HP 4500 User Manual

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hp color LaserJet

4550/4500 series

quick reference

service guide

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HP Color LaserJet 4550/4500 Quick Reference Service Guide

Volume I November 2000 Edition

www.GovTechMedia.com

Publication number 5963-7921

First edition, November 2000

Warranty

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

Hewlett-Packard mak es no warr anty of any kind with respect to this information. HEWLETT-PACKARD SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or other damage alleged in connection with the furnishing or use of this information.

Trademark credits

Adobe™ and PostScript™

are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems, Inc., which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.

Microsoft

is a U.S. registered

trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

MS-DOS

is a U.S. registered

trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

UNIX

is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company Limited.

Hewlett-Packard Company 11311 Chinden Boulevard Boise, Idaho 83714 U.S.A.

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1 Troubleshooting control panel messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2 Service tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

3 Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

4 Input/Output (I/O) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

5 Media specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

6 Toner cartridge information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

7 Printer options and consumables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

8 Printer parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

9 Image quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

10 Wiring diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

11 Services and support resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

A Acronyms and abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

EN iii

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Ordering other manuals

This HP Color LaserJet Family Quick Reference Service Guide has been created to help the HP LaserJet service engineer quickly troubleshoot common printer problems. While this reference is intended to provide information the service engineer will need for on-site repair of HP LaserJet color products, it is not intended to replace the service manual for any HP LaserJet color product. For detailed information about the HP LaserJet color products described in this guide, see the user guide or service manual for that product.

Service manuals for HP LaserJet products are available from Hewlett-Packard. The phone number for the Service Parts Order Desk is:

(800) 227-8164 (U.S. only)

If you are located outside of the U.S., contact your local HP Sales and Service Office. See “Services and support resources” on page 197.

Supported products

Name used in this guide

HP Color LaserJet 4500 4500 N 4500 DN

HP Color LaserJet 4550 4550N 4550DN 4550HDN

Model number

C4084A C4089A C4094A

C7085A C7086A C7087A C7088A

Maximum pages per month

35 K C7085-90921

Service manual part number

Note

This guide will be updated as the service needs change, as new products are introduced, or as information becomes available.

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Troubleshooting

control panel messages

Overview

This chapter provides a list of control panel messages for the HP Color LaserJet printers. Alphabetical messages are listed first, followed by numerical messages. Control panel messages that are self-explanatory are not included. See the service manual for more detailed information.

Following the control panel messages are suggestions for troubleshooting paper path problems.

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Pre-troubleshooting checklist

WARNING!

Always turn off, then unplug, the printer before servicing. Current is present in the DC power supply whenever the printer is plugged in.

Note

The customer is responsible for ensuring that the maintenance units are in good condition.

Before troubleshooting any specific printer problem, chec k the f ollowing:

• Has the printer been maintained on a regular basis?

• Are all of the maintenance units within their rated life?

• Is the customer using media as specified in Chapter 5, “Media

specifications” and the HP LaserJet Family Print Media Guide?

• Is the media stored correctly and within environmental limits?

• Is the printer installed on a solid, level surface?

• Has the line voltage been checked to mak e sure that it does not vary

more than 20 percent from the nominal rated value specified on the power-rating label?

– Large motors used near the printer can cause temporary voltage

changes.

• Is the operating environment within the parameters listed in the

printer service manual?

• Is the printer protected from substances such as office cleaning

materials and the ammonia gas that is produced by diazo copiers?

• Is the printer protected from direct sunlight?

• Have all non-HP components (toner, typeface DIMMs, memory

boards, and EIO cards) been removed from the printer?

CAUTION

Hewlett-Packard recommends the use of HP products in this printer. Use of non-HP products can cause problems that require service not covered by the Hewlett-Packard warranty or service agreements.

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• Has the printer hardware or software configuration changed?

Or could the problem be associated with any specific software? – Contact the Customer Care Center f or software-related problems

(see Chapter 11, “Services and support resources”).

• Could the problem be related to network configuration changes?

– Remove the printer from the network and make sure that the

failure is associated with the printer before beginning troubleshooting.

