Hewlett Packard Color LaserJet 5500, Color LaserJet 5550 Service Manual

HP color LaserJet 5500/5550 Printers

Service

HP Color LaserJet 5500/5550 Printers

Service Manual

© 2004 Copyright Hewlett-Packard

Development Company, L.P.

Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior written permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright laws.

The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.

The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

Part number: Q3713-90942

Edition 1, 9/2004

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Table of contents

1 Printer description
Model Configurations ................................................................................................................	2
The HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printer ........................................................................	2
Performance, memory, and other printer features ....................................................................	4
Identification ..............................................................................................................................	6
Model and serial numbers ..................................................................................................	6
HP Color LaserJet 5500 models ........................................................................................	8
HP Color LaserJet 5550 models ........................................................................................	9
Printer specifications ...............................................................................................................	10
Supply storage requirements (HP Color LaserJet 5500 series) ......................................	12
Product information .................................................................................................................	13
Product information ..........................................................................................................	13
Electrical Specifications (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models) .............................................	13
Electrical specifications (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) .............................................	14
Media requirements ................................................................................................................	16
Selecting print media ........................................................................................................	16
Media specifications .........................................................................................................	16
Supported media weights and sizes (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models) ..........................	16
Supported paper weights and sizes (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ..........................	19
Media specifications for 2-sided (duplex) printing ............................................................	22
Media to avoid ..................................................................................................................	22
Media that may cause damage to the printer ...................................................................	23
Printing on special media .................................................................................................	23
Transparencies .................................................................................................................	23
Printing on transparencies ................................................................................................	23
Glossy paper .....................................................................................................................	24
Colored paper ...................................................................................................................	24
Heavy paper .....................................................................................................................	24
Printing images (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ..........................................................	25
Envelopes .........................................................................................................................	25
Labels ...............................................................................................................................	25
HP LaserJet Tough paper ................................................................................................	26
Preprinted forms and letterhead ......................................................................................	26
Recycled paper .................................................................................................................	26
Weight equivalence table .................................................................................................	27
Hewlett-Packard warranty statement ......................................................................................	28
Limited warranty for print cartridge life ....................................................................................	29
Transfer unit and fuser warranty .............................................................................................	30
Declaration of Conformity ........................................................................................................	31
Safety information ...................................................................................................................	32
Laser safety statement .....................................................................................................	32
Canadian DOC regulations ...............................................................................................	32
EMI statement (Korea) .....................................................................................................	32
VCCI statement (Japan) ...................................................................................................	33
Laser Statement for Finland .............................................................................................	34
Toner safety ............................................................................................................................	35

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2 Service approach
Chapter contents .....................................................................................................................	37
Service approach ....................................................................................................................	38
Parts and supplies ...................................................................................................................	39
Ordering parts ...................................................................................................................	39
By phone: ..........................................................................................................................	39
By mail: .............................................................................................................................	39
Ordering supplies ..............................................................................................................	39
Ordering parts, supplies, and accessories over the Internet ............................................	39
Ordering directly through the embedded Web server (for printers with network
connections) ..................................................................................................................	39
Ordering directly through the HP Toolbox software (HP Color LaserJet 5550
model only) ....................................................................................................................	40
Exchange program ...........................................................................................................	40
Supplies ............................................................................................................................	40
World Wide Web ...............................................................................................................	40
HP service parts information compact disc ......................................................................	41
HP support assistant compact disc ..................................................................................	41
Customer care reseller sales and service support center ................................................	41
HP service agreements ....................................................................................................	41
Other areas .......................................................................................................................	41
HP customer care .............................................................................................................	41
Ordering related documentation and software .................................................................	42
HP maintenance agreements .................................................................................................	44
On-site service agreements ..............................................................................................	44
Priority on-site service ......................................................................................................	44
Next-day on-site service ...................................................................................................	44
Weekly (volume) on-site service ......................................................................................	44
3 Installation and configuration
Site requirements ....................................................................................................................	47
Space requirements ................................................................................................................	48
500-sheet paper feeder dimensions .................................................................................	48
Printer stand dimensions ..................................................................................................	48
Unpack the printer ...................................................................................................................	49
Package contents .............................................................................................................	49
Unpacking the HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printer (for base models 5500n
and 5500dn) ..................................................................................................................	50
Unpacking the HP Color LaserJet 5500/5550dtn and 5500/5550hdn models .......................	54
Installing print cartridges for HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printers ....................................	58
Installing print cartridges (HP Color LaserJet 5500 series models) .................................	58
Installing paper trays (HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printers) ......................................	60
Installing accessories (HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printers) .....................................	62
Installing optional printer stand (HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printers) .......................	65
Installing a new overlay (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models) .............................................	66
Installing a new control panel label (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ...........................	67
Testing the printer operation .............................................................................................	69
Using PowerSave .............................................................................................................	69
Connecting to a computer .......................................................................................................	71
Parallel connections .........................................................................................................	71
USB configuration (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ......................................................	72
Auxiliary connection configuration (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) .............................	72
Network connections ........................................................................................................	72
Enhanced I/O (EIO) configuration ...........................................................................................	75
HP Jetdirect print servers .................................................................................................	75

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Available enhanced I/O interfaces ....................................................................................	75
NetWare networks ............................................................................................................	75
Windows and Windows NT networks ...............................................................................	76
AppleTalk networks ..........................................................................................................	76
LocalTalk configuration .....................................................................................................	76
LocalTalk network configuration .......................................................................................	76
UNIX/Linux networks ........................................................................................................	76
Wireless printing ......................................................................................................................	77
IEEE 802.11b standard ....................................................................................................	77
Bluetooth ...........................................................................................................................	77
Printer drivers ..........................................................................................................................	78
Available drivers ...............................................................................................................	78
Additional drivers ..............................................................................................................	79
Select the right printer driver for your needs ....................................................................	79
Printer driver Help .............................................................................................................	80
Software for Macintosh computers .........................................................................................	81
PPDs .................................................................................................................................	81
HP LaserJet Utility ............................................................................................................	81
Installing the printing system software ....................................................................................	82
Installing Windows printing system software for direct connections ................................	82
Installing Windows printing system software for networks ...............................................	83
To set up Windows-sharing to use the printer on a network ............................................	83
Installing Macintosh printing system software for networks .............................................	84
Installing Macintosh printing system software for direct connections (USB,
HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ..................................................................................	85
Installing the software after the parallel or USB cable has been connected ....................	86
Network configuration .............................................................................................................	88
Configuring Novell NetWare frame type parameters .......................................................	88
HP Web Jetadmin .............................................................................................................	89
UNIX .................................................................................................................................	89
Utilities ..............................................................................................................................	89
Embedded Web server .....................................................................................................	90
Configuring TCP/IP parameters .......................................................................................	91
Setting network security on the printer ....................................................................................	97
Locking the control panel ..................................................................................................	97
Using an ASCII PJL escape sequence to set network security .......................................	98
4 Printer Maintenance
Cleaning the printer and accessories ..................................................................................	100
Cleaning spilled toner .....................................................................................................	100
Vacuum specifications ....................................................................................................	100
Periodic cleaning ...................................................................................................................	102
Cleaning the static discharge comb ...............................................................................	102
Cleaning the OHT sensor ...............................................................................................	103
Approximate replacement intervals for supply items ............................................................	105
ETB life under different circumstances ...........................................................................	107
Locating supplies ..................................................................................................................	108
Replacing supply items .........................................................................................................	109
Changing print cartridges ...............................................................................................	109
Replacing the transfer unit (ETB) ...................................................................................	111
Replacing the transfer unit when it is not at end of life ..................................................	112
Replacing the fuser .........................................................................................................	113
Replacing the fuser when it is not at end of life ..............................................................	114
Printer memory (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models) ...............................................................	116
To print a configuration page ..........................................................................................	116

