How to fix Zebra Printer Error Codes

The Zebra printer is a special industrial printer that works quite differently from ordinary printers, using thermal transfer to write onto media. Though built to be highly durable, these printers can fail as well. Here’s a look at some popular Zebra printer error codes and what you should do when you encounter each one.

1)     Zebra printer error code 5007

When your printer raises this error code, it can only mean one thing: your ribbon is invisible to the printer. In other words, your Zebra printer is unable to detect the ribbon. Now, this may have to do something with the integrity of the ribbon, or it could be a malfunction with the printer itself.

To find out which is which, I recommend you test the ribbon on another printer and see if that second one detects it. If it displays a similar error code, you may need to get a replacement ribbon.

Alternatively, you can take out the ribbon from the Zebra printer, wipe the sensor that reads it, and then perform a calibration using these steps:

  • Go to Control Panel. Under Hardware and Sound click “View devices and printers”
  • Right-click on your Zebra printer icon and select “Printing preferences”
  • In the window that pops up, click Sensors and Calibration on the side menu (check the image for reference)
  • Click Calibration
  • In the bottom section labeled “CALIBRATION” click the button that says “Calibrate” and follow the prompts

After the calibration process is complete, reinsert the ribbon. This solution has fixed Zebra printer error code 5007 for many people, without needing to replace the ribbon. Don’t forget to take out the ribbon before you calibrate the printer.

2)     Zebra printer error code 7001

Are you facing Zebra error code 7001? This code usually means that card feeding has failed, which can be due to a few issues such as a problem with the card e.g. some Zebra printers can have problems when the surface of the case is very glossy. Also, if the card is very thick, i.e. above 30 mil then you will run into the problem as well.

Other fixes you could try to solve the problem include:

  • Check that you’re not inserting two cards stuck together
  • Clean the feeder cartridge and reseat it
  • Wipe the card clean with a dry cloth

3)     Zebra printer error code 4014

Zebra printer error code 4014 is usually indicative of a card feed error.  It can happen when your printer is out of cards or if there is a card jammed in the feeder cartridge. Solutions for this include:

  • Reseat feeder cartridge
  • Clear feeder card jam
  • Load clean cards
  • Ensure cards are of the correct thickness

4)     Zebra printer error code 7036

You know you’re facing a print card jam when you see the Zebra error coded 7036. This typically occurs when the feeder cartridge has jammed paper in it, so you’ll want to open up the main door and check for that.

In some Zebra printer models, you can solve this problem by opening and closing the print/options cover of the printer. This will cause the printer to eject the jammed paper into the reject bin, which you can open to check if this is the case.

Another method you can try is to calibrate the card settings. Follow the exact same steps as in method 1 i.e. “Zebra printer error code 5007”. However, instead of calibrating the ribbon, calibrate the card this time. Check the image below for the slight- but very significant – difference.

5)     Zebra printer error code 7032

Are you getting the Zebra printer error code 7032? This can only mean one thing. Within the Options module, there is a jammed card causing the problem. You’ll have to open up your Zebra printer and simply clear the card path to solve the problem.

6)     Zebra printer error code 5001

What is error code 5001 on Zebra printer? The problem here is that your print ribbon has been depleted. Now the printer ribbon essentially works as the equivalent of an ink cartridge in regular printers. When you see the error code 5001, all you need to do is load a new roll of print ribbon.

 

The Zebra printer is a special industrial printer that works quite differently from ordinary printers, using thermal transfer to write onto media. Though built to be highly durable, these printers can fail as well. Here’s a look at some popular Zebra printer error codes and what you should do when you encounter each one.

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