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James John
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Filament Explorer
Asked: 2023-06-19T13:47:58+00:00 In:

Jerking Extruder Motor on Used Creator Pro Printer

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I recently acquired a used Creator Pro printer and initially had no issues during a few prints totaling approximately 10 hours of printing time. However, I encountered a sudden problem where the extruder motor started jerking the filament back and forth instead of feeding it properly. Even when I manually guide the filament, it easily passes through the hot extruder. This problem persists even during filament loading. I took apart the extruder to ensure that the motor is not obstructed by any objects, but even with no contact, it continues to exhibit this wiggling motion when instructed to load the filament.

It seems unlikely that the motor’s sequencing spontaneously changed after several hours of printing. I tried disconnecting and reconnecting the cable, but the issue remains. The printer is running Sailfish firmware, in case that detail is relevant. Although I suspect that the stepper motor may be faulty, I would appreciate any input or alternative suggestions before reaching a conclusion.

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    1 Answer

    1. Mohamed Elgendy
      Best Answer
      Print Jedi Additive manufacturing Engineer

      The issue you’re experiencing with the extruder motor on your Creator Pro printer could be caused by a few different factors. Here are some possible solutions to try:

      1. Check the filament path: Make sure there are no obstructions or clogs in the filament path, such as debris or partially melted filament. Clean out the extruder and hot end to ensure smooth filament flow.
      2. Inspect the extruder gear: Take a close look at the extruder gear that grips the filament. It’s possible that the gear teeth are worn down or damaged, preventing it from properly gripping the filament. If necessary, replace the gear with a new one.
      3. Adjust the motor current: The jerking motion could be a result of insufficient motor current. Check the motor current settings in your printer’s firmware and increase them slightly if needed. This adjustment can usually be made through the printer’s LCD menu or in the firmware configuration files.
      4. Recheck the stepper motor wiring: Ensure that the wiring connections between the stepper motor and the control board are secure and properly seated. Sometimes, a loose or faulty connection can cause erratic motor behavior.
      5. Update or re-flash the firmware: While less likely, it’s possible that there may be a firmware issue causing the problem. Consider updating or re-flashing the firmware on your printer to the latest version, or even try a different firmware like Marlin to see if it resolves the issue.

      If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and the problem persists, it’s possible that the stepper motor itself is indeed faulty and may need to be replaced.