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Installing memory and font DIMMs (for HP Color LaserJet 5500 models)	.....................116
Installing DDR memory DIMMs (for HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ..........................	119
Enabling memory (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models) .....................................................	122
Enabling the language font DIMM (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ...........................	122
Enabling the language font DIMM (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models) ...........................	123
Checking DIMM installation (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models) .....................................	123
Installing an HP Jetdirect print server card ....................................................................	123
5 Theory of operation
Basic operation .....................................................................................................................	129
Operation sequence .......................................................................................................	129
Engine control system ...........................................................................................................	131
DC controller circuit ........................................................................................................	131
Motors and fans ..............................................................................................................	133
Fuser power supply circuit ..............................................................................................	135
Heater temperature control .............................................................................................	136
Heater temperature control (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ......................................	137
Failure detection (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ......................................................	138
High-voltage power supply .............................................................................................	138
Low-voltage power supply ..............................................................................................	139
Formatter system ............................................................................................................	140
PowerSave .....................................................................................................................	140
Input/Output ....................................................................................................................	141
Printer memory ...............................................................................................................	142
Read-only memory .........................................................................................................	142
Random-access memory ................................................................................................	142
Firmware DIMM (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models) .......................................................	142
Firmware compact flash (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ..........................................	142
Nonvolatile memory ........................................................................................................	142
PJL overview ..................................................................................................................	143
PML .................................................................................................................................	143
Control panel ..................................................................................................................	143
Laser/scanner system ...........................................................................................................	144
Scanner motor control ....................................................................................................	145
Image formation system ........................................................................................................	146
Image formation process ................................................................................................	147
Print cartridges ................................................................................................................	149
Toner level detection ......................................................................................................	150
Electrostatic transfer/transport belt (ETB) unit ...............................................................	154
Electrostatic latent image formation block ......................................................................	155
Development block .........................................................................................................	157
Transfer block .................................................................................................................	158
Fusing block ....................................................................................................................	159
Fuser motor speed control ..............................................................................................	160
Cleaning block ................................................................................................................	160
Calibration and cleaning .................................................................................................	161
Color plane registration calibration .................................................................................	165
Drum phase calibration ...................................................................................................	166
Image stabilization control ..............................................................................................	166
Pickup/feed system ...............................................................................................................	169
Pickup/feed unit ..............................................................................................................	172
Fuser/delivery unit ..........................................................................................................	179
Duplex feed unit ..............................................................................................................	180
500-sheet paper feeder .........................................................................................................	181
Pickup and feed operations ............................................................................................	181

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6 Removal and replacement
Introduction ............................................................................................................................	185
Removal and replacement strategy ................................................................................	185
Repair notices .................................................................................................................	185
Caution regarding electrostatic discharge (ESD) ...........................................................	185
Required tools .................................................................................................................	185
Types of screws ..............................................................................................................	186
Supplies .................................................................................................................................	188
Print cartridges and ETB ................................................................................................	189
Covers and external components .........................................................................................	190
Rear cover ......................................................................................................................	190
Top cover ........................................................................................................................	190
Rear top cover ................................................................................................................	191
Left cover ........................................................................................................................	192
Right cover ......................................................................................................................	193
Reinstallation tip .............................................................................................................	194
Multi-purpose tray (Tray 1) .............................................................................................	194
Front cover ......................................................................................................................	195
Control panel ..................................................................................................................	196
Cassette cover ................................................................................................................	198
Internal components (front) ...................................................................................................	199
Paper pickup unit ............................................................................................................	199
Cassette sensor PCB .....................................................................................................	200
Multi-purpose tray sensor PCB ......................................................................................	200
Paper pickup drive unit .................................................................................................	201
Lifter drive unit ..............................................................................................................	202
Cassette (Tray 2) paper pickup and feed rollers ............................................................	204
Solenoid and clutch ........................................................................................................	205
Cassette separation roller .............................................................................................	206
Multi-purpose tray pickup roller ......................................................................................	207
Multi-purpose tray separation pad .................................................................................	208
Color registration detection unit ......................................................................................	208
Internal components (left side) ..............................................................................................	210
DC controller shield ........................................................................................................	210
Environment sensor (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) .................................................	210
Memory tag antenna PCBs ............................................................................................	211
E-label memory controller PCB ......................................................................................	217
DC controller PCB ..........................................................................................................	218
Cassette paper size detection switches .........................................................................	219
Power supply fan ............................................................................................................	220
Internal components (rear) ....................................................................................................	222
Formatter ........................................................................................................................	222
Low-voltage power supply ..............................................................................................	223
Formatter case ................................................................................................................	225
Laser/scanner units ........................................................................................................	227
Internal components (right side) ...........................................................................................	233
High-voltage power supply PCB .....................................................................................	233
Toner level detection PCB ..............................................................................................	234
High-voltage contact blocks ............................................................................................	235
Door switch .....................................................................................................................	236
Internal components (top) .....................................................................................................	238
Discharging PCB ............................................................................................................	238
Fuser power supply PCB ................................................................................................	239
Fuser drive unit ...............................................................................................................	240
Fuser inlet paper sensor .................................................................................................	243
Fuser delivery sensor and output bin full sensor ............................................................	244

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Static discharge comb ....................................................................................................	246
Formatter fan ..................................................................................................................	247
Cartridge fan ...................................................................................................................	247
Optional 500-sheet paper feeder ..........................................................................................	249
Paper feeder left cover ...................................................................................................	249
Paper feeder right cover .................................................................................................	250
Paper feeder pickup and feed rollers .............................................................................	251
Paper feeder separation roller ........................................................................................	251
Paper feeder pickup unit .................................................................................................	251
Paper feeder lifter drive unit .........................................................................................	253
Paper feeder length and width detection switches .......................................................	254
Paper feeder pickup clutch .............................................................................................	255
Paper feeder PCB ..........................................................................................................	256
7 Troubleshooting
Introduction ............................................................................................................................	260
Troubleshooting process .......................................................................................................	261
Pre-troubleshooting checklist .........................................................................................	261
Troubleshooting flowchart ..............................................................................................	262
Troubleshooting flowchart (continued) ...........................................................................	264
Troubleshooting power-on ..............................................................................................	264
Printer error troubleshooting .................................................................................................	266
Status messages ............................................................................................................	266
Warning messages .........................................................................................................	266
Error messages ..............................................................................................................	266
Critical error messages ...................................................................................................	266
Alphabetical printer messages ..............................................................................................	267
Numerical printer messages .................................................................................................	295
Replacement parts configuration (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ...................................	328
Both the formatter and DC controller ..............................................................................	328
Formatter (new or previously installed in another printer) ..............................................	328
DC controller (new or previously installed in another printer) ........................................	329
Paper path troubleshooting ...................................................................................................	330
Jams ...............................................................................................................................	330
Jam locations ..................................................................................................................	330
Jam locations by error message ....................................................................................	330
Jam recovery ..................................................................................................................	332
Avoiding paper jams .......................................................................................................	333
Persistent jams ...............................................................................................................	334
Basic troubleshooting for paper jams .............................................................................	334
Data collection ................................................................................................................	334
General paper path troubleshooting ...............................................................................	335
Paper path checklist .......................................................................................................	335
Paper transport troubleshooting ............................................................................................	341
Paper is wrinkled or folded .............................................................................................	341
Image formation troubleshooting ..........................................................................................	343
Print quality problems associated with media ................................................................	343
Overhead transparency defects .....................................................................................	343
Print quality problems associated with the environment ................................................	344
Print quality problems associated with jams ..................................................................	344
Print quality troubleshooting pages ................................................................................	344
Understanding color variations .......................................................................................	344
Print quality defect chart ........................................................................................................	350
Image defects ........................................................................................................................	356
Light image .....................................................................................................................	357

