Quick answers: the most common HP DesignJet T120 and T520 errors
Restart the printer first: switch it off, unplug it for a minute, then switch it on. If the code comes back, try the first fix below.
| Error code | What it means | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| 86:01 | Carriage jam or movement error. | Clear the carriage path and clean the encoder strip, then restart. |
| 79:04 | Firmware error, often caused by a corrupted print job. | Cancel the job queue, restart, and update the printer firmware. |
| 81:01 | Paper advance failure (paper jam). | Clear the jam and check the paper is within the printer’s specifications. |
| 21:10 | Service station motor failure. | Switch off, unplug for a minute, then restart. If it returns, the service station needs replacing. |
| 42:10 | Carriage motor failure. | Switch off, unplug, then restart. If it returns, the carriage motor needs replacing. |
| 41:10 | Paper motor failure. | Check for paper jams. If it persists, the paper motor needs onsite repair. |
| 26:10 | Ink supply problem. | Reseat the cartridges and replace any empty or faulty one. |
| 24:10 | Ink set-up failure. | Use new set-up cartridges; an engineer can purge the ink tubes from the support menu. |
Code not listed here? Search this page for it (Ctrl+F on a computer). Still stuck? WhatsApp DPI on +60 17-791 7001 for onsite repair by our HP-certified engineers.
Providing precise engineering support for the HP DesignJet T1xx and T5xx Series is at the core of DPI Technology's mission. This master diagnostic guide provides a 1:1 extraction of the official service error codes, identifying potential part failures and the exact remote or onsite protocols required to restore production uptime.
Master System Error & Troubleshooting Guide
| System Error | Problem Description | Other Potential Parts Associated | Remote Troubleshooting / Onsite Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01.1:10 | Communication with Main PCA (MPCA) failed | WiFi module, Trailing Cable, Bundle PCA FFC cable, cables kit +1 | Remote: 1. This error never appears in the Front Panel, it's only logged into Error History and is equivalent to 1 long beep during printer startup. 2. See "Front Panel is black" troubleshooting. 3. If a service engineer visit is needed, take into account the exact model for the correct Main PCA. |
| 01.1:19 | Incorrect Main PCA installed | - | Onsite: 1. This system error happens if a Main PCA Basic is assembled in a Pro printer. 2. To solve the issue, install the correct Main PCA Pro in the printer. |
| 01.3:10 | Bundle board communication failure | Bundle FFC, Main PCA | Remote: 1. Switch the power off and disconnect the power cord. Reconnect the power cord and power on the printer. 2. Arrange a service engineer visit to change the Bundle PCA. 3. If a different system error is displayed then perform the applicable troubleshooting procedure. +2 |
| 02:10:00 | Carriage PCA communication failure | Trailing Cables, Printhead, Encoder Strip | Onsite: 1. Remove covers and check Trailing cables connection. 2. Go to Support Menu and perform 2.1 Carriage Servo. 3. Replace the Encoder Strip and run diagnostics again. 4. Replace the Carriage. 5. Reset PMK 1. 6. Replace the Main PCA. |
| 03.1:10 | Real Time Clock (RTC) Battery ran down. | - | Remote: 1. Ask the customer to go to the Support Menu by pressing the Power key continuously for 15 seconds. 2. Go to Diagnostics Menu and select RTC Battery Status. 3. If expired, arrange a service engineer visit to replace the RTC battery by replacing the Main PCA. |
| 06:10 | HDD problem | HDD, HDD data cable, Formatter PCA | Onsite: 1. Remove covers and check cable connections. 2. Change the Formatter. 3. Change the HDD. |
| 08:10:00 | No communication between Front Panel and Main PCA | Front Panel Cable, Main PCA | Remote: 1. Switch the power off and disconnect the power cord. Reconnect the power cord and power on the printer. 2. On the printer startup, check if the printer makes 3 beeps. 3. If yes, arrange a service engineer to replace the Front Panel. +2 |
| 21.1:10 | Service station Electrical warm | Print Bundle PCA | Remote: 1. Switch off the printer and open the PHA door. 2. Clear any path obstructions. 3. Arrange a service engineer visit to change the Service Station if needed. |
| 21:10:00 | Service Station motor failure | - | Remote: 1. Switch the power off and disconnect the power cord. Reconnect the power cord and power on the printer. 2. Arrange a service engineer visit to change the Service Station. +1 |
| 22:10:00 | Ink Supply Station failure | Bundle Board | Onsite: 1. Check cables in ISS. 2. Replace the ISS. |
| 24:10 | Ink Setup failure | Printhead, Setup cartridges | Onsite: 1. Use the Support Menu to purge the tubes. 2. Ensure new Setup cartridges are used. |
| 26:10 | Ink Supply malfunction | Ink Cartridges | Remote: 1. Reseat cartridges. 2. Replace empty or faulty cartridges. |
| 41:10 | Paper Motor Failure | Main PCA, Paper Motor | Onsite: 1. Check for paper jams. 2. Replace the Paper Motor. 3. Replace the Main PCA. |
| 42:10:00 | Carriage motor failure | - | Remote: 1. Switch the power off and disconnect the power cord. Reconnect the power cord and power on the printer. 2. Arrange a service engineer visit to change the Carriage Motor. +1 |
| 43:10:00 | Pick motor failure | Right gear module | Remote: 1. Switch the power off and disconnect the power cord. Reconnect the power cord and power on the printer. 2. Arrange a service engineer visit to change the Right gear module. |
| 45:10:00 | Rewinder motor failure | - | Remote: 1. Switch the power off and disconnect the power cord. Reconnect the power cord and power on the printer. 2. Arrange a service engineer visit to change the Left Roll Support. +1 |
| 51.1:10 | Top Door Sensor failure | Main PCA | Onsite: 1. Replace the Top Door Sensor. 2. Replace the Main PCA. |
| 53:10 | OOP Sensor failure | OOP Sensor flag | Remote: 1. Clean the sensor path. 2. Arrange engineer to replace the sensor if persists. |
| 55:10 | Line Sensor failure | Carriage PCA, MPCA | Onsite: 1. Clean the Line Sensor window. 2. Replace the Line Sensor. 3. Replace the Carriage. |
| 59.1:09 | NVM conflict | Main PCA, NVM Backup | Onsite: 1. This error occurs when parts are swapped. 2. Restore NVM from backup if necessary. |
| 79:04 | Firmware Error | Firmware, Formatter | Remote: 1. Update Firmware. 2. Clear job queue and restart. |
| 81:01 | Paper advance failure (Paper jam) | Feed Encoder, Paper Motor | Remote: 1. Clear paper jam. 2. Ensure paper is within specs. |
| 85:10:00 | Feed index sensor failure | Encoder Disk, Main PCA | Remote: 1. Switch the power off and disconnect the power cord. Reconnect the power cord and power on the printer. 2. Arrange a service engineer visit to change the Feed index sensor. |
| 86:01 | Carriage jam / movement error | Scan Axis, Carriage Belt | Remote: 1. Clear carriage path. 2. Clean encoder strip. |
| 87:10:00 | Encoder Strip failure | - | Remote: 1. Switch the power off and disconnect the power cord. Reconnect the power cord and power on the printer. 2. Arrange a service engineer visit to change the Encoder Strip. +2 |
| 94:10 | Color Calibration failure | Printhead, Media | Remote: 1. Use correct media. 2. Clean printhead and retry. |