Troubleshooting Cash Drawer Problems
This guide covers common cash drawer problems and how to resolve them.
Drawer Does Not Open at All
Step 1: Run the Test Drawer diagnostic (Program → Machine Configuration → Hardware Configuration → Test Drawer).
If the test fails at the connectivity step:
| Drawer Type | Troubleshooting Steps |
|---|---|
| Via Receipt Printer | Make sure the receipt printer is configured and working first. Run the printer test. Then check the RJ-12 cable from the drawer to the printer's DK (drawer kick) port — it should click firmly into place. |
| Direct Serial | Check the serial cable connection. Open Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT) to verify the COM port number. Make sure no other software is using the same COM port. |
| Direct USB | Verify the drawer appears in Device Manager. Try a different USB port. Install the manufacturer's driver if needed. |
If the test passes connectivity but the fire step fails:
| Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Wrong kick command | The default kick command is 1B 70 00 19 FA. Some drawers use pin 5 instead of pin 2 — try 1B 70 01 19 FA. Check your drawer's manual for the correct command. |
| Drawer is locked | Most cash drawers have a physical key lock. Make sure the lock is in the unlocked position. |
| Faulty DK cable | Try a different RJ-12 cable between the printer and the drawer. |
| Insufficient pulse duration | Some drawers need a longer pulse. Try changing the kick command bytes. The last two bytes (19 FA) control the on-time and off-time of the pulse. |
Drawer Opens During Test but Not During Sales
The drawer auto-open behavior is controlled by the Cash Drawer Auto-Open checkboxes on the Payments & Accounts tab:
| Setting | Controls |
|---|---|
| Open on Cash | Drawer opens automatically after a cash payment |
| Open on Check | Drawer opens after a check payment |
| Open on Credit | Drawer opens after a credit card payment |
| Open on Debit | Drawer opens after a debit card payment |
| Open on Online | Drawer opens after an online payment |
| Open on Bank Transfer | Drawer opens after a bank transfer payment |
| Open on Other | Drawer opens after an "other" type payment |
If the drawer does not open after a specific payment type, check that the corresponding checkbox is enabled.
Drawer Opens for Wrong Payment Types
If the drawer opens when it should not (for example, opening after card payments when you only want it for cash), uncheck the payment types you do not want in the Cash Drawer Auto-Open section.
Common Kick Command Reference
| Drawer / Printer Brand | Kick Command (Hex) |
|---|---|
| Most Epson-compatible (default) | 1B 70 00 19 FA |
| Pin 5 variant | 1B 70 01 19 FA |
| Star Micronics | 07 (BEL character) |
| Some Bixolon models | 1B 70 00 30 30 |
If your drawer model is not listed, check the manufacturer's documentation for the ESC/POS drawer kick command.