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Light color .......................................................................................................................	357
Dark image .....................................................................................................................	358
Dark color .......................................................................................................................	358
Completely blank image .................................................................................................	359
All black or solid color .....................................................................................................	359
Dots in vertical lines ........................................................................................................	360
Dirt on back of paper ......................................................................................................	360
Dirt on front of paper .......................................................................................................	361
Vertical lines ...................................................................................................................	361
White vertical lines ..........................................................................................................	361
Horizontal lines ...............................................................................................................	362
White horizontal lines .....................................................................................................	362
Missing color ...................................................................................................................	363
Blank spots .....................................................................................................................	363
Poor fusing ......................................................................................................................	363
Distortion or blurring .......................................................................................................	364
Smearing ........................................................................................................................	365
Misplaced image .............................................................................................................	365
Repetitive defects troubleshooting ........................................................................................	366
Interface troubleshooting ......................................................................................................	369
Communications checks .................................................................................................	369
EIO troubleshooting ........................................................................................................	369
AUTOEXEC.BAT standard configurations .....................................................................	369
Printer Job Language (PJL) commands ........................................................................	370
Control panel troubleshooting ...............................................................................................	372
Printing a menu map ......................................................................................................	372
Information menu ............................................................................................................	373
Paper handling menu .....................................................................................................	374
Configure device menu ...................................................................................................	374
Printing menu ..................................................................................................................	375
Print quality menu ...........................................................................................................	376
System setup menu ........................................................................................................	377
I/O menu .........................................................................................................................	379
Resets menu ...................................................................................................................	380
Diagnostics menu ...........................................................................................................	380
Service menu ..................................................................................................................	381
Tools for troubleshooting ......................................................................................................	383
Embedded Web server ...................................................................................................	383
To access the embedded Web server ............................................................................	383
Information tab ................................................................................................................	384
Settings tab .....................................................................................................................	384
Networking tab ................................................................................................................	385
Other links .......................................................................................................................	385
Using the HP Toolbox (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ..............................................	385
Printer Status and Alerts software ..................................................................................	388
To choose which status messages appear ....................................................................	389
To view status messages and information .....................................................................	389
Printer configuration page ..............................................................................................	389
Supplies status page ......................................................................................................	391
Usage page ....................................................................................................................	392
Event log .........................................................................................................................	394
Print the file directory page ...................................................................................................	395
Print the PCL font list page ...................................................................................................	396
Print the PS font list page .....................................................................................................	397
Print the RGB samples page (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) .........................................	398
Print the CMYK samples page (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) .......................................	399

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Diagnostics ............................................................................................................................	400
LED diagnostics ..............................................................................................................	400
Engine diagnostics .........................................................................................................	402
Diagnostics from the control panel .................................................................................	403
Test pages .............................................................................................................................	415
Engine test page .............................................................................................................	415
Formatter test page ........................................................................................................	415
Engine resets ........................................................................................................................	416
Cold reset .......................................................................................................................	416
NVRAM initialization .......................................................................................................	416
Hard disk initialization .....................................................................................................	417
Calibration bypass ..........................................................................................................	417
Calibrate now ..................................................................................................................	417
Full calibrate now (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ...........................................................	418
Quick calibrate now (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models).........................................................	419
Service menu ........................................................................................................................	420
Accessing the Service menu ..........................................................................................	420
Clear event log ................................................................................................................	420
Total page count .............................................................................................................	420
Transfer kit count ............................................................................................................	420
Fuser kit count ................................................................................................................	420
Serial number .................................................................................................................	420
Service ID .......................................................................................................................	421
Restoring the Service ID .................................................................................................	421
Converting the Service ID to an actual date ...................................................................	421
Cold reset paper .............................................................................................................	421
Diagrams ...............................................................................................................................	422
Main parts .......................................................................................................................	422
Switches .........................................................................................................................	424
Solenoid and clutch ........................................................................................................	425
Motors and fans ..............................................................................................................	426
PCBs ...............................................................................................................................	427
DC controller PCB ..........................................................................................................	428
Connectors .....................................................................................................................	429
500-sheet paper feeder connectors ...............................................................................	432
General circuit diagram ..................................................................................................	433
500-sheet paper feeder circuit diagram ..........................................................................	434
8 Parts and diagrams
Introduction ............................................................................................................................	436
Ordering parts .......................................................................................................................	437
Supplies and accessories ...............................................................................................	437
Common fasteners .........................................................................................................	442
Illustrations and parts lists (printer) .......................................................................................	444
Illustrations and parts lists (500-sheet paper feeder) ...........................................................	494
Alphabetical parts list.............................................................................................................	508
Numerical parts list.................................................................................................................	517
Index

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List of tables

Table 1-1.	Model configurations .........................................................................................	2
Table 1-2.	Features ............................................................................................................	4
Table 1-3.	Model names and numbers ..............................................................................	7
Table 1-4.	Physical dimensions (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models) .................................	10
Table 1-5.	Physical dimensions (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) .................................	10
Table 1-6.	Acoustic emissions (HP Color LaserJet 5500 .................................................	10
Table 1-7.	Acoustic emissions (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ...................................	11
Table 1-8.	The electrical specifications table lists the electrical specifications
	required to run the printer safely. ....................................................................	11
Table 1-9.	Power Consumption (average in watts) (HP Color LaserJet 5550
	models) ............................................................................................................	11
Table 1-10.	Supply storage requirements ..........................................................................	12
Table 1-11.	Printer functions ..............................................................................................	13
Table 1-12.	Electrical specifications (HP LaserJet 5500 models) ......................................	13
Table 1-13.	Electrical specifications and requirements ......................................................	14
Table 1-14.	Power consumption .........................................................................................	14
Table 1-15.	Operating environment specifications .............................................................	14
Table 1-16.	Tray 1 (multi-purpose tray) supported media specifications ...........................	16
Table 1-17.	Tray 2, Tray 3, and Tray 4 supported media specifications ............................	18
Table 1-18.	Tray 1 paper sizes and types ..........................................................................	19
Table 1-19.	Tray 2 and optional Trays 3, 4, and 5 (5550 model only) paper sizes
	and types .........................................................................................................	21
Table 1-20.	Automatic two-sided printing (duplexing)1 .......................................................	22
Table 1-21.	Printing on transparencies ..............................................................................	23
Table 1-22.	Paper specifications ........................................................................................	24
Table 1-23.	Weight equivalence table ................................................................................	27
Table 2-1.	Printer repair normally begins by using the printer’s internal
	diagnostics and the three-step process below. ...............................................	38
Table 2-2.	Related documentation and software .............................................................	42
Table 3-1.	Available printer drivers ...................................................................................	79
Table 3-2.	Components and utilities .................................................................................	91
Table 3-3.	Printer security levels .....................................................................................	97
Table 4-1.	Cleaning the printer ......................................................................................	100
Table 4-2.	Approximate replacement intervals for supply items ....................................	105
Table 5-1.	Basic operation sequence .............................................................................	130
Table 5-2.	Function of motors and fans .........................................................................	134
Table 5-3.	Calibration timing and duration .....................................................................	161
Table 5-4.	Cleaning timing and duration ........................................................................	162
Table 5-5.	Cassette paper size detection/cassette detection ........................................	173
Table 5-6.	Feed speed according to media ....................................................................	178
Table 6-1.	Types of screws ............................................................................................	186
Table 6-2.	Approximate replacement intervals for supply items ....................................	188
Table 7-1.	Pre-troubleshooting checklist ........................................................................	261
Table 7-2.	Alphabetical printer messages (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models) ...............	267
Table 7-3.	Alphabetical printer messages (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ...............	281
Table 7-4.	Numerical printer messages (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models) ..................	295

