Zebra GK420D Label Printer Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Guide

To assist you with keeping your critical operations running with the highest level of support for your Zebra printers. We have put this Quick Troubleshooting Guide together to provide you with help in resolving some of the more common questions we receive in technical support.

The document is organised as a set of individual questions and answers. A wealth of self-help resources are available through our in-depth Knowledge Base.

Visit this section of our site if you require information on the Zebra GK420D status lights, which explains the errors causing flashing red lights, amber lights etc.

Q: How do I calibrate or adjust my GK420D printer for the media / ribbon I wish to use?

A: The below steps should be followed to resolve most issues with printer calibration.

1. Check your labels to define Gap, Notch or Mark.
2. Depending on labels the sensor will need to be positioned correctly.
3. Check that the ribbon is installed correctly. Note the color of ribbon. Black Ribbon is most common.
4. Auto calibrate should take place after printhead is closed.
5. If Auto Calibrate does not run; Manual calibration will need to be completed.

Q: How do I find and install new drivers for my printer?

A: Follow the steps below to install new drivers for your printer.

1. Go to the Zebra GK420D driver section of this site to find an updated driver.
2. Install driver before connecting USB. Install driver with Network and then use settings while driver is installing to configure IP address.
3. If driver is not communicating try using different connection cable.
4. Driver installed under devices and printers on your PC should come online or a new driver will install automatically.
5. Test Print.

Q: How do I adjust the print quality from my printer?

A: Try following these steps:

1. Pause Test - Hold pause while printer starts release pause after 5 seconds.
2. If pause test does not show different darkness levels, labels and ribbon may be the wrong combo. Contact us for assistance on the correct media and ribbons for your application.
3. If Pause test prints darkness levels- Go into printer settings to adjust darkness.
4. Adjust darkness settings in driver.

Note: A gap in print may indicate a faulty printhead. Please contact us for assistance in procuring a new printhead.

Q: How do I print out the configuration and make setting changes to my printer?

A: Print configuration label from driver under by accessing front panel menu under settings – Config.
Change settings in driver and print windows test page (This will push commands changed to the printer).

Q: My printer will not power on. How do I resolve a power on issue?

A: Please try the following:

1. Try a different power cable.
2. Check power cable and turn printer on by power outlet.
3. If printer is new, it may require replacement

More Zebra GK420D Information