p-03DL3850 II

Fujitsu DL3850 II error P-03: Ribbon Jam

The Fujitsu DL3850 II error P-03 alerts you that the ribbon feed mechanism has stalled. This is a common notification in dot matrix printers, indicating that the ribbon is no longer circulating. You must address the cartridge to avoid printing issues and potential hardware wear.

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Common causes

  • 1Jammed ribbon cartridge.
  • 2Tangled or frayed ribbon fabric.
  • 3Ribbon motion sensor error.
  • 4Poor cartridge seating.

Solutions

Quick Diagnosis

Inspect the ribbon visually. If it appears bunched up or slack near the print head, the internal drive mechanism of the cartridge is failing.

Step-by-step Solution

  1. Lift the printer cover.
  2. Eject the ribbon cartridge.
  3. Test the ribbon feed knob manually; it should rotate freely.
  4. Reinstall the cartridge and ensure it clicks into position.

Maintenance and Prevention

Avoid using bargain-bin, non-certified ribbon cartridges, as their internal nylon distribution is often flawed.

When to contact a technician

If you have used a new, certified cartridge and the P-03 error persists, the printer's ribbon drive motor is faulty.

Device Technical Specifications

  • Technology: Matrix Printer
  • Feeding: Continuous ribbon feed
  • Consumible: DL series ribbon cartridge
  • Application: General business forms
  • Drivers / firmware

Steps to follow

  1. 1

    Remove ribbon

    Pull out the ribbon cartridge.

  2. 2

    Check rotation

    Spin the knob to check for smooth ribbon feed.

  3. 3

    Reinstall

    Ensure the cartridge seats correctly in the housing.

Frequently asked questions

The printer detects that the ribbon is not rotating, which stops printing to protect the head.

Yes, if the cartridge mechanism is stuck, replacement is the only reliable fix.

Yes, a working ribbon provides the cushion needed for the needles to print without damaging the head.

Usually, the cartridge is exhausted or installed loosely.