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How to fix error code 980 on OKI printers


The printer is permanently flashing (all 3 LEDs).
Message "fatal internal error" with the error code 980

Solution 1:
  • Error 980 means that the error by media clinging to the fuser and the fuser is required to be replaced.

Solution 2:
  • Take out the Fuser and lay the two blue levers flat and remove them.
  • Remove the two silver screws and separate the casing.
  • Remove the two black screws from the connector at the bottom of the fuser closest to the edge.
  • Unravel and loosen the wires so you can pull that connector out a few inches so you can get a couple of wires in there.
  • Insert a wire into each of the two holes on the back of that connector. 2 and 3 have wires going in, 4 and 5 dont which is the fuse. After you get the wires in the 2 holes, check for continuity from the end of the wires and the terminals if you can. Make sure the wires are long enough to hang out the case. Use the thinnest wires you can find.
  • Run the wires out of the case and put the case back together and put the fuser in. Twist the two wires together and power up the machine. As soon as you here the first motor, which is about 5 seconds, pull the wires apart, you just reset the fuser back to 100% and cleared the "980" Fatal Error. 
  • Video:

Comments

Iron It said…
You can replace the fuser but this won't always clear the error, the above method may work but seems an awful lot of work
Contact OKI via the website, they will reply with instructions on how to download and install Oki storage device manager. Once this is installed you can use it to send a .pjl file to the printer which clears the error.
Anonymous said…
I repaired oki c5800 980 error like author said, I put two wires inside fuser unit, on the white two free pins.. then I power on the printer and waited for first motor sound, then I released the wires (timing is critical)

Anonymous said…
I have the software to send a pjl file, can you tell me the pjl to send to erase the error 980 in Oki C5700 please. Thanks.
Anonymous said…
To Iron, my MC361 had an error 980.
I replaced the fuser.
I asked OKI support to help me clear the 980 error. They won't help you.
OKI support told me to go service the printer at an OKI certified repair shop!!. I guess OKI support is like those car dealers who ask $80 to replace a burned light bulb when all you can easily do it yourself... it is all about money, not helping the customer.
Never heard anything from OKI about a pjl file
Unknown said…
I don't understand how this can work. The connections are made to unused pins. Surely the 2 pins you need to link to would be connected to the blown fuse you are trying to simulate?

I have a MC561 (fits many other models too) fuser in front of me. The pinout is different.
The connectors are 4 large pins to the heater at the bottom, and a smaller connector above - 4 pins on the right, 2 connected to wires into roller,
5 pins on the left, 4 connected to thermistor on stalk. one pair read about 180K, the other pair open circuit. Maybe this is where the fuse was...
Can anyone confirm this?

I have a pjl '980 fix' file for an older model. Are these pjl files universal for all OKIs?
Anonymous said…
the wiring notes do not match c511 connector
Anonymous said…
viridens,

The factory installed fuser does not have a fuse present as the printers are cycled in factory mode in the factory, and the firmware does not need to see the temporary resistance.

Replacement fusers contain a fuse on those "unused" pins to communicate with the printer that the fuser has been replaced.

Those of you that have gotten a 980 error after replacing the fuser, was the fuser BRAND NEW from a reputable source? Used fusers boxed as "New", or used fusers in general will not have the fuse, or will have an already blown fuse resulting in the 980 error.
Frank Rizzo said…
Try this: Unplug the printer. Ensure that all of the ink is out of the machine. Remove any paper. Take outside. Place in a concealed location. Apply baseball bat to printer. Repeat as necessary.

That should fix any issues with any OKI printer.
Anonymous said…
I am not seeing any unused holes. Can somebody post a photo of what I am to be looking for?
Nellah said…
I wish there was a way to upvote your comment Frank Rizzo :)
Unknown said…
It worked for me on C711 I had paper rolled inside fuser, I got the 980 error, I took the paper out and cleaned the rollers, still got the error. I took it apart again. There were 2 unused terminals I used a twisted pair from a cat5 cable stripped 1/4 inch from the ends and inserted them in the unused ports make sure they go between the plastic wall and the metal terminal inside the hole. Tape the wires to the other wires to avoid having them pull out while you push all wires back. put it back together and in printer with wires hanging out, strip the ends and short them out while turning power on, as soon as you hear the motor go on separate the wires. it took me 2 tries but it worked.
AMAZING FIX!!! I can't believe you've shared this info, thanks very much for it. Saved me lot of hassle. The wall ethernet cable I've used was literally plug'n'play.
Though I left the wire hanging out of the printer, you never know :)
Thanks again
Anonymous said…
Hi,

