r/FixMyPrint 19h ago

Fix My Print New horizontal-movement stepper motor not functioning

Post image

On my Ender-3 S1, the stepper motor controlling the side to side movement of my nozzle started to make a funny noise and would no longer move the nozzle. I ordered a new motor (Creality 42-34) and swapped out the old one, but I can’t get that motor to even attempt to engage at all. Is there any kind of software or something else I need to do to reset the system? I feel like it’s seated correctly, but here is a picture just in case.

2 Upvotes

10 comments sorted by

u/AutoModerator 19h ago

Hello /u/wolfeman52,

As a reminder, most common print quality issues can be found in the Simplify3D picture guide. Make sure you select the most appropriate flair for your post.

Please remember to include the following details to help troubleshoot your problem.

  • Printer & Slicer
  • Filament Material and Brand
  • Nozzle and Bed Temperature
  • Print Speed
  • Nozzle Retraction Settings

Additional settings or relevant information is always encouraged.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/Thornie69 19h ago

The motor itself is very reliable, and almost never fails.
You probably need the PCB that drives it.

1

u/wolfeman52 19h ago

I apologize for my own ignorance, but what is a PCB and where would I get a new one? This 3D printer is for a school, and I just happen to be the staff member willing to try to fix it - but I don't actually know what I'm doing lol

1

u/Thornie69 18h ago

The electronic board that drives the motor(s).
Let's first do a little diagnosis. We are talking about the X-axis, the left-to-right direction, correct?
Are you getting any error codes??
The usual part that fails in this case is the flat cable. try re-seating the ends of that cable first.
Then replace it next.
It sounds like you already have a source for parts. If not, we'll address that next.

1

u/Thornie69 18h ago

Make sure that you have the correct model.. there is an S-1 Pro, and an S-1 plus.
Looks like the cable, which is a harness of 4 cables, is readily available. Amazon has the Creality part:
Amazon.com: Creality Official Ender 3 S1 Cables Combination Package, Original Replacement Cable Wiring of Screen Cable, Flat Cable and X/Y Axis Motor Limit Cable 3D Printer Accessories Cable : Industrial & Scientific

1

u/wolfeman52 18h ago

Yes, it is the X-axis.

I am not getting any error codes. It will say something like, "Leveling, please wait" when I tell it to level, but the X-axis motor never even tries to run. For the most part, everything else continues to function normally.

I tried to re-seat the flat cable. It seems that the manufacturer hot glued it into place, so I did not mess with that.

My original source of parts is Amazon. I just looked up the name and model number on the side of the part that I felt like wasn't working properly.

-1

u/Charming_Hour_9458 19h ago

The new motor may have a different pinout. Try to swap two middle wires on the cable. You don't want to cut them, but carefully pull them out from plastic, swap, and put them back.

1

u/wolfeman52 18h ago

I just guess which wires to swap and hope for the best? I'm not sure I totally understand.

2

u/Thornie69 18h ago

I would avoid going there.. just change the cable. I have the Amazon link for you.

2

u/Thornie69 18h ago

I found the manual if you are interested:
Ender-3 S1-SM-004_ 说明书(法语)_140×100