Opening an Epson Perfection 3170 Photo Scanner

[JTC]

When I try to use this scanner it makes a sort of grinding noise but
doesn't scan. It used to work wonderfully but then this started. I
notice that long piece of cord that acts like sort of pulley doesn't
move.

Anyone know how to open this scanner? And all suggestions about how to
fix it gratefully received.

Thansk all.

 

[-]

Have you locked and unlocked the scanner head a few times to make sure the
lock hasn't become partially engaged? If you are scanning film, you have
made sure to take the insert out, right?

Doug

 

[JTC]

Many thanks for the reply, Doug. I tried doing as you advise but no
luck, I'm afraid.

Brendan

 

[Ken Weitzel]

Many thanks for the reply, Doug. I tried doing as you advise but no
luck, I'm afraid.

Brendan

Hi Brendan...

If you're adamant that you want to open it up, and
assuming that your 3170 is close enough the same as
a 3200, then remove the top cover. (completely, lift the
posts out of their slots) You'll find a phillips head
screw in each slot.

Lift the rear *gently*; be extra careful with the corner
nearest the lock - the top and lock are entwined. Once
the rear is completely free and lifted an inch or two,
move the whole top towards the front of the case. Careful,
not too far, there are fragile wires connecting the switch
and top plate.

Good luck, and take care.

Ken

 

[JTC]

Thanks Ken. I wouldn't say I'm adamant but I am frustrated as I don't
use the scanner very often and so it is still quite new - but out of
guarantee.

I now get a message saying that the scanner cannot be found and might
not be connected properly. This even though the scanner reacted to a
command given on my keyboard. So it must have known it was connected to
do that. (I have obviously gone over the connections several times.)

There is also now a flashing red light on the front of the scanner. I
think maybe I'll try reinstalling teh software once again before
attempting to lift the top off.

Brendan

 

[Andy Spragg]

There is also now a flashing red light on the front of the scanner. I
think maybe I'll try reinstalling teh software once again before
attempting to lift the top off.

All the symptoms point to the locking mechanism being at least
partially engaged. If it's anything like the 2480 that I have, it's in
a most inconvenient place ie.e. right underneath. Lift it up and have
a look.

 

[bkcasebolt]

Hi Brendan...

If you're adamant that you want to open it up, and
assuming that your 3170 is close enough the same as
a 3200, then remove the top cover. (completely, lift the
posts out of their slots) You'll find a phillips head
screw in each slot.

Lift the rear *gently*; be extra careful with the corner
nearest the lock - the top and lock are entwined. Once
the rear is completely free and lifted an inch or two,
move the whole top towards the front of the case. Careful,
not too far, there are fragile wires connecting the switch
and top plate.

Good luck, and take care.

Ken

Hi Brendan
I had a similar experience with my Epson 3170. After opening the top hatch carefully I found that the drive belt seemed loose. After close scrutiny I found that the front pulley bracket that holds the pulley in place had broke loose from the plastic printer housing. The little plastic clips had broken. I carefully applied contact cement to the bracket and printer housing. I allowed enough time, and pressed the bracket back into place with the belt around the pulley. The bracket stuck firmly in place in the proper orientation. To further strengthen, I drilled a small hole in the plastic housing and applied a short wood screw to make sure that the bracket will always stay attached. Use care not to get the contact cement on any of the rails. It's also a good time to clean the inside glass on the scanner table. The repair was successful. I hope to get many more years of service from this scanner.
Your Doc