How To Reset Sharp Ar-6020 Guide

Title: The Architecture of a Fresh Start: Resetting the Sharp AR-6020

In the rhythm of a busy office, the multifunction printer is often the heartbeat—the silent workhorse that translates digital intent into physical reality. But when the Sharp AR-6020 stalls, when error codes flash like distress signals or paper jams become a chronic illness, the machine is no longer a tool; it becomes an obstacle.

There is a profound difference between turning a device off and on again and truly resetting it. A power cycle is a nap; a reset is an amnesia. It is the act of wiping the slate clean, returning a complex piece of machinery to its factory defaults, and asking it to forget the corrupted data, the network conflicts, and the accumulated digital fatigue.

If you are standing before your Sharp AR-6020, frustrated and seeking a clean slate, this is your guide to performing that ritual of renewal.

2. The Factory Reset (Initialization)

Best for: Clearing all user settings, wiping the address book, restoring network settings to default, or preparing the machine for a new office environment.

Warning: This will erase all stored data, including scan-to-email addresses and fax numbers.

Sharp does not always place the full factory reset option in the standard user menu to prevent accidental data loss. However, you can try the following standard method:

Steps:

  1. Press the System Settings button on the control panel.
  2. On the touchscreen, look for a tab labeled "Default Settings" or "List Print".
  3. Navigate to "All Custom Settings" (or similar wording).
  4. Select "Initialize".
  5. The machine may ask for an administrator code. Try entering 00000 (five zeros) or admin if a text box appears.
  6. Confirm the reset.

Note: If this option is grayed out or unavailable, the machine may require a "Simulation Mode" reset (see section 3).

Phase 2: The Hard Reset (The Factory Restore)

Warning: This is the point of no return. Performing a full system reset will restore the Sharp AR-6020 to the state it was in when it left the factory. It will erase your network settings (IP address, subnet mask), your address book, and any custom presets. Ensure you have this information backed up or accessible before proceeding.

To reset the AR-6020, you must enter the Simulation Mode. This is the technician’s backdoor, a diagnostic realm where the machine’s core behaviors can be altered.

The Ritual:

  1. Enter the Code: Stand before the machine. You are going to input a specific sequence of keys to bypass the standard user interface. Press the following keys in rapid succession:

    • [P] (Program) -> [] (Star/Asterisk) -> [C] (Clear) -> [] (Star/Asterisk)

    (Note: On some AR-6020 interfaces, the keys may be labeled slightly differently, or you may need to use the number pad to simulate the commands, but the P--C-* sequence is the industry standard for Sharp.)*

  2. The Gateway: If done correctly, the display will change. It will ask for a Main Code or simply enter a "Simulation Mode" screen. how to reset sharp ar-6020

  3. The Purge Command: You are looking for the simulation code that handles system initialization. Using the number keypad, type:

    • 18
    • Press the [Start] key.

  4. The Execution: The screen will likely ask for a sub-code or confirmation. You are usually looking for "Execute" or "Start."

    • Select [1] for the sub-code (if applicable) and press [Start].
    • The machine will process the command. The screen may flicker, or the machine may reset automatically.

  5. The Confirmation: Once the machine restarts, it will likely prompt you to set the initial settings (Date, Time, Language). This is the sign that the amnesia has been successful. The machine remembers nothing; it is innocent again.

3. Service Mode Reset (Simulation Mode)

Best for: Clearing persistent error codes (like "H4", "F2"), resetting the developer counter, or resetting the drum counter.

This is a more advanced reset used by technicians. Proceed with caution; changing settings in Simulation Mode can cause hardware issues if done incorrectly.

How to Enter Simulation Mode:

  1. Press the P key (program key) or the CA key (Clear All) to ensure the machine is at the home screen.
  2. Press the following keys in rapid succession:
    • CA (Clear All) → Interrupt → 0 → 0
    • Alternatively, try: CA → P → * (Asterisk) → C (Clear)
    • Another common variation for this series: Press System Settings → Stop/Clear → 0 → Start.
  3. If successful, the screen will display "SIM" or a number pad.

Common Reset Codes: Once in Simulation Mode, type the code and press Start: Title: The Architecture of a Fresh Start: Resetting

How to Reset a Sharp AR-6020: Fix Error Lights & Clear Maintenance Codes

If your Sharp AR-6020 is flashing a red "Maintenance Required" light, showing a F code on the display, or simply refusing to copy, you likely need to perform a reset. Unlike a home printer, this office workhorse requires a specific button sequence (often called "Simulation Mode") to clear internal counters.

Warning: Performing a full reset will clear the drum counter, developer counter, and maintenance timer. Do this only after you have physically replaced the drum unit (AR-152DR) or developer (AR-203DV) , otherwise print quality will suffer immediately.

Troubleshooting Common Scenarios

If the machine is asking for a code: If the machine displays "Enter Account Code" or "Department Code," it is in Account Control mode. If you do not know the code, you must contact your IT administrator. If you are the administrator, you can disable this in System Settings > Account Control (the default password is often 00000).

If "Call for Service" appears: If a code like U2, H4, or F5 appears, a simple power reset may not work.

  1. Try Simulation 14 (as described above) to clear the error.
  2. If the error returns immediately, there is a hardware failure (such as a blown fuser lamp or broken sensor) that requires a technician.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using the wrong Simulation code: Simulation 14 clears fuser errors; Simulation 16 clears maintenance counters; Simulation 67 is a full reset. Mixing them up can disable your machine.
  2. Resetting the drum counter too early: Only reset the drum when you physically install a new drum unit. Resetting without changing the drum will cause poor print quality and eventual machine damage due to a worn-out drum scraping.
  3. Ignoring underlying hardware issues: If you have to reset your AR-6020 every week, it’s not a software problem. The fuser, drum, or power supply likely needs replacement.

4. Factory Settings Reset (Network & User Settings)

If you need to erase all custom settings (e.g., default copy density, paper size, auto power-off timer), perform a user settings reset. This does NOT clear the maintenance counter.

To restore factory defaults:

  1. Press and hold the Copy Ratio key (down arrow) for 5 seconds. You will hear a beep.
  2. Use the arrow keys to scroll through the menu until you see "22" (Factory Reset).
  3. Press OK or Start.
  4. The display will show "YES" (use arrow key to select) then press OK.
  5. The machine will beep three times and restart.

1. The Hard Reset (System Restart)

Best for: Paper jams that won't clear, unresponsive touchscreen, network connectivity glitches, or general "frozen" behavior. Press the System Settings button on the control panel

This is the safest first step for any issue. It clears the temporary memory without erasing your saved address book or network settings.

Steps:

  1. Locate the Main Power Switch. On the Sharp AR-6020, this is usually a physical toggle switch located on the front side of the machine (often behind a small plastic cover) or on the control panel.
  2. Turn the switch to the OFF position.
  3. Wait for at least 30 seconds. This allows the internal capacitors to discharge completely.
  4. Turn the switch back to the ON position.
  5. Wait for the machine to complete its startup cycle (the touchscreen will initialize).