hp690c not printing or responding to self test

[jodia morehead]

I've just picked up an hp690c printer for a very low price and now I see why!

Without attaching the parallel cable to the printer, shouldn't the
printer go into selftest mode when the small button is held for 5 seconds?

The yellow light above the small button just flashes.

Ocassionally it will fed paper but it gets jammed half way through.

I've been able to very that the cover switch works and the paper jam works electronicly.

When first powered up it comes on, the print head moves across the bar and goes back to rest with only the power light on as if
there is nothing wrong with it.

If a test page via the pc is requested the test either fails due to
no communications with the printer or on the rare occassion when
communications seem to take place the printer small yellow light
starts to flash.

I also understand that if the power button is held down and
the small button is pushed five times it should go into diagnostic
mode; it does not.

Does anyone know of the error light codes (assumming I ever
get that far)?

Thanks in advance.

[newme]

did you you get an installation disk with it? is your printer model in your printer folder as your default printer?it sounds like a software problem

[bailey]

yes, you do not need the printer connected to the computer,
you also do not need any disk or drivers.

yes the printer should go into test print and a self diagonistic mode with what you stated.

if it does not do that, then something may be defunk in the electronice inside the printer.

first make sure all the rollers and paper feed mechenisem is all clean and clear, also make sure that the out of paper detect is working, and that the print cartage is installed correctly,
if it still don't work, sorry, that is as far as I can help

[jodia morehead]

I took the printer apart and cleaned the rollers with rubbing alcohol.

It looks mechanically sound as far as I can tell.

Connected the parallel cable and installed the hp driver from the hp.com website.

The software stated that it tested the communication between the pc and the printer and reported that it was ok.

When I attempted a test page, paper fed half way through the roller and the yellow light began to flash.

An attempt a diagnostic (hold power button and push online button 5 or 12 times) does nothing.

I've been able to verify that the cover micro switch and the paper out switch are operative.

Still stuck with no printer!!!!!

[newme]

it still sounds like a communication problem,have you tried a reinstall of the software.

[jodia morehead]

Reinstalled the driver software from hp.com yesterday.

It loaded fine and replied that it tested two way communication
with the printer; yet when a printer test is initiated the yellow light either just flashes or a page is fed and jams and of course the yellow light flashes after the paper jam.

Am I looking at more than one problem?

Still at it!!!!!

[newme]

when you say you downloaded the drivers,that is usually just to up dates drivers,you still need to load the actual software cd( hp690c)that came with the printer.i meant remove that and reinstall.you uninstall with the cd and then install again with the same cd.

[glc]

I think the logic board in the printer is shot. Repair costs more than a new printer.