Kobra S1 or Kobra 3: errors 10237 (auto levelling), 10108 (nozzle scraping the bed) or 10130 (Z homing)

Symptom

The Kobra S1 or Kobra 3 stops with «CODE: 10237 Auto leveling error. Verify the leveling sensor», with «10108 Print scratch, please detect nozzle and hotbed distance» because the nozzle scrapes the bed, or with «10130 Z-axis homing failed». These printers detect nozzle contact with a strain gauge in the printhead.

Likely causes, from most to least likely

1. The PEI plate is not seated properly, or there are leftover parts, filament or objects on the plate or stuck to the hotend tip.
2. The bed is not level (on the Kobra S1, for example, due to debris built up under the bed).
3. The strain gauge cable is loose, not fully inserted or damaged, or its fixing screws are loose.
4. The printhead cable (between mainboard and printhead) has poor contact.
5. On the Kobra 3 Max, the quick-release nozzle is not fully inserted; on the Kobra S1, the three shipping screws that fix the bed are still in place (10130).

Checks to tell which one it is

• Check that the PEI plate is flat and properly seated, with nothing on it, and no filament stuck under the hotend.
• Strain gauge test on the Kobra S1: tap Z homing and, while the bed rises, touch the (cold) hotend: the bed should stop briefly.
• Test on the Kobra 3: with the printhead below 30 °C, tap Z homing and touch the printhead while it lowers: it should stop or rise.
• If it does not stop when touched, switch the printer off immediately so the nozzle does not press into the bed.

Before you start

Before taking anything apart, cleaning or adjusting it, switch the printer off and unplug it, unless a step says otherwise, and do not touch the nozzle, the heater block or the bed until they have cooled down. If in any doubt about electricity, heat or moving parts, stop and ask a professional.

Step-by-step fix

1. Clean the plate and nozzle and level again

   Seat the PEI plate properly, remove debris from the plate and the hotend tip and run auto levelling again (Control → Calibration → Auto-Leveling, or Tools → Control → Auto-Leveling depending on the model).

   Check: Levelling completes at every point and the built-in test model prints well.

   If that does not fix it: Do the strain gauge test (checks) and continue with step 2 or 3.

2. Kobra S1 with 10130: remove the shipping screws

   If the Z axis does not rise from the screen, check whether the three screws fixing the bed from below are still in place and remove them. If the bed makes noise because it is fixed, switch off at once.

   Check: The Z axis moves up and down from the screen and homing completes.

   If that does not fix it: Check the strain gauge and its cable (next step).

3. Check the strain gauge

   With the printer off, unplugged and the printhead cold, remove the printhead housing (disconnect the fan first; on the Kobra 3 the outer housing clips on and then its screws come out with 2.0 and 2.5 mm keys). Reseat the strain gauge cable, check it is not damaged or pinched, tighten its fixing screws and remove any debris touching it.

   Check: When you touch the hotend during homing, the bed or printhead stops.

   If that does not fix it: If the cable or the strain gauge is damaged or deformed, Anycubic recommends replacing it.

4. Kobra 3 Max: check the quick-release nozzle

   Remove the printhead air duct and check that the quick-release nozzle is pushed in until flush with the cooling block under the throat step, then press the handle down to lock it.

   Check: The nozzle is firm and at the right height; levelling and the test do not give 10108.

   If that does not fix it: Also check the strain gauge (step 3).

5. Check the printhead cable and export the log

   Disconnect and reconnect the printhead cable at the printhead and at the mainboard. If the error persists, export the fault log without restarting the printer (restarting clears it) and contact Anycubic support.

   Check: Homing and levelling complete without error.

   If that does not fix it: Send support a screenshot of the code, serial number, firmware version, a levelling video and the log.

Prevention

• Before levelling, check that the PEI plate is fitted correctly and clean.
• Regularly clean filament residue off the plate and nozzle.
• Do not pinch, stretch or over-bend the printhead wiring when taking it apart.

Still not fixed?

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Printers it applies to

Anycubic Kobra S1, Kobra 3, Kobra 3 V2 and Kobra 3 Max.

Official sources

This guide summarises the official documentation linked here:

• Kobra S1 - CODE 10237 Auto leveling error. Verify the leveling sensor · Anycubic
• Kobra 3/V2 CODE: 10237 Auto leveling error. Verify the leveling sensor · Anycubic
• Kobra S1 CODE: 10108 Print scratch, please detect nozzle and hotbed distance · Anycubic
• Kobra 3 Max CODE 10108 Print scratch, please detect nozzle and hotbed distance · Anycubic
• Kobra S1 CODE: 10130 Z-axis homing failed · Anycubic
• Kobra 3 CODE: 10130 Z-axis homing failed, please check the Z-axis sensor · Anycubic