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Prestige L2 & XL2

Prestige L2 & XL2 - Prestige L Series - How to Troubleshoot & Replace Take Up System Sensor & Motor

Every step links to its own moment in the video, so you never hunt for the right part again.

  • 17 steps
  • 97 instructions
  • 1 video
  • Updated 2026-04-20

Prestige L2 User manualPrestige XL2 Installation & setup guideThe full manual, beyond first setup. · All manuals

Take-Up System Troubleshooting and Replacement for L Series Prestige DTF Printers

  1. 0:01Overview and Scope
  2. 0:33Identifying Take-Up Reel Issues
  3. 1:02Media Sensor Functional Test
  4. 1:37Isolating Sensor vs Motor Failure
  5. 2:13Sensor Replacement With Connector
  6. 2:48Sensor Replacement Without Connector
  7. 4:18Preparing the New Sensor
  8. 5:09Installing the New Sensor (No Connector)
  9. 5:50Reassembling the Take-Up Motor Housing
  10. 6:30Reassembling the Take-Up Reel
  11. 7:14Take-Up Motor Replacement Preparation
  12. 7:51Disassembling for Motor Replacement
  13. 8:41Gear Assembly Disassembly
  14. 10:25Installing the New Motor
  15. 11:40Reassembling the Gear Assembly
  16. 13:34Final Reassembly and Testing
Written steps17

Overview and Scope

Watch this part0:01
  1. Confirm the printer is an L Series Prestige DTF printer.
  2. Understand this procedure covers take-up system troubleshooting, media sensor replacement, and take-up motor replacement.
  3. Use the video chapters as reference when navigating replacement sections.

Identifying Take-Up Reel Issues

Watch this part0:33
  1. Observe printed output for severe media misalignment.
  2. Identify that misalignment may be caused by the take-up reel not feeding media when required.
  3. Verify the take-up reel power switch is turned on and set to the “1” position.
  4. While the printer is running, observe whether the take-up reel feeds media as needed.

Media Sensor Functional Test

Watch this part1:02
  1. Locate the media sensor on the back side of the printer.
  2. Lift the tension rod to ensure no media is blocking the front of the sensor.
  3. Observe the indicator light on the sensor.
  4. Confirm the light turns on when media moves away from the sensor.

Cleaning the Media Sensor

  1. If the sensor light does not turn on, prepare a lint-free cloth.
  2. Soak the cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
  3. Gently clean the sensor lens in one direction only.
  4. Repeat the sensor test.

Isolating Sensor vs Motor Failure

Watch this part1:37
  1. If the light still does not turn on, rotate both sensor rings to remove the sensor from the bracket.
  2. Test the sensor by moving your hand in front of it.
  3. If the light does not turn on, the sensor is faulty.
  4. If the light turns on correctly, the take-up motor is the issue.
  5. Contact DTF Station Tech Support for the correct replacement part.

Sensor Replacement With Connector

Watch this part2:13
  1. Verify the sensor has a wire connector.
  2. Rotate the front ring counterclockwise and remove it.
  3. Pull the sensor out of the bracket.
  4. Press the connector tab and disconnect the sensor.
  5. Connect the new sensor until a click is heard.
  6. Rotate the back ring counterclockwise to loosen it near the edge of the threads.
  7. Position the sensor as close to the media path as possible.
  8. Reinstall and tighten the front ring.

Sensor Replacement Without Connector

Watch this part2:48

What you need

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Small flathead screwdriver
  • Allen wrenches
  • Snap ring pliers
  1. Remove the sensor by rotating the front ring counterclockwise and pulling it from the bracket.
  2. Loosen the bolts to remove the front pole of the take-up reel.
  3. Slide all take-up reel components off and disconnect all wires.
  4. Locate the unit with the power switch.
  5. Remove four screws to disassemble the housing.
  6. Follow the sensor cable to the screw terminals.
  7. Take a photo of the wire layout for reference.

Preparing the New Sensor

Watch this part4:18
  1. Cut off the existing connector from the new sensor.
  2. Strip the outer cable jacket carefully.
  3. Strip both internal wires to expose approximately 1/4 inch.
  4. Twist wire ends for easier installation.

Installing the New Sensor (No Connector)

Watch this part5:09
  1. Loosen the two terminal screws using a flathead screwdriver.
  2. Remove the old sensor wires.
  3. Insert the new sensor wires into the correct terminals using reference photos.
  4. Ensure no exposed wire remains outside the terminals.
  5. Tighten terminal screws securely.
  6. Tug lightly on wires to confirm secure connection.

Reassembling the Take-Up Motor Housing

Watch this part5:50
  1. Reinstall the external housing while organizing wires inside.
  2. Ensure the power switch aligns with the notch and is oriented correctly.
  3. Secure the housing using four screws.

Reassembling the Take-Up Reel

Watch this part6:30
  1. Insert the left reel component onto the nearest pole.
  2. Slide in the right reel component.
  3. Reinsert the pole.
  4. Route the sensor beneath both poles.
  5. Adjust the back ring to position the sensor close to the media.
  6. Install and tighten the front ring.
  7. Tighten the pole bolts.
  8. Plug in the take-up reel power cord.
  9. Install media.
  10. Set the motor switch to the “1” position.
  11. Test operation by moving media in front of the sensor.

Take-Up Motor Replacement Preparation

Watch this part7:14

What you need

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Small flathead screwdriver
  • Allen wrenches
  • Snap ring pliers

Disassembling for Motor Replacement

Watch this part7:51
  1. Remove the sensor from the bracket.
  2. Loosen bolts and remove the front pole.
  3. Slide all reel components off.
  4. Disconnect all wiring.
  5. Remove four screws to open the motor housing.

Gear Assembly Disassembly

Watch this part8:41
  1. Use snap ring pliers to remove the first c-clip.
  2. Remove the top gear component.
  3. Pull out the retaining pin.
  4. Remove the gear and washer.
  5. Remove the second c-clip beneath it.
  6. Remove four screws from the internal housing.
  7. Lift the internal housing while removing the bearing.
  8. Remove additional c-clips and gears as shown.
  9. Remove the motor mounting screws and lift the motor out.
  10. Take a photo of the motor wiring.

Installing the New Motor

Watch this part10:25
  1. Disconnect wires from the old motor.
  2. Connect wires to the new motor using reference photos.
  3. Twist wire ends for easier insertion.
  4. Tighten terminal screws securely.
  5. Confirm wires cannot be pulled loose.
  6. Position the motor correctly in the housing.
  7. Secure it using four screws.

Reassembling the Gear Assembly

Watch this part11:40
  1. Insert pins and gears in the same order removed.
  2. Align elongated and flat notches correctly.
  3. Install c-clips and confirm they are seated.
  4. Reinstall internal housing loosely at first.
  5. Insert the bearing fully.
  6. Install remaining c-clips.
  7. Tighten internal housing screws, ensuring the ground wire is properly positioned.

Final Reassembly and Testing

Watch this part13:34
  1. Reinstall the external housing and organize wiring.
  2. Secure housing with four screws.
  3. Reassemble the take-up reel components.
  4. Route and position the sensor correctly.
  5. Tighten all poles and fasteners.
  6. Plug in the power cord.
  7. Install media and set the motor to the “1” position.
  8. Test take-up reel operation using media or an object in front of the sensor.
  9. Confirm proper operation to complete the repair.

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