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Table 7-5.	Numerical printer messages (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ..................	312
Table 7-6.	Error messages and associated jam locations .............................................	331
Table 7-7.	Common causes of paper jams ....................................................................	333
Table 7-8.	Jams in Tray 1 ...............................................................................................	336
Table 7-9.	Jams in Tray 2 ...............................................................................................	336
Table 7-10.	Jams in Tray 3, Tray 4, or Tray 5 (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models only) ...	337
Table 7-11.	Jams in the paper path ..................................................................................	338
Table 7-12.	Jams in the top cover ....................................................................................	339
Table 7-13.	Jams in the duplex path ................................................................................	339
Table 7-14.	Multiple pages are fed ...................................................................................	341
Table 7-15.	Causes for wrinkled or folded paper (part one, paper path entrance) ..........	341
Table 7-16.	Causes for wrinkled or folded paper (part two, paper path exit) ...................	342
Table 7-17.	Paper is skewed ............................................................................................	342
Table 7-18.	Image defects ................................................................................................	356
Table 7-19.	Causes for light images .................................................................................	357
Table 7-20.	Causes for one color printing light ................................................................	357
Table 7-21.	Causes for dark images ................................................................................	358
Table 7-22.	Causes for one color printing dark ................................................................	358
Table 7-23.	Causes for a completely blank image ...........................................................	359
Table 7-24.	Causes for an all black or solid colored image .............................................	359
Table 7-25.	Causes for vertical lines of white dots ..........................................................	360
Table 7-26.	Causes for dirt on the back of the paper .......................................................	360
Table 7-27.	Causes for dirt on the front of the paper .......................................................	361
Table 7-28.	Causes for vertical lines ................................................................................	361
Table 7-29.	Causes for white vertical lines ......................................................................	361
Table 7-30.	Causes for horizontal lines ............................................................................	362
Table 7-31.	Causes for white horizontal lines ..................................................................	362
Table 7-32.	Causes for a missing color ............................................................................	363
Table 7-33.	Causes for blank spots ..................................................................................	363
Table 7-34.	Causes for poor fusing ..................................................................................	363
Table 7-35.	Causes for distortion or blurring ....................................................................	364
Table 7-36.	Causes for smearing .....................................................................................	365
Table 7-37.	Causes for a misplaced image ......................................................................	365
Table 7-38.	Repetitive defect spacing ..............................................................................	366
Table 7-39.	Communications check .................................................................................	369
Table 7-40.	Information menu descriptions ......................................................................	373
Table 7-41.	Printing menu values and descriptions .........................................................	375
Table 7-42.	Print quality submenu ....................................................................................	376
Table 7-43.	System setup submenu .................................................................................	377
Table 7-44.	I/O submenu ..................................................................................................	379
Table 7-45.	Resets submenu ...........................................................................................	380
Table 7-46.	Diagnosticsmenu ...........................................................................................	381
Table 7-47.	Service menu ................................................................................................	382
Table 7-48.	Sensor test letter codes ................................................................................	406
Table 7-49.	Tray 2 paper size codes ................................................................................	407
Table 7-50.	Sensors .........................................................................................................	412
Table 7-51.	Sensors .........................................................................................................	412
Table 7-52.	Motors and fans ............................................................................................	426
Table 8-1.	Supplies and accessories .............................................................................	437
Table 8-2.	Common fasteners ........................................................................................	442
Table 8-3.	PCB locations ................................................................................................	447
Table 8-4.	External covers and panels (1 of 2) ..............................................................	449
Table 8-5.	External covers and panels (2 of 2) ..............................................................	451
Table 8-6.	Internal components (1 of 9) .........................................................................	453
Table 8-7.	Internal components (2 of 9) .........................................................................	455
Table 8-8.	Internal components (3 of 9) .........................................................................	457

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Table 8-9.	Internal components (4 of 9) .........................................................................	459
Table 8-10.	Internal components (5 of 9) .........................................................................	461
Table 8-11.	Internal components (6 of 9) .........................................................................	463
Table 8-12.	Internal components (7 of 9) .........................................................................	465
Table 8-13.	Internal components (8 of 9) .........................................................................	467
Table 8-14.	Internal components (9 of 9) .........................................................................	469
Table 8-15.	Paper pickup drive assembly ........................................................................	471
Table 8-16.	Drum drive assembly ....................................................................................	473
Table 8-17.	Disengaging drive assembly .........................................................................	475
Table 8-18.	Fuser drive assembly ....................................................................................	477
Table 8-19.	Cassette ........................................................................................................	479
Table 8-20. Paper pickup assembly (1 of 2) ....................................................................		483
Table 8-21.	ETB assembly ...............................................................................................	487
Table 8-22.	Fuser assembly .............................................................................................	491
Table 8-23.	500-sheet paper feeder assemblies ..............................................................	495
Table 8-24.	500-sheet paper feeder internal components ...............................................	497
Table 8-25.	500-sheet paper feeder cassette ..................................................................	501
Table 8-26.	500-sheet paper feeder lifter drive assembly ................................................	505
Table 8-27.	500-sheet paper feeder paper pickup assembly ...........................................	507
Table 8-28.	Alphabetical parts list.....................................................................................	508
Table 8-29.	Numerical parts list.........................................................................................	517

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List of figures

Figure 1-1.	Model and serial number information ................................................................	6
Figure 1-2.	Sample label ......................................................................................................	7
Figure 1-3.	Front view, HP Color LaserJet 5500 models ....................................................	8
Figure 1-4.	Back view, HP Color LaserJet 5500 models .....................................................	8
Figure 1-5.	Front view, HP Color LaserJet 5550 models ....................................................	9
Figure 1-6.	Back view, HP Color LaserJet 5550 models .....................................................	9
Figure 1-7.	EMI statement for Korea .................................................................................	32
Figure 1-8.	VCCI statement for Japan ...............................................................................	33
Figure 3-1.	Space requirements (printer only) ...................................................................	48
Figure 3-2.	Package contents for HP Color LaserJet 5500, 5500n, and 5500dn .............	49
Figure 3-3.	Package contents for HP Color LaserJet 5550, 5550n, and 5550dn .............	50
Figure 3-4.	Parallel port connection (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models) ............................	71
Figure 3-5.	Parallel port connection (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ............................	71
Figure 3-6.	USB connection ..............................................................................................	72
Figure 3-7.	Auxiliary connection ........................................................................................	72
Figure 3-8.	Direct to network connection ...........................................................................	73
Figure 3-9.	Network print server connection .....................................................................	73
Figure 3-10.	Peer to peer connection (direct to network) ....................................................	74
Figure 3-11.	Peer to peer connection (parallel) ...................................................................	74
Figure 4-1.	ETB total page count according to average job length .................................	107
Figure 4-2.	Location of supplies ......................................................................................	108
Figure 5-1.	Basic system operation .................................................................................	129
Figure 5-2.	Engine control system ...................................................................................	131
Figure 5-3.	DC controller circuit .......................................................................................	132
Figure 5-4.	Motors and fans ............................................................................................	134
Figure 5-5.	Fuser power supply circuit ............................................................................	135
Figure 5-6.	Heater temperature control circuit .................................................................	136
Figure 5-7.	High-voltage power supply circuit .................................................................	138
Figure 5-8.	Low-voltage power supply circuit ..................................................................	139
Figure 5-9.	Formatter system ..........................................................................................	140
Figure 5-10.	Laser/scanner system ...................................................................................	144
Figure 5-11.	Scanner motor control circuit ........................................................................	145
Figure 5-12.	Image formation system ................................................................................	146
Figure 5-13. Image formation process ...............................................................................		148
Figure 5-14.	Print cartridge ................................................................................................	149
Figure 5-15.	Memory tag ...................................................................................................	150
Figure 5-16.	Toner level detection .....................................................................................	152
Figure 5-17.	Developing cylinder disengaging ..................................................................	153
Figure 5-18.	ETB unit .........................................................................................................	154
Figure 5-19.	Primary exposure ..........................................................................................	155
Figure 5-20.	Primary charging ...........................................................................................	156
Figure 5-21.	Laser beam exposure ...................................................................................	156
Figure 5-22.	Development block ........................................................................................	157
Figure 5-23.	Attaching the paper to the ETB .....................................................................	158
Figure 5-24.	Toner transfer ................................................................................................	159
Figure 5-25.	Separation .....................................................................................................	159

