6 Ways How to Fix 3D Printer Endstop Not Working
Reading Time: 8 minutes Endstops are very important components of your 3D printer. This is because they help ensure accurate and consistent prints. If your 3D printer’s endstop stops working, it could lead to print defects during printing, or can even cause printing hazards.
That’s why I wrote this article, to help you fix your 3D printer’s endstop.
To fix your 3D printer’s endstop, ensure that the endstop is properly connected to the control board and the connection between them is firmly secured. Make sure that the endstop is well positioned. You can clean the contact pins of the endstop, as it tends to rust with time. You may need to replace the endstop.
While this may be the basic answer, keep reading to get more details on how to fix your 3D printer’s endstop when it stops working.
How to Fix 3D Printer Endstop Not Working
Here’s how to fix your 3D printer’s endstop when it stops working:
- Inspect and fix wired connections
- Adjust the position of the endstop
- Inspect the endstop connectors for rust or dirt and clean
- Update your firmware
- Test your endstop for issues
- Replace the endstop
1. Inspect and Fix Wired Connections
One way to fix your endstop when it stops working is to inspect the wiring on the endstop for anything that seems off. When inspecting, you want to ensure that the connections are correct. Also, you want to ensure that the connections are tightly held in place.
To ensure that the wires are well held in place, you can simply give it a slight tug to see if it comes off.
Once you confirm that the connections are loose, you can apply a little force to push the endstop connector into the control board. Else, the endstop will not work correctly when it is triggered. This is a common occurrence in 3D printing as the wires get loose with time.
One user was having problems getting his endstop to work on the X-axis while using a BTT SKR 2 running the Marlin 2.0.9.2 firmware version.
He stated that the endstop was always triggered but now it’s always open, according to the M119 command, even when the switch is pressed. The user was able to solve his issue after discovering that there were misplaced connections in the connector housing.
Another user stated that his endstop stopped working after he upgraded to the BTT SKR E3 V3 control board.
He stated that he kept checking the endstop wiring and the pinout configuration, thinking that was the problem, without realizing his issue was on the motor wiring where he had switched the X and Y motor connections.
After fixing the issue on his motor wiring, the user got his print all set and running again. He recommends always double-checking the wiring of your printer, as the issue may not be where you expect.
2. Adjust the Position of the Endstop
Another way to fix your endstop when it stops working is to adjust its position. Sometimes the endstop may not trigger because it is not in the right position.
You can try adjusting the position of the endstop by moving it closer to the print bed or the print head until it triggers when activated.
Check out the video below from Tomb of 3D Printed Horrors for more details on how to adjust the position of the endstop.
One user was able to solve his problem by adjusting the position of the mount for the endstop. He was already searching the web for an optical switch to replace the factory switch because his endstop was not clicking.
He adjusted the position of the mount for the endstop, and it fixed the problem for him.
Another user stated that he had been having inconsistent clicking from his endstop for months and he had only been adjusting the Z baby steps when printing brims or the first layer. He was able to solve his problem after adjusting the position of his endstop.
Also, another user stated that he was about to return his Ender 3V2 due to his endstop not working. He adjusted the Z switch and it worked perfectly.
3.Inspect the Endstop Connectors for Rust or Dirt and Clean
You can also fix your printer’s endstops by inspecting them for rust, dirt, or dust. These foreign materials can hinder the metal contact pins on the connector.
You can use a can of compressed air, such as the KOONIE Compressed Air Duster, to blow any dust or debris from the switch.
- 【500W Powerful Motor】: This electric air dust collector was equipped with a powerful 500W motor, the greater power create the stronger blowing force at 43m/s, which can take 99% dust away from any electronic device and create a deep cleaning for your room, office.
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Also, you could use a microfiber cloth or cotton swab dipped in some isopropyl alcohol to clean the contacts.
4. Update your Firmware
Another way to fix your endstop not working is to update/reinstall your 3D printer’s firmware. You can either edit the configuration file or you can download a newer version from firmware providers like Marlin, RepRap, Klipper, or Repetier.
However, you have to be very careful when downloading firmware for your 3D printer. This is because there are many versions of firmware for different motherboards.
It’s important to be aware that if you download the wrong one, you will have problems with your 3D printer. The model number for your 3D printer’s motherboard is usually written on it, for example, 4.2.x.
Check out the video below from Thomas Sanladerer on how to install and upgrade the Marlin firmware on your 3D printer.
5. Test your Endstop for Issues
You can also fix your 3D printer’s endstop by testing to see if it is still functional.
Some of the ways to test your endstop include the following:
- Using a multimeter
- Inputting the M119 G-code command on a GUI software
- Swapping the endstop between axes
To confirm if your endstop is in good condition using a multimeter, simply place the multimeter’s probes between the legs of each limit switch. Click the limit switch and wait for a change in the resistance value of the switch.
If there’s a change, then the limit switch is functioning correctly. If there is no change in the reading, the switch is defective, and you will need a replacement.
You can also test your limit switches using a G-Code command by using the following steps:
- Ensure all your limit switches are in an open position
- Send the M119 command to your printer via a Graphical User Interface (GUI) like OctoPrint or Pronterface. It should return this wall of text, showing that the limit switches are “Open”
- After this, close the X limit switch by placing a finger on it
- Resend the command, and it should show that the X limit switch is closed with the “Triggered “ response
- Repeat this for the X and Y switches. They should show the same result if they are working correctly
If the results from the GUI software (Pronterface, Octoprint) state that they are open or close when they are not supposed to be, then the switch is either not working correctly or (more likely) your firmware is not configured properly.
This means that the endstop’s logic in the configuration file may need to be converted from “true” to “false” (or vice-versa).
You can check out this video from Ed’s 3D Tech for a visual demonstration of this process.
Another way to test is by swapping the endstop with another from one of the other axes to see if it behaves the same way. If it behaves the same way, then there is a problem with the configuration for that axis from the firmware.
Check out this video from Creality on how to swap endstops on your Ender 3.
6. Replace the Endstops
You can try replacing the endstop if you have tried the other solutions and it didn’t work out. At this point, there is a high probability that the endstop is faulty.
To replace the endstops on your 3D printer, you can take the following steps:
- Power off your 3D printer
- With an Allen key, loosen the nuts on the plastic mount for the endstop
- Disconnect the connecting wires connected to the endstop
- Loosen the screws attaching the endstop to the plastic mount with a screwdriver
- Set your new endstop in place and tighten it with a screwdriver to the plastic mount
- Connect the wires from your printer to the endstop
- With an Allen key, screw the plastic mount in place
Check out this video from Roger’s Shop on how to replace the endstops on your 3D printer.
Users really recommend some Creality Endstop Switches which can be purchased from Amazon.
- Compatible with all Creality FDM 3D Printer
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
One user who purchased this mechanical endstop said it was a great product and it had a green LED indicator to know when it has been triggered.
He said he had to take off one star from the rating because the wires included were in the wrong position relative to the connector. This caused him to think his main board was bad when it was only the +5V and the signal wires that were crossed.
Many other users stated that the mechanical endstop worked well, but complained about the wiring on the endstop’s connector. Another user also discovered that the wiring pin was the opposite of what he needed.
He said the listing did not include a wiring diagram and he had to check the reviews for how to connect it.
Overall, he said the switches work well and he loves the LEDs and stated that you can switch the wire with a few simple tools but should be careful not to cut yourself.
