| Display |
Possible Causes |
| Head Open |
The printhead is not fully closed. |
| The printhead open sensor is not working properly. |
Contact a service technician to replace the sensor. |
| Media Out or Paper out |
The media is not loaded or is loaded incorrectly. |
| Misaligned media sensor. |
Check the position of the media sensor. |
| The printer is set for non-continuous media, but continuous media is loaded. |
Calibrate the printer. See Calibrating the Ribbon and Media Sensors. |
| Paper jam |
There is an issue with the media in the media path. |
| Ribbon out |
In thermal transfer mode: The ribbon is not loaded.The ribbon is loaded incorrectly.The ribbon sensor is not detecting the ribbonThe media is blocking the ribbon sensor. |
| In thermal transfer mode, the printer did not detect the ribbon even though it was loaded correctly. |
Calibrate the printer. See Calibrating the Ribbon and Media Sensors or load printer defaults by touching MenuSystemSettingsRestore DefaultsRestore Printer |
| If you are using direct thermal media, the printer waits for the ribbon to be loaded because it is incorrectly set for thermal transfer mode. |
Set the printer for Direct Thermal mode. See Print Quality Print Type in Print Menu. |
| Ribbon in |
Ribbon is loaded, but the printer is set for direct thermal mode. |
| If the message persists even when the ribbon is not in the printer, Calibrate the printer. See Calibrating the Ribbon and Media Sensors. |
| If you use thermal transfer media, which requires ribbon, set the printer for Thermal Transfer mode. See Determine the Label Collection Method. |
| Invalid head or Head identification failed |
The printhead was replaced with one that is not a genuine Zebra printhead. |
| There is an issue with the printhead. |
Turn the printer off and back on to see if the error repeats. If it does, replace the printhead. |
| Head element out |
A printhead element is no longer working. |
| Replace printhead |
The printhead is nearing the end of its life and should be replaced. |
| Head maintenance needed |
The printhead needs to be cleaned. |
| Head over temp or Head too hot |
WARNING! An improperly connected printhead data or power cable can cause these error messages. The printhead may be hot enough to cause severe burns. Allow the printhead to cool. |
| WARNING! An improperly connected printhead data or power cable can cause these error messages. The printhead may be hot enough to cause severe burns. Allow the printhead to cool. |
| The printhead is over-temperature. |
Allow the printer to cool. Printing automatically resumes when the printhead elements cool to an acceptable operating temperature. If this error persists, consider changing where the printer is located or using a slower print speed. |
| Head Under Temp or Head Thermistor Fault or Head cold |
The printhead data cable is not connected correctly. |
| The printhead temperature is approaching its lower operating limit. |
Continue printing while the printhead reaches the correct operating temperature. If the error remains, the environment may be too cold for proper printing. Relocate the printer to a warmer area. |
| The printhead has a faulty thermistor. |
Replace the printhead. |
| Cutter error |
The cutter blade is sharp. Do not touch or rub the blade with your fingers. |
| The cutter blade is in the media path. |
Turn off the printer's power and unplug it. Inspect the cutter module for debris and clean as needed, following the cleaning instructions in Cleaning and Lubricating the Cutter Module. |
| Out of Memory |
There is not enough memory to perform the function specified. |
| Ensure that the data is not directed to a device that is not installed or is unavailable. |
| If the problem persists, contact a service technician. |
| Defragmenting |
ZE500 printer is defragmenting memory. |
| CAUTION Do NOT turn off the print engine power during defragmenting. Doing so can damage the print engine. |