Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I was typing on this machine when the print wheel opened up. I changed to a new daisy wheel and it would not type at all. The print hammer would not move to strike the daisy wheel.
This could be a problem with your circuit board moving out of place. You will need to open your typewriter and move your circuit board back in place. This will realign your key and allow your typewriter to type again.
Here is the manual:www.smithcorona.com/
The troubleshooting section says it needs to be serviced by a qualified technician. I'm not sure how easy it is to find someone to fix this. Good luck.
My Smith Corona SL480 typewriter has some keys not working. How do I fix this?
I have a Smith Corona Deville 450. Most things appear to work and it would be fine for filling in blanks on a form if you roll the paper manually to where you want to type, but it will not advance on it's own. The code + 3 does not appear to work for spacing between lines. It just retypes over previous line and will not advance to next line to type. Is there any way to fix?
My 470 does that too.
I had to remove the cover and on the right side, there's a strange gear which is damaged.
Seems like an assembly which splits appart when too much force is applied.
I have a Smith Corona electric typewriter that has recently stopped working. It turns on, but seems like there is no power going to the keys.
I should direct you to Richard Polt, as well as Lady Gaga (the famous one of the two) who both use typewriters; also, let me advise you towards reading what some of the people on Mr. Polt's website think about typewriters, and why they still use them. To answer your question in a shorter time than it would take for you to read the plethora of information on Mr. Polt's site, though: It's a different reason for each person; me for example, it's the nostalgia, the sound, sometimes the musty smell of old ink ribbons, grease, and oil that some of my typewriters are absolutely drenched in (older electrics) or that they're just dabbed with (manual typewriters). Also, I'm old fashioned: and thus prefer something that's consistently reliable (over 60% reliable), where as printers run out of ink faster, require a connection to the computer, take up extra space; computers take time to boot up, they crash, sometimes the file doesn't save properly, or doesn't save at all; I can type faster on typewriters, and some manual typewriters you can knock off a table on accident, pick them up again, and they'll still work (I did this on accident once, and I hope never to do it again.) Also, you don't need to wait for the work to be printed, because it's being printed and edited as you operate the machine (especially if you have a correction-typewriter, which will erase mistakes when you hit the backspace key, as the backspace functions on a computer). I prefer reliability, and quality, over the 2 or 3 seconds per page that a computer saves you. Also, typewriters force you to think, as well as learn how to spell, use punctuation, and how to use grammar. Whenever I type something on a typewriter, I sit down and review and revise the work; with a dictionary and thesaurus next to me, or in my lap--and that should be something you do, even on a computer, because spell-check still isn't perfect, and will not always help you.-- This is why I use a typewriter; some people may feel the same, or similar, some may feel differently.
The ribbon lift on my Smith Corona Coronet Automatic 12 typewriter does not lift up when striking a key resulting in the key not hitting the ribbon. The ribbon lift is movable manually so it isn't stuck in place. Can this be fixed?
You either hanve an issue with the ribbon of the typewriter or there is an issue with the mechanism that is controlling the ribbon on the typewriter. Try cleaning and oiling this area to see if it helps.
Your lift needs adjusting, also maybe be stiff from use and debris. Clean and add a little oil to loosen. Then try!
My Smith Corona Deville 410 will turn on, but I get no response from the keyboard the and the caps lock will not light up. The carriage goes through the motions of starting up and then nothing other than a hum from the power supply.
Please help!
If you can take the back off and clean contact point; it could be collection of dust is interfering. Unplug first and use a soft brush or aerosol can of air. If this quick fix fails, a part is worn out.
I know in the manual fort the machine they have a repair section to help you out. I would start with downloading the manual and reading this. After you have isolated the exact problem you can fix it or find a nice video on YouTube to help you out.
When plugged in unit makes humming noise? What is the cause?
The humming noise is natural; there is an electric motor inside the machine that runs the operation. If the machine is working, and isn't run off a computer chip, don't worry; it's just the motor. When I got my first mechanical-electric typewriter, it was vibrating and humming when I turned it on, and I got worried, so I took the lid off, and turned it on again after bypassing the safety switch (DON'T BYPASS THEY SAFETY-SWITCH); and looking inside. there's a little electric motor or some sort inside all electric typewriters, and sometimes that motor runs operates the keys (you'll know because the typewriter will look like a manual typewriter with a chord hanging off of it); that motor hums, and vibrates a little.
To update my answer: I have almost the same typewriter, The Smith-Corona Coronet XL "CoronaMatic". This was a typewriter I literally pulled out of someone's trash, ribbon and all, and it worked like new, looks like new. There is indeed a motor on the back of the unit, the motor indeed, does hum. The humming means it's a happy typewriter, working fine, and is indeed receiving power from the electrical outlet. The motor is in the rear-left corner of mine. My backspace key got stuck though, recently, and I need to get it looked at by the typewriter repair store down the street tomorrow.
Enjoy your typewriter, and remember to give the types (the hammers that swing up and strike the paper) a light oiling every month or so. Just one or two drops at each end of the rack (the spot where the types hinge on the machine, at their base), and take your finger, and wipe the oil from one side of the rack, along the hinges of the types, to the other side, then do the same the opposite direction. I'd suggest Zoom Spout High Quality Turbine Oil; that's what I use on mine. Be careful not to over-oil the machine though. This keeps the machine operating; and thus, keeps the machine humming, and keeps you typing.
