Troubleshooting
Error Messages
124
P1062653-002 Rev. A ZD500 Series™ Thermal Transfer Printer User’s Guide 1/16/2014
Error Messages
The control panel displays messages when there is an error. See Table 1 for errors, the possible
causes, and the recommended solutions.
Table 1 • Error Messages
Display/
Indicator Lights Possible Cause Recommended Solution
STATUS light steady red
The printhead is not fully
closed.
Close the printhead
completely.
The printhead open sensor is
not working properly.
Call a service technician to
replace the sensor.
STATUS light steady red
The media is not loaded or is
loaded incorrectly.
Load media correctly.
Misaligned media sensor. Check the position of the
media sensor.
The printer is set for
noncontinuous media, but
continuous media is loaded.
1. Install the proper media
type, or reset printer for the
current media type.
2. Calibrate the printer. See
Manual Calibration -
Media on page 75.
STATUS light steady red
In thermal transfer mode:
•the end of the ribbon roll
has been detected.
Replace the empty ribbon with
a new roll.
STATUS light flashing red
The printhead damaged,
replace incorrectly, or was
replaced with one that is not a
genuine Zebra™ printhead.
Install a genuine Zebra™
printhead.
STATUS light steady yellow
Caution • The printhead may be hot enough to cause
severe burns. Allow the printhead to cool.
The printhead is over
temperature.
Allow the printer to cool.
Printing automatically resumes
when the printhead elements
cool to an acceptable operating
temperature.
If this error persists, consider
changing where the printer is
located or using a slower print
speed.
HEAD OPEN
CLOSE HEAD
MEDIA OUT
LOAD MEDIA
ALERT
RIBBON OUT
PH NOT AUTHENTICATED
REPLACE PRINTHEAD
PRINT HEAD OVERTEMP
PRINTING HALTED