice a second). I have tried running a test by holding down form feed on startup, but it fails due to the blinking. Is this just because it isn't connected to a computer? (I don't have the cable, but I want to get it working for sale purposes on eBay.)

     

    Thanks!

  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt May 9, 2014 5:03 PM in response to AppleIIme
    Level 8 (48,515 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 9, 2014 5:03 PM in response to AppleIIme

     

    ImageWriter II User's Guide: http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/0302002IWIIUG.pdf

     

    "When the Error light blinks on and off, look for either of two causes. The front cover may be loose or off. Correctly seat it and press the Select button to continue. If the front cover is not the cause, check for paper or print mechanism jams."