The "a" key on my Smith-Corona Electric Correction II typewriter. It moves forward and returns fine, but does not produce a printed "a" on the page.
I replaced the ribbon and still no luck. Do you have any suggestions?I recently have gotten into vintage typewriters and have acquired the smith Corona Coronet Super 12 electric typewriter. It mostly works great but when I Press the I and M nothing happens.
I would like to try to repair this myself as that is half the fun. Any ideas?Check if the tape bars (strikers) of the keys I and M are bent in correct shape.
Check if clevis fasteners are ok.
Clean these 'dead' keys. Remove the corresponding keycaps very carefully - the part your finger touches. If the surface is dirt, then swab up it using dry cotton swabs. Then apply rubbing alcohol to the switch using an eyedropper, soak the keyswitches - the part below the keycaps. 1-2 drops per keyswitch is usually enough, more might be bad. Remember that pulling keyswitches off the keyboard you can break them.
Does anyone know where I can find a user's manual for this typewriter? Our old typewriter died and we bought this one at an antique mall. We would like to know the ins and outs of it. Also, we have problems with the correction tape staying put. Anyone know how to fix that?
This is one of the difficult ones to find but information on one of these sites might help you.
typewriterdatabase.com/
sevenels.net/
If no help maybe ask for information here:
I have a Smith Corona 750 Model 5P and replaced the power cord (10 amp). When I started to use it, it blew the 1 amp fuse.
I replaced the fuse and turned it on and again same results. What is happening to it?Did you buy the replacement cord from a store or dealer? I would contact them and check to:
1. Make sure they sold you the right cord
2. Find out if they have a warranty and will replace it with the correct cord if not. If it was the correct cord, perhaps they can give you insight on what else may be going on
Post back what you learn!
When turning on a newly received Smith-Corona 2200 the 'T' key keeps striking rapidly and will not stop until turned off. When turned on again it keeps doing it. Any idea how to fix this?
This is not such a hard fix. Even if it is an electric or manual typewriter this is normally caused by dirt and grime in a few places inside the machine. Here is a good video about how to clean this. This one is on a manual typewriter but the same applies to your electric typewriter. www.youtube.com/
My Smith corona typewriter that I got from a garage sale started smoking and smelling like burning rubber when I plug it in. None of the keys respond. How do I fix it or how much will it cost to get fixed?
This is an electronic board failure and the board is burning when it is plugged in. The rubber smell is the parts on the board or the carriage return that is burned. You will need to replace the electronic parts of the machine in order to get it to work again. This can be quite expensive and maybe you should consider getting a new machine. Check with a repair shop first to see how much this will cost and ask them if the machine is really worth fixing because of this electronic problem.
I just purchased this lovely Corona Automatic 10 typewriter, but when we hit thepower returnat the end of the typed line the new line types right onto the existing typed words. Is my line spacer bent out of shape? 
Thanks for any ideas!
In some cases the typewriter needs a good cleaning and oiling in order to work. Start off by blowing out the machine and getting all the dust and dirt and paper lint out of the machine. Now it is cleaned take a soft brush and brush it all out. You will need to get some machine oil in order to oil this. Here is a link to an online manual that you should check out. cdn.shopify.com/
My dad has a Smith Corona Classic 12 typewriter. All of the keys work perfectly except the shift key. When I push it, it acts like the power space button.
It just goes all the way to the end without stopping. I don't know what's happening. It was working just fine a few days ago.Here is a link to a PDF file you can download to adjust your shift key on your typewriter. The manaul is good and shows you what you need to do the work yourself. If it is just an adjustment this is simple to do. Other than this you will need to find a replacement for the key if the adjustment does not work. site.xavier.edu/
Where can I buy a print hammer for a Wordsmith 200 Smith Corona typewriter?
cool that typewriters are back in vogue!
aside from ebay, there's other stores cropping up nationwide:
www.californiatypewriter.com/
www.wpmtypewritershop.com/
mytypewriter.com/
I love my Smith Corona Sterling 12. All functions are working except the return Key is not working. I can manually return, but it really slows the work down.
I know this machine has a lot of life left. How can I fix it?The carriage return on the typewriter is a bit complicated. I think that you just have a sticky part on the carriage return that is not disengaging the level to allow the carriage to return. This can be the issue or the second issue is a wheel that moves the carriage back and forth and this can happen or break on these types of typewriters. I have found the perfect video for you to watch that will show you the underside of the typewriter and what you should be looking for to repair this. www.youtube.com/
My Smith Corona Wordsmith 250 LCD display will only show exclamation marks. Does anyone know how to fix this?
First off download the manual. This will help with any problems you have in the future. Now check the print wheel or what they all the daisy wheel. Make sure it is installed correctly and you are not getting an error because of this. Then check the ribbon on the machine and see if it is in good conditions. Reinstall both the ribbon and the daisy wheel and turn the machine back on.
I have a Smith Corona XL 1800 typewriter that will type on its own. It is only ever the number 5. I have unplugged the typewriter for a couple of days, but still no help.
I cleaned the pinwheel, but that did not help. Do you have any suggestions what might be the problem?if it is typing the number 5 when turned on this is an issue with a stuck key on the typewriter. Like a computer keyboard, the keys can get dirty or stuck and they will continue to add this letter to your screen. This is a great site to walk you through the steps of getting your key to work again and stop sticking and typing on its own. I would check them out and follow the repair procedure on this one. ourpastimes.com/