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Figure 5-26.	Fusing ............................................................................................................	160
Figure 5-27.	ETB cleaning .................................................................................................	163
Figure 5-28.	Drum cleaning ...............................................................................................	164
Figure 5-29.	Primary charging roller and toner charging roller cleaning ...........................	165
Figure 5-30.	Color registration calibration .........................................................................	166
Figure 5-31.	Image density detection ................................................................................	168
Figure 5-32.	Custom/Standard paper size switch in cassette ...........................................	169
Figure 5-33.	Pickup/feed system .......................................................................................	170
Figure 5-34.	Pickup/feed system .......................................................................................	171
Figure 5-35.	Cassette pickup operation ............................................................................	173
Figure 5-36.	Paper size detection switches .......................................................................	174
Figure 5-37.	Paper lifting operation ...................................................................................	175
Figure 5-38.	Multiple-feed prevention ................................................................................	176
Figure 5-39.	Overhead transparency detection .................................................................	177
Figure 5-40.	Horizontal registration adjustment ................................................................	178
Figure 5-41.	Duplex switch back .......................................................................................	180
Figure 5-42.	Additional 500-sheet paper feeder ................................................................	181
Figure 5-43.	500-sheet paper feeder pickup and feed operation ......................................	182
Figure 6-1.	Phillips and Posidriv screwdriver comparison ...............................................	186
Figure 6-2.	ETB supports and pressure gears ................................................................	189
Figure 6-3.	Removing and replacing the rear cover ........................................................	190
Figure 6-4.	Removing and replacing the top cover .........................................................	191
Figure 6-5.	Removing and replacing the rear top cover ..................................................	192
Figure 6-6.	Removing and replacing the left cover (1 of 2) .............................................	193
Figure 6-7.	Removing and replacing the left cover (2 of 2) .............................................	193
Figure 6-8.	Removing and replacing the right cover .......................................................	194
Figure 6-9.	Removing and replacing the multi-purpose tray ...........................................	195
Figure 6-10.	Removing and replacing the front cover .......................................................	196
Figure 6-11.	Removing and replacing the control panel (1 of 2) .......................................	197
Figure 6-12.	Removing and replacing the control panel (2 of 2) .......................................	197
Figure 6-13.	Control panel overlay for 5500 models only .................................................	198
Figure 6-14.	Control panel with label for 5550 models only ..............................................	198
Figure 6-15.	Removing and replacing the cassette cover .................................................	198
Figure 6-16.	Removing and replacing the paper pickup unit (1 of 2) ................................	199
Figure 6-17.	Removing and replacing the paper pickup unit (2 of 2) ................................	199
Figure 6-18.	Removing and replacing the paper pickup sensor PCB ...............................	200
Figure 6-19.	Removing and replacing the multi-purpose tray sensor PCB .......................	201
Figure 6-20.	Removing and replacing the paper pickup drive unit (1 of 2) .......................	202
Figure 6-21.	Removing and replacing the paper pickup drive unit (2 of 2) .......................	202
Figure 6-22.	Removing and replacing the lifter drive unit (1 of 3) .....................................	203
Figure 6-23.	Removing and replacing the lifter drive unit (2 of 3) .....................................	203
Figure 6-24.	Removing and replacing the lifter drive unit (3 of 3) .....................................	204
Figure 6-25.	Removing the cassette pickup and feed rollers ............................................	205
Figure 6-26.	Removing and replacing the solenoid and clutch .........................................	206
Figure 6-27.	Removing and replacing the cassette separation roller ................................	206
Figure 6-28.	Removing and replacing the multi-purpose tray pickup roller (1 of 2) ..........	207
Figure 6-29.	Removing and replacing the multi-purpose tray pickup roller (2 of 2) ..........	207
Figure 6-30.	Removing and replacing the multi-purpose tray separation pad ..................	208
Figure 6-31.	Removing and replacing the color registration detection unit .......................	209
Figure 6-32.	Removing and replacing the DC controller shield ........................................	210
Figure 6-33.	Environment sensor.......................................................................................	211
Figure 6-34.	Removing and replacing the memory tag antenna PCBs (1 of 2) ................	212
Figure 6-35.	Removing and replacing the memory tag antenna PCBs (2 of 2) ................	212
Figure 6-36.	Removing and replacing the developing disengaging drive unit ..................	213
Figure 6-37.	Removing and replacing the drum drive gears (1 of 2) ................................	214
Figure 6-38.	Removing and replacing the drum drive gears (2 of 2) ................................	214

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Figure 6-39. Removing and replacing the drum drive assemblies (1 of 4) .......................	215
Figure 6-40. Removing and replacing the drum drive assemblies (2 of 4) .......................	215
Figure 6-41. Removing and replacing the drum drive assemblies (3 of 4) .......................	216
Figure 6-42. Removing and replacing the drum drive assemblies (4 of 4) .......................	216
Figure 6-43. Reinstalling the developing disengaging rod (1 of 2) ....................................	217
Figure 6-44. Reinstalling the developing disengaging rod (2 of 2) ....................................	217
Figure 6-45. Removing and replacing the e-label memory controller PCB .......................	218
Figure 6-46. Removing and replacing the DC controller PCB ...........................................	219
Figure 6-47. Removing and replacing the cassette paper size detection switch ..............	220
Figure 6-48. Removing and replacing the power supply fan (1 of 2) ................................	221
Figure 6-49. Removing and replacing the power supply fan (2 of 2) ................................	221
Figure 6-50. Removing and replacing the formatter (HP Color LaserJet 5550) ...............	223
Figure 6-51. Removing and replacing the formatter (HP Color LaserJet 5500) ...............	223
Figure 6-52. Removing and replacing the low-voltage power supply, left side of
printer (1 of 4) ................................................................................................	224
Figure 6-53. Removing and replacing the low-voltage power supply, rear of printer
(2 of 4) ...........................................................................................................	224
Figure 6-54. Removing and replacing the low-voltage power supply, right side of
printer (3 of 4) ................................................................................................	225
Figure 6-55. Removing and replacing the low-voltage power supply (4 of 4) ...................	225
Figure 6-56. Removing and replacing the formatter case (1 of 2) ....................................	226
Figure 6-57. Removing and replacing the formatter case (2 of 2) ....................................	227
Figure 6-58. Removing and replacing the laser/scanner units (1 of 8) .............................	228
Figure 6-59. Removing and replacing the laser/scanner units (2 of 8) .............................	228
Figure 6-60. Removing and replacing the laser/scanner units (3 of 8) .............................	229
Figure 6-61. Removing and replacing the laser/scanner units (4 of 8) .............................	229
Figure 6-62. Removing and replacing the laser/scanner units (5 of 8) .............................	230
Figure 6-63. Removing and replacing the laser/scanner units (6 of 8) .............................	230
Figure 6-64. Removing and replacing the laser/scanner units (7 of 8) .............................	231
Figure 6-65. Removing and replacing the laser/scanner units (8 of 8) .............................	232
Figure 6-66. Removing and replacing the high-voltage power supply PCB .....................	233
Figure 6-67. Aligning the high-voltage power supply PCB ................................................	234
Figure 6-68. Removing and replacing the toner level detection PCB ...............................	235
Figure 6-69. Removing and replacing the high-voltage contact blocks (cyan
indicated) .......................................................................................................	236
Figure 6-70. Removing and replacing the door switch ......................................................	237
Figure 6-71. Removing the screw in the discharging PCB.................................................	238
Figure 6-72. Removing and replacing the discharging PCB .............................................	239
Figure 6-73. Removing and replacing the fuser power supply PCB (1 of 2) .....................	240
Figure 6-74. Removing and replacing the fuser power supply PCB (2 of 2) .....................	240
Figure 6-75. Removing and replacing the fuser drive unit (1 of 4) ....................................	241
Figure 6-76. Removing and replacing the fuser drive unit (2 of 3) ....................................	242
Figure 6-77. Removing and replacing the fuser drive unit (3 of 4) ....................................	243
Figure 6-78. Removing and replacing the fuser drive unit (4 of 4) ....................................	243
Figure 6-79. Removing and replacing the fuser paper sensor ..........................................	244
Figure 6-80. Removing and replacing the fuser delivery sensor and output bin full
sensor (1 of 2) ...............................................................................................	245
Figure 6-81. Removing and replacing the fuser delivery sensor and output bin full
sensor (2 of 2)................................................................................................	245
Figure 6-82. Removing and replacing the static discharge comb .....................................	246
Figure 6-83. Removing and replacing the static discharge eliminator unit (HP
Color LaserJet 5550 models only) ................................................................	246
Figure 6-84. Removing and replacing the formatter fan ....................................................	247
Figure 6-85. Removing and replacing the cartridge fan ....................................................	248
Figure 6-86. Removing and replacing the 500-sheet paper feeder left cover (1 of 2) ......	249
Figure 6-87. Removing and replacing the 500-sheet paper feeder left cover (2 of 2) ......	250