I could issue this problem like this:

Restart the printer pressing down the On Line key
"Program Update Mode" appears, nothing happened overnight
Again restart, and everything works again ;)
Unknown said…
any chance for a picture or video demonstration. im kinda lost which cables going where
Unknown said…
cbale method works fantastic. thank you
Unknown said…
any chance for a picture or video demonstration. im kinda lost which cables going where
Anonymous said…
This "fuse" trick just saved me $250. Thanks for the post.
Anonymous said…
Fits oki c330 , anyone can take a picture
Unknown said…
I just did yours and the Mazen Shabbar reset on my Oki C610 after getting the fatal error 980 message and it worked. Took me 2 goes to get the timing right for the reset. The time it took was 3 hours because I made a few mistakes on the way broke a bit of plastic here and there but it worked. I am a visual person so it would be great to have a diagram or a more detailed explanation to ensure the 2 screws taken out are the front because there are 2 two on the back as well and it is messy trying to get it off when it won't come apart that side. However thanks it worked!
Tom Garretson said…
I just followed the above instructions, and while a bit vague it worked like a charm. I am absolutely stunned. I'm really not the most handy person but figured I couldn't break it much more than I did so gave it a shot and it saved me a couple hundred bucks. Thanks to whoever figured this out. And if you're deciding between giving it a shot and putting up the money, I highly recommend giving it a shot.

Some key points - the two silver screws that need to be removed are on the side with all the bars and stuff across the fuser rolls (the orange rolls). If you can see the fuser roll without anything blocking it at all, turn your unit over and remove those two screws.

Also, my unit didn't have two empty slots in the white connector bit, it had two slots that essentially created a small loop. In that loop was the fuse you had spoke about. So I cut and stripped those wires, twisted new wires to them and was able to leave the actual connections in place.

This is really a brilliant fix, thanks again for posting it. I really wish I had taken pictures along the way, but didn't honestly believe it would work. If it happens again I'll post a play by play with pictures for future users.
Unknown said…
Since there are a few who are interested in this fix I took some photos.
I don't know how to post them here. you can copy and paste the link below into your browser.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/p342h3bkirhy1vl/all1.jpg?dl=0
Marius said…
I have opened the fuser following the steps described but there's definitely no empty slots on my OKI C711 fuser. I might try the 'program update mode' restart suggested earlier and see if this is working.
Anonymous said…
I have an OKI ES7411WT. Same problem with the FUSER. Fatal error 980 after a sheet of paper crashed.

I installed the 2 wires as mentioned and needed 3 trys ( starting the printer and pulling the wires apart)

Third try was succsessful.

Thank you a lot for sharing!
Anonymous said…
I have an Oki C610 and the same problem with the Fuser.
Error 980.

I tried the following instruction:

1.Turn machine on while pushing and holding the TWO up/down menu buttons at the same time.
2. Menu window will show "OKI USER"
3. Scroll to " Engine Dialog Mode" is indicated. Push Enter button.
4. "Diagnostic Mode xx.xx.xx S-Mode is indicated.
5. Scroll to "NV-Ram initial" is indicated. Push ENTER.
6. Window shows "NV-Ram- Initial Table 1."
7. Push ONLINE and ENTER Buttons simultaneously and HOLD for 10 seconds after you see "Executing Reset" appear in the menu window.
8. Restart the printer.

It didn't work.

After that, I tried the instruction with the two wires and after the second try it worked.
Thank you
Donna said…
Can someone Please post the PJL file to clear the error?
Anonymous said…
i do not have original fuser mine has a resistor.... will this still work?
Unknown said…
That is not a resistor , it is a fuse. Yes it will work. You can also replace that fuse if you can find one. It is 50ma. The printer looks for that fuse and if it is not blown it will blow it and reset the life of the fuser to 99%. The wire trick is to mimick a fuse being blown.
Unknown said…
Can you send me some pictures how to do it...jizmodesign@gmail.com
Unknown said…
Can you send me some pictures how to do it...jizmodesign@gmail.com
Anonymous said…
@ Mazen Shabbar

