Removing Blocked Print Head

In this article, I look at another method of clearing the blockage by first removing the print head module from the ink cartridge holder part. The advantage of removing it is that it can then be soaked within water for longer periods, which would allow the dried ink on the filters to loosen. There is also the possibility of replacing it altogether, although replacement printer parts would be difficult to find.

The first stage involves disconnecting two of the three ribbon cables. A plastic cover secures these cables and it in turn remains secured due to a locking tab.

Lifting the locking tab enables the plastic cover to slide up revealing the ribbon cables.

You need to disconnect only two ribbon cables clearly seen on the side. A thinner cable, which goes to the front PCB, should remain in place.

Do not remove this ribbon cable on the front side, because it will be impossible to re-connect it.

Removing the Spring Terminal Module

In the next stage, we have to remove the spring terminal module. Plastic locking tabs at the sides and top secures it in place. Make sure you press the tabs in for both sides.

The two tabs marked in the diagram above require lifting up. Once you do this, the terminal module slides out.

Here is the spring terminal module. As you can see, both sides had locking tabs, which you pressed in to allow the module to slide out like this.

The other side of the module has a PCB and IC.

Removing the Print Head Module

At this stage, we now have access to the screws that secures the print head module. Undoing the three obvious looking screws will allow one to pull out the head.

Here is the print head module.

This is the other side of the module.

This Article Continues...