Ticket printers are essential for seamless communication between the front and back of house in a restaurant. When they malfunction, it can disrupt service and cause delays. This guide provides quick, practical solutions to common printer issues, helping you restore smooth operations fast.
This article provides a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot common printer hardware issues. Download the attached chart for further explanation.
Check the printer's lights
Lights are on in the front and back
No front lights, no rear lights
Front lights are on but no rear lights
Lights are on in the front and back
Are there any paper/error lights?
- Check the paper, paper type, ribbon, and paper feeder for blockages
- If there is still an error power cycle the printer (turn it off, unplug, and then plug it back in and turn it on)
- Still an error light? Perform a print self test. Power it off, hold feed, and then power it back on
- If there is still an error light send it to the hardware queue
Power cycle the printer (turn it off, unplug, and then plug it back in and turn it on) and perform a print self test. Power it off, hold feed, and then power it back on
- If there are no error lights and it still won't print then check for any available software solutions
- If this persists, check with Tabit support or a manager to determine if it should be sent to the hardware queue
No front lights, no rear lights
Check the ethernet cable on both ends (both in the wall and in the printer)
- If there are now front lights but no rear lights, follow these steps
- If there are still no lights, swap the defective printer into a working print station and connect it with the working station's cables
Front lights are on but no rear lights
Check the ethernet cable on both ends (both in the wall and in the printer)
- If there are still no rear lights, swap the defective printer into a working print station and connect it with the working station's cables
- If there are still no lights send it to the hardware queue. If it now powers and prints, plug the working printer in at the defective printer station
- If it still has front lights and no rear lights it is likely a network hardware issue. Advise the site to contact their network manager or replace the ethernet cable
- If it now has no front lights and no rear lights it's likely a bad power cable or power brick and should be sent to the hardware queue