Regardless of what kind of a store you have and what kind of a POS software you operate (we’ve seen this occur with anything from retail software to buffet software), you most likely use a cash drawer and it is one of the heaviest and most often used computer peripheral of your POS system. Here are some commonly occurring issues with the cash drawer, that we have gathered throughout our years of providing technical support on everything from our shoe store software, to our cell phone store software, to our flower shop software and many more. We’ll also offer advice on how to fix these issues in this article and hope you’ll find it useful.

Drawer won’t open

Check all the cables and make sure that the drawer is connected properly and is receiving power and the opening signal from your POS Software. Make sure that the cash drawer’s manual lock is not left in a locked position. Also make sure the cable you’re using to connect the drawer to the POS system is compatible to the POS system, because there’s three or four commonly used different types of cable that are not interchangeable.

Cash Drawer opens but won’t close.

Make sure there are no bills or coins in the way of the drawer closing and obstructing the it from closing properly. Check and see that the till is not overloaded and too heavy with too many coins and bills. Check and make sure that the cash drawer’s lock is not jammed and stuck in a locked position while the drawer is open. Try to clean the cash drawer rails to make sure they glide easily.

Drawer opens randomly

Make sure that there’s no interference with other devices that emit electromagnetic fields or impulses. Make sure that the cash drawer cable is not loose or damaged and it’s creating some sort of an electrical short. Make sure the pos system is not sending a faulty signal to the cash drawer.

Cash drawer won’t communicate with the POS system

Ensure the cable between the pos system and the cash drawer is properly connected. Make sure that you have all the correct drivers or software installed for that cash drawer. Ensure that that cash drawer is completely compatible and supported by that POS software. Try simply restarting your POS system.

Drawer is making weird noises.

See that there are no debris or other foreign objects that are stuck in the mechanism of the cash drawer. Ensure your drawer rails are clean and lubricated. Make sure your till is not overloaded with bills and coins and too heavy.

More specific error messages that some POS Software may display and how to resolve them:

1. Error Code: CD001 – Drawer Connection Failure

  • Description: This error occurs when the POS system can’t detect the cash drawer.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Ensure that the cash drawer is properly plugged in.
    • Check for any loose or damaged connections.
    • Restart the POS system and the cash drawer.
    • If the error persists, try using a different port or cable.

2. Error Message: “Cash Drawer Locked”

  • Description: This message appears when the cash drawer is manually locked and an attempt is made to open it through the POS software.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Verify that the cash drawer’s manual lock is in the unlocked position.
    • If the drawer remains locked, check for a potential mechanical issue with the lock itself.

3. Error Code: CD002 – Drawer Jam Detected

  • Description: This code signifies that the drawer is unable to close due to an obstruction.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Remove any visible obstructions like stuck coins or bills.
    • Ensure that the cash till is not overfilled.
    • Clean and lubricate the drawer slides.

4. Error Message: “Incomplete Drawer Closure”

  • Description: Indicates that the cash drawer is not fully closed.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Inspect for any items preventing full closure.
    • Check the alignment of the drawer.
    • If the issue persists, the drawer sensors might need checking or replacement.

5. Error Code: CD003 – Electromagnetic Interference Detected

  • Description: This error is triggered by interference affecting the cash drawer’s operation.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Move any devices emitting electromagnetic fields away from the POS system and cash drawer.
    • Check the integrity of the cash drawer’s cable and replace if necessary.

6. Error Message: “Cash Drawer Open Timeout”

  • Description: Occurs when the drawer doesn’t open in the expected time frame.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Check for any mechanical issues preventing the drawer from opening.
    • Ensure the drawer is receiving the correct signal from the POS software.
    • Restart the POS system and test the drawer again.

7. Error Code: CD004 – Communication Error

  • Description: This code indicates a failure in communication between the cash drawer and the POS system.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Confirm that the correct drivers for the cash drawer are installed.
    • Re-establish the connection between the cash drawer and the POS system.
    • Check for software updates for your POS system that might resolve compatibility issues.

In the end none of these recommendations work consider contacting the technical support of the manufacturer of the cash drawer. Aside from that here’s a video that lists some more possibilities and solutions on how to fix your POS cash drawer problem.