It Work perfect!!!! Thank you 1000 x !
Anonymous said…
Thanks for explanation Mazen Shabbar! I've cleared 980 error on OKI c822 printer. On fuser for this printer was different type of connector. There was 4 thick pins for powering up heat elements in rollers, and 6pin , parallel with 7pin (Maybe 8pin/not sure :). Into that 6pin connector is plugged white jst type connector from bottom. There goes only 4 wires (to thermal sensors on rollers), and last 2 not, connected is where You have to connect the wires, as was desribed in this tutorial above.
Unknown said…
Hi, do anyone knows were to buy the 50ma fuse?
Unknown said…
Hello I'm hoping someone can help me. I've done this wire method. On the first try the 980 error went away and I had a 155 error. Took out to make sure it was seated correctly and put back then 980 again. I'm using speaker wire. I made it to short and had to attach more wire. Could that be the issue. Not having a direct line. Please someone chime in. I feel like I'm so close.
Unknown said…
Hi again I posted the above comment and after I went decided to give it one more try and BOOM! worked like a charm. This is a life saver, I had a job to finish. So grateful. I can't imagine how many ppl have purchased new fusers. Well now lets see if this thing works. Wish me luck. Your diagram was spot on.
Unknown said…
Hello,
I've faced this problem on my C301dn, I've tried to reset it but no way (I've also broken several plastic part doing it!!!), finally I've solved as below:

- I've bought another fuser (oki original), installed and used for a couple of days, then I've re-installed the old fuser...and it works perfectly!!! Not the most economic way but at least you have a spare fuser for the future!!!
ELISE said…
I'm a little old lady who loves art and bought a MC362w about 18months ago.
Had more problems with it than I can list - within a few weeks the mother board blew, and being still under warranty OKI kindly replaced it. Before long it refused to print out of the blue again, The wonderful agent here in Perth through whom I bought the printer came out to fix it, took it away again, returned it a week later and it worked agai. Before long, trouble started again. So many times this lovely man would talk me through various things to do, settings to change etcetera, until I became to scared to touch it. Again the motherboard blew - - apparantly because of power surges where I live - dono. It was taken away agin for a longer time for 'open-heart surgery, returned and worked for a few blissfull months. And then the paper decided to get stuck, and the dreaded Error 980 came up. I tried my trusted agent here to help again. He told me that I should call Oki in Sydney, they told me the to install a new fuser, which is a consumable, not under warranty,. Because I do not have the money, and firstly must feed my sweet cat who eats only the best, I looked you guys up, but the 362 seems to be different to any of what you talk about. So I thought I will follow Frank Rizzos advice, but!! I do not have a baseball bat - damn! Gabriele Labeltech, I hope that when I do get a new fuser, the same miracle might happen to me too. Put cat on diet. So miss my HP printer I had for 7 years and no problem ever. Oki is one sensitive troublesome lady, methinks.
Hi! I have an Oki C531DN. I tried the steps and Mazen's pics but i am unable to open the fuser so that I can insert the wires. Does anyone who has C531DN printer experienced the 980 error and resolved it? Or is there a work around for me to try the 2 wire solution?

Your help will be much appreciated. Thanks!
Anonymous said…
I managed the two wires solution on a Oki C 301 dn. I needed about 15 tries, because error 155 was shown in the display. After repositioning the fuser the printer started normally. The plastic part on the back was broken while opening the case. It must be removed first. Carefully.

Thanks a lot for the advice.

MadTax
Kev said…
Gabrielle Labeltech, you haven't fixed the problem. By installing a new fuser you've blown the fuse on it thereby resetting the printer. When your current fuser reaches end of life and you then put in your "new" fuser, the one which now has a blown fuse, the printer won't recognise it as new and it won't work.
Anonymous said…
A NEW FIX!!!
I tried the above fix with the wires on my C6150 and had no luck. I kept restarting the printer and disconnecting the wires. On every attempt I would count up one additional second. Finally on the 17 attempt (17 seconds) I got a new error, 173 Fatal Error. This error happens when the fuser gets to hot.

I immediately put in another one of my old fusers and BAM!!! it worked.

I wonder if I could have done this (restart multiple times until error 173 comes up) with the original fuser (then let it cool off and restart again) and just ignored doing the wire trick from above. It's worth a try if you happen to read down this far on the thread.

Rod
Anonomus said…
Alternative to the Wire fix.

