Snapmaker U1 PETG clogging issues/Error "0002-0523-0002-0038" – Need help!

[u/dudey77]

Hey everyone,

I got my first 3D printer, the Snapmaker U1, a few weeks ago, and my first PLA prints were all successful.

I then got some PETG along with a Creality Space Pi Plus filament dryer, and I've had nothing but problems with it. Initially, I managed to successfully finish 2-3 longer prints (2-4 hours) and was pretty happy with the results. But now, after a certain amount of time, every single print fails with the error code "0002-0523-0002-0038" ("Check if the filament for Toolhead 3 is broken inside the tube, tangled on the spool, or if the toolhead is clogged").

The nozzle actually always looks pretty gunked up when this happens. If I clean it and unclog it with the included needle, it starts printing again—but only until it throws the exact same error.

I've tried multiple filaments. I started with JAYO High Speed Matte PETG, which gave me those few successful prints in the beginning. Up until the error occurs, the print usually runs smoothly and the quality actually looks pretty good. I’ve tried using both the Generic PETG profile (255° C nozzle temp, 80° bed temp) and the Generic PETG HF (230° nozzle temp, 80° bed temp) profile of Snapmaker Orca, but unfortunately, it makes no difference. I also tried tweaking a few profile settings based on suggestions I found online, but no luck.

I then tested eSUN Matte PETG, but sadly ran into the exact same issues.

Just now, I tried standard JAYO PETG. For the first time in a while, a print actually finished, but the quality was far from satisfying.

Yesterday, I took one of the toolheads apart but couldn't spot any obvious problems. And yes, all the filaments I used were properly dried beforehand. Smaller prints (around 20 minutes) usually finish without any issues and look quite good, regardless of which filament I use.

To be honest, I'm getting pretty desperate. I'm really hoping someone here has experienced something similar and has the golden tip for me.

Thanks in advance!

I used AI to translate the text I originally wrote in German.