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Figure 6-88.	Removing and replacing the 500-sheet paper feeder right cover (1 of 2)	....250
Figure 6-89.	Removing and replacing the 500-sheet paper feeder right cover (2 of 2) ....	251
Figure 6-90.	Removing and replacing the paper feeder pickup unit (1 of 3) .....................	252
Figure 6-91.	Removing and replacing the paper feeder pickup unit (2 of 3) .....................	252
Figure 6-92.	Removing and replacing the paper feeder pickup unit (3 of 3) .....................	253
Figure 6-93.	Removing and replacing the paper feeder lifter drive unit ............................	254
Figure 6-94.	Removing and replacing the paper feeder length and width detection
	switches .........................................................................................................	255
Figure 6-95.	Removing and replacing the paper feeder pickup clutch ..............................	255
Figure 6-96.	Removing and replacing the 500-sheet paper feeder PCB ..........................	256
Figure 7-1.	Troubleshooting flowchart .............................................................................	263
Figure 7-2.	Troubleshooting flowchart, continued............................................................	264
Figure 7-3.	Jam locations ................................................................................................	330
Figure 7-4.	Repetitive defects ruler for the HP Color LaserJet 5550 printer ...................	367
Figure 7-5.	Repetitive defects ruler for the HP Color LaserJet 5500 printer ...................	368
Figure 7-6.	HP Color LaserJet 5500 printer menu map...................................................	372
Figure 7-7.	HP Color LaserJet 5550 printer menu map ..................................................	373
Figure 7-8.	HP Color LaserJet 5500 printer configuration page .....................................	390
Figure 7-9.	HP Color LaserJet 5550 printer configuration page .....................................	390
Figure 7-10.	Supplies status page for HP Color LaserJet 5550 ........................................	391
Figure 7-11.	Supplies status page for HP Color LaserJet 5500 ........................................	392
Figure 7-12.	Usage page for HP Color LaserJet 5500 ......................................................	393
Figure 7-13.	Usage page for HP Color LaserJet 5550 ......................................................	393
Figure 7-14.	Event log for HP Color LaserJet 5500 ..........................................................	394
Figure 7-15.	File directory page for HP Color LaserJet 5550 models ...............................	395
Figure 7-16.	PCL font list page (shown is for HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ..............	396
Figure 7-17.	PS font list page (shown is for HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) .................	397
Figure 7-18.	RGB samples page (shown for the HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) .........	398
Figure 7-19.	CMYK samples page (shown for the HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) .......	399
Figure 7-20.	Formatter LED (shown is HP Color LaserJet 5500 model) ..........................	401
Figure 7-21.	Formatter LED (shown is HP Color LaserJet 5550 model) ..........................	402
Figure 7-22.	Door switch and ETB connector ...................................................................	403
Figure 7-23.	Tray 2 paper size switch arrangement ..........................................................	407
Figure 7-24.	Location of sensors .......................................................................................	410
Figure 7-25.	Sensors on the paper pickup unit (the sensors are on the back side of
	the PCA) ........................................................................................................	411
Figure 7-26.	Fuser sensors and output bin full sensor ......................................................	411
Figure 7-27.	Test page switch ...........................................................................................	415
Figure 7-28.	Location of main parts ...................................................................................	422
Figure 7-29.	Mechanical system main unit ........................................................................	423
Figure 7-30.	Location of switches ....................................................................................	424
Figure 7-31.	Door switch ....................................................................................................	424
Figure 7-32.	Location of solenoid and clutch ...................................................................	425
Figure 7-33.	Solenoid and clutch on the paper pickup unit ...............................................	425
Figure 7-34.	Location of motors and fans ..........................................................................	426
Figure 7-35.	PCB locations ................................................................................................	427
Figure 7-36.	Location of DC controller PCB components .................................................	428
Figure 7-37.	Location of connectors (1 of 3) .....................................................................	429
Figure 7-38.	Location of connectors (2 of 3) .....................................................................	430
Figure 7-39.	Location of connectors (3 of 3) .....................................................................	431
Figure 7-40.	500-sheet paper feeder connectors ..............................................................	432
Figure 7-41.	General circuit diagram .................................................................................	433
Figure 7-42.	500-sheet paper feeder circuit diagram ........................................................	434
Figure 8-1.	Assembly location diagram ...........................................................................	444
Figure 8-2.	PCB locations ................................................................................................	445
Figure 8-3.	External covers and panels (1 of 2) ..............................................................	448

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Figure 8-4.	External covers and panels (2 of 2) ..............................................................	450
Figure 8-5.	Internal components (1 of 9) .........................................................................	452
Figure 8-6.	Internal components (2 of 9) .........................................................................	454
Figure 8-7.	Internal components (3 of 9) .........................................................................	456
Figure 8-8.	Internal components (4 of 9) .........................................................................	458
Figure 8-9.	Internal components (5 of 9) .........................................................................	460
Figure 8-10.	Internal components (6 of 9) .........................................................................	462
Figure 8-11.	Internal components (7 of 9) .........................................................................	464
Figure 8-12.	Internal components (8 of 9) .........................................................................	466
Figure 8-13.	Internal components (9 of 9) .........................................................................	468
Figure 8-14.	Paper pickup drive assembly ........................................................................	470
Figure 8-15.	Drum drive assembly ....................................................................................	472
Figure 8-16.	Disengaging drive assembly .........................................................................	474
Figure 8-17.	Fuser drive assembly ....................................................................................	476
Figure 8-18.	Cassette (1 of 2) ............................................................................................	478
Figure 8-19.	Cassette (2 of 2) ............................................................................................	480
Figure 8-20. Paper pickup assembly (1 of 2) ....................................................................		482
Figure 8-21. Paper pickup assembly (2 of 2) ....................................................................		484
Figure 8-22.	ETB assembly (1 of 2) ...................................................................................	486
Figure 8-23.	ETB assembly (2 of 2) ...................................................................................	488
Figure 8-24.	Fuser assembly (1 of 2) ................................................................................	490
Figure 8-25.	Fuser assembly (2 of 2) ................................................................................	492
Figure 8-26.	500-sheet paper feeder assembly location diagram .....................................	494
Figure 8-27.	500-sheet paper feeder internal components (1 of 2) ..................................	496
Figure 8-28.	500-sheet paper feeder internal components (2 of 2) ..................................	498
Figure 8-29.	500-sheet paper feeder cassette (1 of 2) ......................................................	500
Figure 8-30.	500-sheet paper feeder cassette (2 of 2) ......................................................	502
Figure 8-31.	500-sheet paper feeder lifter drive assembly ................................................	504
Figure 8-32.	500-sheet paper feeder paper pickup assembly ...........................................	506