Hi Guys,

I have an OKI MC362 and had the same 980 error, there was some paper stuck on the Fuser. I ended up buying a new fuser Unit after not being able to get rid of the error. When I installed the new unit and turned the printer back on, I got exactly the same error (sigh). I tried to turn it on and off a few times but no luck.

What I ended up doing, which resolved the problem, was to take the new fuser unit out and also a couple of the colours cartridges. I then turned the printer back on and got a different message about the Fuser Unit missing. I then turned off the printer and replaced the Fuser Unit only (with the new one), the printer started but this time complained about the colour cartridges missing. I then left the printer on and replaced the colour cartridges (I had removed earlier), closed the printer lid and it now works fine.

Go figure.

George C.
Anonymous said…
George C
Thank you for a quick easy and spot on fix to that error 980 on oki mc362w.
I never removed the colour cartridges but did everything else.
What a nightmare it was turning out to be and no easy to find fix from any official sites or anywhere else. All about money I think. Well done George.
Larry G.
Anonymous said…
GEORGE YOU ARE A GODESEND!

This is the only trick that would work!!

Thank you.
Anonymous said…
Thanks so much; it just worked for me(c5950)! Funny thing is I first tried your hack 6 years ago; nothing happened, then today I re-read your post and the comments- I realized that the key thing was the timing !! Thanks!!!
Anonymous said…
Hi all, thank you very much for this thread. It helped so solve my Problem!!
Here a short description of my case, maybe it helps someone:
I have an OKI MC562w. I got an 980 Error. I pulled out the fuser an saw a A4 paper stuck in it. I removed the paper, but the error 980 was still there. I removed all the toners. I followed the guidance with the two cabels. I have a connector with 2 empty pins, no fuse. I put two cables in these empty pins and shorted them while the printer started. The error 980 was gone, instead an error 155 appeared. When i restarted the printer, again there was the er980. I again shorted the wires on start. Shut down the printer. Put in the black toner. There was an error to put in the color toners. I put the color toners in, restarted, an everthing works FINE!! Thank you so much! @Mazen Shabbar thx for your dropbox pics!
here is also a helpful video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blGik5sAiq0
Unknown said…
Kudos to whoever post this, he is my hero as I was able to clear 980 fatal error on my oki c5600 with the Two wire trick, you really save me a lot of stress and cash
Anonymous said…
error 980 - OKI c610. I removed the paper, but the error 980 was still there. turn OFF the printer. I removed the Fuser Unit only and turn ON the printer - printer say: insert Fuser Unit!
On the Fuser Unit (on the corner is 3-4 pins -- was fuse 100mA) I replace the smal fuse 100mA (Ultra FAST) or smal FAST fuse 100 mA (as resistor, size = 0.125Wt /0.256Wt , color = aquvamarine(ligth - blue) not SMD) and it now works fine.
Tom said…
I found a Youtube clip. It is in Russian but reading the really helpful words previously posted and with this video alongside it all makes sense https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blGik5sAiq0
Unknown said…
Fixed: I have OKI C511dn printer, I did the wire trick just like in the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blGik5sAiq0

I did a lot of rests and got the same results: error 155 then back to error 980, i have played with the time of the wire releasing, at the end what worked is releasing them much sooner than the video, like a few seconds after powering on the printer.
Anonymous said…
April 17, 2020 -- this worked for my old OKI C5500. Thank you to the original poster! For those with the C5500 the first couple of times I pulled the wires apart too soon. I then noticed the motor cuts on shortly after you see "Initializing" on the LCD screen. Worked on the third try.
pepe said…
Hello! works for c711wt
worked just fine with the wires! at third try!
first one error 155, second no error and back to 980
third error 155, then removed fusor, white and cyan toners...
closed the cover and printer ask for fusor, put only fusor and says ready to print!
open cover again and put the removed colors and that's it!
Craige said…
Hi

Yes this fix will work to fool printer. If you keep getting 155 code. Unplug power, walk away and have a cup of Tea. Come back after 30 mins, plug power in, press power button and it should fire up as normal. Timing is crucial, so just allow the 30 min break so 155 code can clear.
Anonymous said…
Tried for days on oki C301dn as described but only managed to get error 155 when clearing 980 fault{
"I did a lot of rests and got the same results: error 155 then back to error 980, i have played with the time of the wire releasing, at the end what worked is releasing them much sooner than the video, like a few seconds after powering on the printer."

I tried releasing wires after 2 seconds of powering up and bingo...worked a treat

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