hi, I know this don't help you, I am getting the same error. I opened it up where the ink cartridges and noticed (not sure what to call it) , made of some sort of plastic (I think) about 10 inches long, about a quarter inch wide, that goes in there somewhere, but somehow got disconnected. I'll take a picture of it when I get a chance tomorrow. The trouble is not sure where i t connects. Open up the compartment with the cartridges and look in there with a flashlight. I am pretty sure this is the problem it would work partially with paper coming through, when I pulled it out, all I get is the a940 hardware error. Don't pull it out, see if one end is disconnected. I believe it goes in behind the printhead, , going to post another email , not sure if it is possible to get a schematic of the printer.

Message Edited by brucefl on 01-20-2005 09:43 AM

this article is related to your problem
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1080620#Sectlink

hope it helps.

Please check out page 4 - Hardware Error 0502 - for great answers to this problem. 

I will tell you what I did to get it work, I had a friend that could not get theirs to work just like you all, and they gave the Dell A940 to me , I then went to dell they said to clean all contacts and make sure nothing was in the way, I did that then they said if I still get that Error 0502  check the Encoder Strip, then I found mine was misssing so contact Dell they said it would cost me to get it fix by a Computer repair man (money I do not have ) I do all my work and I told them this but they would not sell me a Encoder Strip for it so I took a HP all in one printer that I had that was for parts and took a chance and take the encoder strip from that and put it in my Dell A940 and Guess what it work . This printer works great now. So check to see if the encoder strip is on if now get one put it on and it will work.

Hi that is called the Encoder Strip and that is what is causing your Error, that needs to go back on and you can get the directions for it at dell.com support page .