Alerts and Error Messages

ZT231/ZT231R Industrial Printer User Guide

Display	Possible Causes	Recommended Solutions
	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.
	The media is not loaded or is loaded incorrectly.	Load media correctly. See Loading the Media.
	Misaligned media sensor.	Check the position of the media sensor.
	The printer is set for non-continuous media, but continuous media is loaded.	Install the proper media type, or reset printer for the current media type. Calibrate the printer. See Calibrating the Ribbon and Media Sensors.
	There is an issue with the media in the media path.	Check for media that is loaded incorrectly or stuck to components in the media path. Check if media is wrapped around the platen roller. Carefully remove any labels. If necessary, clean the platen roller to remove adhesive (see Cleaning the Printhead and Platen Roller).
	In thermal transfer mode: ribbon is not loaded ribbon is loaded incorrectly the ribbon sensor is not detecting ribbon media is blocking the ribbon sensor	Load the ribbon correctly. See Loading the Ribbon. Calibrate the printer. See Calibrating the Ribbon and Media Sensors.
	In thermal transfer mode, the printer did not detect the ribbon even though it is loaded correctly.	Calibrate the printer. See Calibrating the Ribbon and Media Sensors or load printer defaults by touching Menu System Settings Restore Defaults Restore Printer .
	If you are using direct thermal media, the printer is waiting for ribbon to be loaded because it is incorrectly set for thermal transfer mode.	Set the printer for Direct Thermal mode. See Print > Print Quality > Print Type.
	Ribbon is loaded, but the printer is set for direct thermal mode.	Ribbon is not required with direct thermal media. If you are using direct thermal media, remove the ribbon. This error message will not affect printing.
		If the message persists with no ribbon in the printer, Calibrate the printer. See Calibrating the Ribbon and Media Sensors.
		If you are using thermal transfer media, which requires ribbon, set the printer for Thermal Transfer mode. See Determining the Media Handling Method.
	The printhead was replaced with one that is not a genuine Zebra printhead.	Install a genuine Zebra printhead.
	There is an issue with the printhead.	Turn the printer off and then back on to see if the error repeats. If it does, replace the printhead.
	A printhead element is no longer working.	If the location of the failed element affects printing, replace the printhead.
	The printhead is nearing the end of its life and should be replaced.	Replace the printhead.
	The printhead needs to be cleaned.	Follow the cleaning instructions in Cleaning the Printhead and Platen Roller.
	HOT SURFACE: 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.
The printer shows one of these messages, or it cycles back and forth between them:	HOT SURFACE: An improperly connected printhead data or power cable can cause these error messages. The printhead may be hot enough to cause severe burns. Allow the printhead to cool.
	The printhead data cable is not properly connected.	Hook up the printhead properly.
	The printhead has a faulty thermistor.	Replace the printhead.
	HOT SURFACE: An improperly connected printhead data or power cable can cause this error message. The printhead may be hot enough to cause severe burns. Allow the printhead to cool.
	The printhead temperature is approaching its lower operating limit.	Continue printing while the printhead reaches the correct operating temperature. If the error remains, the environment may be too cold for proper printing. Relocate the printer to a warmer area.
	The printhead data cable is not properly connected.	Hook up the printhead properly.
	The printhead has a faulty thermistor.	Replace the printhead.
	The cutter blade is sharp. Do not touch or rub the blade with your fingers.
	The cutter blade is in the media path.	Turn off the printer power and unplug the printer. Inspect the cutter module for debris and clean as needed following the cleaning instructions in Cleaning and Lubricating the Cutter Module.
	There is not enough memory to perform the function specified.	Free up some of the printer’s memory by adjusting the label format or printer parameters. One way to free up memory is to adjust the print width to the actual width of the label instead of leaving the print width set to the default.
		Ensure that the data is not directed to a device that is not installed or is unavailable.
		If the problem persists, call a service technician.