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1	Printer description

This chapter contains information about the following topics.
Model Configurations ................................................................................................................	2
The HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printer ........................................................................	2
Performance, memory, and other printer features ....................................................................	4
Identification ..............................................................................................................................	6
Model and serial numbers ..................................................................................................	6
HP Color LaserJet 5500 models ........................................................................................	8
HP Color LaserJet 5550 models ........................................................................................	9
Printer specifications ...............................................................................................................	10
Supply storage requirements (HP Color LaserJet 5500 series) ......................................	12
Product information .................................................................................................................	13
Product information ..........................................................................................................	13
Electrical Specifications (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models) .............................................	13
Electrical specifications (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) .............................................	14
Media requirements ................................................................................................................	16
Selecting print media ........................................................................................................	16
Media specifications .........................................................................................................	16
Supported media weights and sizes (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models) ..........................	16
Supported paper weights and sizes (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ..........................	19
Media specifications for 2-sided (duplex) printing ............................................................	22
Media to avoid ..................................................................................................................	22
Media that may cause damage to the printer ...................................................................	23
Printing on special media .................................................................................................	23
Transparencies .................................................................................................................	23
Printing on transparencies ................................................................................................	23
Glossy paper .....................................................................................................................	24
Colored paper ...................................................................................................................	24
Heavy paper .....................................................................................................................	24
Printing images (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models) ..........................................................	25
Envelopes .........................................................................................................................	25
Labels ...............................................................................................................................	25
HP LaserJet Tough paper ................................................................................................	26
Preprinted forms and letterhead ......................................................................................	26
Recycled paper .................................................................................................................	26
Weight equivalence table .................................................................................................	27
Hewlett-Packard warranty statement ......................................................................................	28
Limited warranty for print cartridge life ....................................................................................	29
Transfer unit and fuser warranty .............................................................................................	30
Declaration of Conformity ........................................................................................................	31
Safety information ...................................................................................................................	32
Laser safety statement .....................................................................................................	32
Canadian DOC regulations ...............................................................................................	32
EMI statement (Korea) .....................................................................................................	32
VCCI statement (Japan) ...................................................................................................	33
Laser Statement for Finland .............................................................................................	34
Toner safety ............................................................................................................................	35

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1

Model Configurations

This printer combines the quality and reliability of Hewlett-Packard printing with the features listed below. For more information on printer features, see the Hewlett-Packard website at http://www.hp.com/support/clj5500 or http://www.hp.com/support/clj5550.

The HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printer

1HP Color LaserJet 5500, 5500n, 5550, 5550n, 5500dn, and 5550dn printers

2HP Color LaserJet 5550dtn and 5550dtn printers

3HP Color LaserJet 5500dtn and 5550dtn printers

4HP Color LaserJet 5550hdn printer

Table 1-1. Model configurations

HP LaserJet 5500 models

HP Color LaserJet 5500 printer (model number C9656A)

The HP CLJ 5500 printer is the base model, which includes 96 megabytes (MB) of synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), one 500-sheet input tray. This model comes with three optional EIO slots, standard bidirectional parallel port (IEEE-1284-C compliant), and a Fast InfraRed (FIR) port.

HP Color LaserJet 5500n printer (model number C7131A)

The HP CLJ 5500n printer contains all of the features of the base model plus an HP Jetdirect 615N print server (network card) and is only available in Europe.

2 Chapter 1 Printer description

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Table 1-1. Model configurations (continued)

HP Color LaserJet 5500dn printer (model number C9657A)

The HP CLJ 5500dn printer contains all of the features of the base model plus an HP Jetdirect 615N print server (network card), and automatic 2-sided printing (duplexing).

HP Color LaserJet 5500dtn printer (model number C9658A)

The HP CLJ 5500dtn printer contains all of the features of the base model plus an HP Jetdirect 615N print server (network card) and automatic 2- sided printing (duplexing), an additional 500sheet feeder, and 160 MB of SDRAM.

HP Color LaserJet 5500hdn printer (model number C9659A)

HP LaserJet 5550 models

HP Color LaserJet 5550 printer (model number Q3713A)

HP Color LaserJet 5550n printer (model number Q3714A)

HP Color LaserJet 5550dn printer (model number Q3715A)

The HP CLJ 5500hdn printer contains all of the features of the base model with an HP Jetdirect 615N print server (network card) and automatic 2- sided printing (duplexing), two additional 500sheet feeders, a hard disk, and 160 MB of SDRAM.

The HP CLJ 5550 printer is the base model, which includes 128 megabytes (MB) of dual-data- rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), plus 32 MB of additional memory on the formatter board for a total of 160 MB of memory, and a 500-sheet input tray.

The printer provides three enhanced input/output (EIO) slots, wireless connectivity, an auxiliary port, a universal serial bus (USB) connection, and a standard bidirectional parallel cable interface (IEEE-1284-C compliant).

The HP CLJ 5550n printer contains all of the features of the base model plus an HP Jetdirect 620N print server (network card).

The HP CLJ 5550dn printer contains all of the features of the base model plus an HP Jetdirect 620n print server (network card) and automatic 2- sided printing (duplexing).

HP Color LaserJet 5550dtn printer (model number Q3716A)

HP Color LaserJet 5550hdn printer (model number Q3717A)

The HP CLJ 5550dtn printer contains all of the features of the base model plus an HP Jetdirect 620N print server (network card), automatic 2- sided printing (duplexing), an additional 500sheet feeder.

This model has 256 MB of DDR SDRAM, plus 32 MB of additional memory on the formatter board for a total of 288 MB of memory.

The HP CLJ 5550hdn printer contains all of the features of the base model plus an HP Jetdirect 620N print server (network card), automatic 2- sided printing (duplexing), and three addtional 500-sheet feeders.

This model has 256 MB of DDR SDRAM, plus 32 MB of additional memory on the formatter board for a total of 288 MB of memory.

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Model Configurations

3

Performance, memory, and other printer features

This printer series combines the quality and reliability of Hewlett-Packard printers with the features listed in Table 1-2. Features.

