Zebra GK420d Printhead Replacement

  • Step 1 Open The Lid

    • Release Side Tabs.

    • Remove any media

    • Note: You can turn the light blue gear to force the spindle arms to remain apart, that way you don't have to hold them.

  • Step 2 Remove the plastic guard.

    • Loosen the captured phillips screw to release the guard.

    • Close the lid and slide the guard toward the back of the printer to free it.

  • Step 3 Remove the top cover of the lid.

    • Remove the 5 Phillips Screws.

    • Remove the recessed Phillips Screw. It may not be possible to use a driver to remove this screw.

    • Gently unplug the two ribbon cables attached to the underside of the lid cover.

    • Note which direction the contacts on the ribbon cables are facing for reassembly.

    • If there is enough slack on the ribbon cable traveling down the side of the printer, it is not necessary to unplug it. The lid may rest next to the printer.

  • Step 4 Remove the grounding cable

    • Slide the grounding cable hook toward the front of the printer to release it from the retaining spring.

    • Thread the grounding cable away from the printhead and the lid latches.

  • Step 5 Release the retaining spring.

    • Apply downward pressure on the retaining spring.

    • Use a spudger to release the plastic tab holding in the retaining spring.

    • Once the edge of the retaining spring has cleared the plastic tab, you can slide the retaining spring out of the printer.

    • The retaining spring can only be removed out of one side of the printer.

    • Clearing the plastic tab holding the retaining spring in place requires a fair bit of force and coordination. It is possible to damage the plastic tab.

  • Step 6 Loosen the printhead

    • Press the plastic tab holding the printhead in place.

    • Once the edge of the printhead is clear of the plastic tab, you can pull it away from the lid to give yourself more room.

  • Step 7 Unplug the printhead.

    • Gently remove the two cables on each end of the printhead.

    • It may be helpful to have the lid closed and latched during this step.