Sometime around September 2009 my two year old Z3100 would display error code 58:10 on power up. I checked the Z3100 service manual for the cause of the error and it indicated the problem was with the spectrophotometer that's used to profile and calibrate papers. Sometimes on the Z3100 you can get error codes on the display and you're told to re-start the printer and when you do so, it doesn't repeat the error. In this case, each time the printer was re-started, it would display this error code, so I knew it was a persistent problem. Fortunately, this problem only affects calibrating and profiling papers, not the printing itself. Having had the printer for 2 years now, I've settled on the papers that I've tried and like, so I don't do any profiling these days. The prints I get from the printer are as good as they have been since I figured out how to profile correctly, so I ignored the error code until I had time to deal with it, which was the break between Christmas and New Years a few weeks ago.
According to the service manual, the solution to this error code is to replace the Color Sensor (ESP). Looking at the diagrams in the service manual, noting that the location of the ESP is on the print head carriage, and the description of how to replace it, it seemed to me that the ESP might only be dirty, and not necessarily need replacing. Prior to the occurrence of the errors, I had to clean ink off the bottom of the carriage and print heads, due to spotting on prints, so I thought there might be a good chance this was the case.
Performing a quick search on the Internet one can find the Color Sensor selling for around $340 (USD). I didn't get an extended warranty with the printer due to the cost. If I called HP for a service call, I figure it would cost me a couple hundred bucks for the visit and diagnosis. I've worked on devices more complex than the Z3100, I have the service manual for it and it didn't require any special tools to strip it down to the ESP, so I thought I'd take it apart and see if cleaning it would work. Worst case: I'd have to call HP and have them put it back together, best case: it would be fixed for just a few hours time and I'd get to see what makes it tick.
Following the steps in the service manual, I took the covers off, tore it down to the endoskeleton, removed the ESP, and it looked relatively clean. I expected to find it covered with ink, but it had hardly any overspray on it. I cleaned what appeared to be the sensor with distilled water and a cotton swab and then put it back together. It took me about 3 hours to take it apart and another 2 and a half to put it back together. I started it back up and had no error messages and then went through the recommended service calibrations. I calibrated a couple papers and all seems well after 3 weeks. Photos of the endoskeleton are below.
The service manual is pretty good. It appears to be geared around the 44 inch version of the printer, actually a Z2100 (mine is 24 inch Z3100), and there were a couple places where it indicates a screw is a number 15 Torx, but it was really a number 10. Other than that it was fine. One caution if you try this yourself, on reassembling the printer, be careful not to over tighten the screws. Some of the parts are plastic and you can strip holes relatively easily. I hope this helps anyone with the same problem.
Please excuse my mess...
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Mike