Table 1-2. Features

Performance	●	HP Color LaserJet 5500 models: Up to 22 pages per minute
		(ppm) for A4-size paper and up to 21 ppm for letter size paper
		HP Color LaserJet 5550 models: Up to 28 pages per minute
		(ppm) on A4 size paper and up to 27 ppm for letter size paper
	● Also prints on transparencies and glossy paper
Memory	●	HP Color LaserJet 5500, 5500n, 5500dn models contain 96MB of
		synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM).
		Memory specification: All HP Color LaserJet 5550 series printers
		use 200-pin SODIMM that support 128 or 256MB of RAM
	● HP Color LaserJet 5500dtn and 5500hdn printer models contain
		160MB SDRAM.
	● HP Color LaserJet 5550, 5550n, 5550dn models contain 160MB
		DDR plus 32MB of additional memory on the formatter board and
		an additional open DIMM slot.
		HP Color LaserJet 5550dtn and 5550hdn models contain 288MB
		of SDRAM: 256MB DDR plus 32MB of additional memory on the
		formatter board and an additional DIMM slot.
		These printer models contain two 200-pin SODIMM slots that
		accept 128 or 256 MB RAM each
	● Optional hard drive can be added via an EIO slot (included with
		the HP Color LaserJet 5500hdn and 5550hdn models only). This
		is optional for all other printer models.
User interface	●	Graphic display on control panel
	● Enhanced Help with animated graphics
	● Embedded Web server to access support and order supplies
		(network-connected printers)
	● HP Toolbox software provides printer status and alerts, configure
		printer settings, view documentation and troubleshooting
		information, and print internal printer information pages (for
		HP Color LaserJet 5550 models only).
Supported printer	●	HP PCL 6
personalities	●	HP PCL 5c
	●	PostScript 3 emulation
	●	Automatic language switching
	● Direct PDF support (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models only)
	● XHTML support (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models only)
Storage features	●	Job storage (for printers with a hard disk)
	● Personal identification number (PIN) printing (for printers with
		hard drives)
	●	Fonts and forms
Fonts	●	80 internal fonts available for both PCL and PostScript emulation
	● 80 printer-matching screen fonts in TrueType™ format available

with the software solution

● Supports forms and fonts on the hard drive using HP Web Jetadmin.

4 Chapter 1 Printer description

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Table 1-2. Features (continued)

Paper handling	●	Prints on paper from 76 x 127 mm (3 x 5 inches) up to 306 x 470
		mm (12.1 x 18.5 inches)
	● Prints on paper with weights from 60 g/m2 to 199 g/m2 (16 to 53 lb
		bond)
	● Prints on a wide range of media types including glossy, labels,
		overhead transparencies, and envelopes
	●	Multiple gloss levels
	● A 500-sheet paper feeder (Tray 2) that supports paper sizes from
		148 x 210 mm (5.8 x 8.3 inches) up to 297 x 432 mm (11.6 x 17
		inches).
	● Optional 500-sheet paper feeders (Trays 3, 4, and 5 (HP Color
		LaserJet 5550 models only) supports paper sizes from 148 x 210
		mm (5.8 x 8.3 inches) up to 297 x 432 mm (11.6 x 17 inches).
	● Automatic two-sided printing on all HP Color LaserJet
		5500dn/5550dn, HP Color LaserJet 5500dtn/5550dtn, and
		HP Color LaserJet 5500hdn/5550hdn printers
	● 250-sheet face-down output bin.
Accessories	●	Printer hard drive, which provides storage for fonts and macros as
		well as job storage; standard on HP Color LaserJet 5500hdn and
		5550hdn models only
	● Printer stand (recommended for additional optional trays)
	● Optional Tray 3 is standard on the HP Color LaserJet 5500dtn
		and HP Color LaserJet5550dtn models. Optional trays 3 and 4
		are standard on the HP Color LaserJet 5500hdn models. Optional
		Trays 3, 4, and 5 are standard on the HP Color LaserJet 5550hdn
		models. All optional trays support support paper sizes from 148 x
		210 mm (5.8 x 8.3 inches) up to 297 x 432 mm (11.6 x 17 inches).
	● HP Color LaserJet 5500 models: Fast InfraRed (FIR) pod
	● HP Color LaserJet 5550 models: Two-200-pin DDR SDRAM slots.
		One slot is available for adding memory to the printer. DDR
		SDRAM memory is available in 128 and 256 MB modules
	● HP Color LaserJet 5500 supports four 168-pin dual inline memory
		(DIMM) slots and the fifth 100-pin DIMM slot. Memory can be
		expanded up to 416 MB, which is available in 64MB, 128MB, or
		256MB.
Connectivity	●	Optional enhanced input/output (EIO) network card; comes
		standard on HP Color LaserJet 5500n/5550n, HP Color LaserJet
		5500dn/5550dn, HP Color LaserJet 5550dtn/5550dtn,
		andHP Color LaserJet 5500hdn/5550hdn printers
	● HP Color LaserJet 5550 models only: USB 1.1 connection
	● HP Web Jetadmin software
	● Standard bidirectional parallel cable interface (IEEE -1284-C
		compliant)
	● The HP Color LaserJet 5550 model printer supports an auxiliary
		connection for paper handling input devices.
	● HP Color LaserJet 5550 models only: Both USB and parallel
		connections are supported, but cannot be used at the same time
	● HP Color LaserJet 5500 model only: Infrared (FIR) connection.
Supplies	●	Supplies status page contains information on toner level, page
		count, and estimated pages remaining
	● No-shake cartridge design
	● Printer checks for authentic HP print cartridges at cartridge
		installation

● Internet-enabled supply-ordering capabilities (using embedded Web server, printer Status and Alerts, or Toolbox (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models only)

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Performance, memory, and other printer features

5

Identification

Model and serial numbers

The model number and serial numbers are listed on identification labels located on the rear of the printer. The model number is alphanumeric, such as C9656A for the HP Color LaserJet 5550. The serial number contains information about the country/region of origin, the printer version, production code, and the production number of the printer.

Figure 1-1. Model and serial number information

Power and regulatory information

The identification labels on the rear of the printer also contain power rating and regulatory information as shown in Figure 1-2. Sample label.

6 Chapter 1 Printer description

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CAUTION

Figure 1-2.

Converting the voltage on the printer can damage the printer. Do not use any voltage other than the operating voltage. Any attempt to convert operating voltages will void the product warranty (for example, attempting to change a 110V printer to a 220V printer).

Sample label

Table 1-3. Model names and numbers

Model name	Model number
HP Color LaserJet 5500	C9656A
HP Color LaserJet 5550	Q3713A
HP Color LaserJet 5500n	C7131A
HP Color LaserJet 5550n	Q3714A
HP Color LaserJet 5500dn	C9657A
HP Color LaserJet 5550dn	Q3715A
HP Color LaserJet 5500dtn	C9658A
HP Color LaserJet 5550dtn	Q3716A
HP Color LaserJet 5500hdn	C9659A
HP Color LaserJet 5550hdn	Q3717A

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Note	This manual describes the HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printer which includes the
	HP Color LaserJet 5500 models and the HP Color LaserJet 5550 models.
	HP Color LaserJet 5500 models

Figure 1-3. Front view, HP Color LaserJet 5500 models

1Output bin

2Printer control panel

3Top cover

4Front cover (includes tray 1)

5Tray 2 (500-sheet standard tray)

6Tray 3 (500-sheet paper feeder; optional)

7On/off switch

8Access to print cartridges, transfer unit, and fuser

Figure 1-4. Back view, HP Color LaserJet 5500 models

1Output bin

2On/off switch

3Tray 3 500-sheet paper feeder (optional)

4EIO connections (3 total)

5Memory access

6Fast InfraRed (FIR) connection

7Parallel connection

8Power connection

8 Chapter 1 Printer description

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HP Color LaserJet 5550 models

Figure 1-5. Front view, HP Color LaserJet 5550 models

1Output bin

2Printer control panel

3Top cover

4Front cover includes Tray 1

5Tray 2 (500 sheet standard tray)

6Access to print cartridges, transfer unit, and fuser

7On/off switch

8Tray 3, Tray 4, and Tray 5 (optional)

Figure 1-6. Back view, HP Color LaserJet 5550 models

1Output bin

2Auxiliary connector

3Parallel connection

4On/off switch

5EIO connections (3 total)

6Memory access

71.1 USB connection

8Tray 3, Tray 4, or Tray 5 (optional)

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