Learn how to resolve the 'Maintenance Step Motor Out of Home Position' by following this troubleshooting process.
What is this error?
The 'Maintenance Step Motor Out of Home Position' or 'Service Call 999' refers to a failure in one of the maintenance stations. The maintenance stations have various moving parts like the wiper blade and capping's all driven by gears. If there is a buildup of ink these moving parts and gears will fail to move and will result in the error code.
What causes this error?
The printer can throw this error when a maintenance station is obstructed with ink or generally dirty, most of the time due to improper maintenance. If the printer is not regularly maintained, the ink will slowly buildup on the station until it causes a jam which will prevent the part from doing its job.
How do I resolve this error?
Step One - Regular Maintenance
In some cases, only maintenance is needed to resolve this error. Undock the affected printhead by selecting the regular maintenance option on the display and check the points below for any ink build up.
Inside this area we have a moving and rotating gear. Ink build up around this area can prevent proper movement. Use a cleaning swab and carefully clean around the area. Cleaning solution and a swab can be used.
Step Two - Removing Maintenance Station
Some spots where buildup can accumulate cannot be reached without first removing the maintenance station. This process shouldn't take long, as we do not want the printhead sitting idle for longer than an hour, you'll just need a #1 Phillips screwdriver to do this.
Start by undocking the printhead through the display, then powering off the printer from the back.
Then take out the two screws on the side of the maintenance station shown and disconnect the waste ink line as shown.
Next, unplug the maintenance station cable and slide it out.
Once it is removed, target and clean the following areas.
Once cleaning is done, you can return the maintenance station to your printer.
The maintenance station will have guide pins on the left side. These pins help align the maintenance station into the right location. On the sheet metal you will find the guide holes. Use these pins and holes to align your maintenance station.
Slide the maintenance station back in carefully, ensuring the cables and waste tube do not get caught underneath. Connect the waste line back and push the connector in to secure it.
Finally, reconnect the cable and screw the station back in place.
With the maintenance station back in place, power on your machine and perform a head clean and print to see if error has been resolved. If the error continues the maintenance station may have to be replaced with a new one. You can follow the same steps above to complete the replacement.
Step Three - Contact Technical Support
At this point, if the error is still present, you may need to replace the part entirely. If you would like, you may consult with our technical support team for additional guidance or possible coverage if your machine is currently under warranty.