Dell AIO Printer A960 Hardware Error 0502?

Sad but the fact is ...no permanent fix. It's the "encoder strip" and/or the ink cartridge carrier that "reads" it.

Save yourself grief and get a good printer.

See:
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=A940&message.id=13679#M13679

Message Edited by error502 on 03-29-2006 02:56 PM

Although I had the A940, I believe it's the same defect. When my "error 502" began, naturally I came here and was amazed at how many people had the same problem. After further investigation, realized "support" could only refer to erroneous instructions and it became apparent that "support" had never actually worked on these faulty printers. Many customers were angry that these printers were not recalled. Some received warranty replacement printers and the replacements soon developed the "error 502" defect.

All the helpful posts were deleted long ago but it was clear that the problem was the "encoder strip" and/or the cartridge carrier where the strip was read.

After constant "error 502" and tiring of cleaning the strip every other page of printing, I dismantled my 940 (NOT an easy task). That's when I discovered that the machine was made different than "support" instructed. That's also when I decided to get another printer. I purchased a Lexmark X7170 months ago (yes, I know the Dell A940 is a Lexmark)and it functions flawlessly. I've also regained most of the sanity I had lost while struggling with the A940.

sixholdens said:
"I would like to have your old one to experiment on and see what the real problem is"
Your offer is 100% more than Dell has done.