How to Repair a Smith-Corona Electric Typewriter

All ribbon cartridges will go bad at some point in time on your Smith-Corona electric typewriter. Symptoms of a worn out ribbon include printed letters looking faint or not as bold as earlier prints. Some characters or letters will be harder to press than others. These keys will produce dimmer prints than other keys, making ink consistency in words more noticeable. Replacing the ribbon in a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Ribbon cartridge

Instructions

1. Lift open the cover, press the "BS" (Backspace) key, then lift the ribbon cartridge up and out from the front.

2. Install the replacement ribbon cartridge's back part first. Press the ribbon cartridge softly until it clicks.

3. Turn the ribbon feed knob counter-clockwise to remove slack, press the "CODE" + "=" keys at the same time, then close the typewriter cover.

Tips & Warnings

• Reset the typewriter by pressing both "Code" and "=" keys at the same time. Resetting it may fix minor ribbon cartridge problems and will not affect stored memory.

• Use supplies that are recommended for your Smith Corona brand typewriter. Generic brands of correction tapes, ribbons, and print wheels may damage it.

References

• Smith Corona: Electronic Typewriter