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Troubleshooting
Ribbon Problems
1/16/2014 ZD500 Series™ Thermal Transfer Printer User’s Guide P1062653-002 Rev. A
Ribbon Problems
Table 3 identifies problems that may occur with ribbon, the possible causes, and the
recommended solutions.
Table 3 • Ribbon Problems
Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution
Broken or melted
ribbon
Darkness setting too high. 1. Reduce the darkness setting. SeeSETTINGS
Menu on page 52 - DARKNESS for how to
change the darkness setting.
2. Clean the printhead thoroughly. See
Cleaning the Printhead onpage 111 and
Platen Cleaning and Replacement
on page 114.
The ribbon is coated on the
wrong side and cannot be used
in this printer.
Replace the ribbon with one coated on the
correct side. For more information, see Coated
Side of Ribbon on page 84.
Wrinkled ribbon Ribbon was loaded incorrectly. Load the ribbon correctly. See Loading Transfer
Ribbon on page 23.
The printhead or platen roller
may be installed incorrectly.
Call a service technician.
The printer does not
detect when the
ribbon runs out.
You maybe using non-approved
media.
Get Zebra approved ribbon with a reflective
ribbon trailer.