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Control panel messages

Alphabetical messages

ACCESS DENIED MENUS LOCKED

Appears for approximately 5 seconds when a user has attempted to

select a menu value while the printer control panel locking is enabled.

l See the system administrator for access to the printer control

panel.

BAD DUPLEXER CONNECTION

The duplex unit is not correctly installed.

1. Verify that the power cord is connected to the duplex printing accessory and the short power cord from the duplex printing accessroy is connected to the printer.

2. Turn printer off and then on.

3. If the error continues, verify that the duplex unit is correctly installed.

If error persists, replace duplex unit.

CALIBRATION EXECUTING

The printer is executing an internal color calibration. This process should take approximately 90 seconds.

l No action is required.

CANCELING JOB

The printer is canceling the current print job. Incoming data for the current job will be discarded. No action is required.

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CANNOT DUPLEX CLOSE REAR BIN

The printer cannot duplex because the rear output bin is open.

1. Close the rear output bin door.

2. If the error message does not clear, turn the printer off and then on.

CANNOT DUPLEX CHECK REAR BIN

alternates with

CANNOT DUPLEX CHECK PAPER

The printer cannot duplex because the rear output bin is open or the media is not supported by the duplex unit.

1. Close the rear output bin.

2. If the error message does not clear, turn the printer off and then on. Verify that the media is supported by the duplex unit. See “Supported

media weights and sizes” in Chapter 5.

CHECKING PRINTER

The printer is performing an internal test. This process should take approximately 30 seconds. The message appears during the initiation of the engine test. When finished, the printer goes online.

l When the test has finished press Go to return the printer to the

READY state.

CLEARING PAPER FROM PRINTER

The printer has jammed or was turned on and media was detected in the paper path. The printer is attempting to clear these pages.

l No action is required.

CLOSE FRONT DUPLEX DRAWER

The duplex drawer is not completely closed.

l Close the duplex drawer.

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CLOSE MIDDLE FRONT DRAWER

The drawer that holds the intermediate transfer belt is open. This drawer is called the ITB drawer, but is referred to as the middle front drawer for end users. Switch SW1 indicates the drawer is open. When the drawer is closed, a plastic protrusion on the lower left corner of the drawer pivots an arm allowing SW1 to toggle to the open position.

1. Close the ITB drawer.

2. If the message persists, remove the printer’s left-side cover and inspect the mechanical linkage that closes SW1.

3. Refer to the wiring diagram to verify the wiring; the two-wire connector should be firmly seated to SW1 and the wiring harness should be firmly seated to connector J1003 of the DC controller PCB.

4. If the message persists, use an ohmmeter to verify functionality of SW1.

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CLOSE UPPER REAR DRAWER

Switch SW5 monitors the closing of the printer’s upper rear door (this door allows you to access the fusing assembly). When the fusing door is closed, a tab on the rear door pushes a door switch actuator that runs along the left-side of the printer and closes SW5.

1. Close the upper rear drawer.

2. If the message persists, remove the printer’s left-side cover and inspect the mechanical linkage of SW5 and the lever.

3. Refer to the wiring diagram and verify all connections (J103 of the DC controller PCB and to SW5). Verify they are firmly seated.

Verify that both the drum and ITB drawers are firmly closed; closing these drawers also closes SW4.

Note

Closing the rear door, the drum drawer , and the ITB dr awers closes SW4 and SW5. When either of these switches is open, the +24 V supply is disabled. This safety feature protects the oper ator from any high voltages.

CLOSE TOP COVER

SW2 indicates whether the printer’s toner access cover is closed. When the toner access cover is closed, a lever is pushed down. This in turn rotates a pivot forward, opening the top cover switch (SW2).

1. Close the top cover.

2. If the message persists, remove the printer’s top assembly cover and verify all mechanical linkages associated with SW2.

3. Verify that the connector on J1003 of the DC controller PCB is firmly seated.

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CLOSE UPPER FRONT DRAWER

The drawer that holds the imaging drum (the drum drawer) is open. Switch SW3 indicates that the drawer is open. When the drawer is closed, a plastic protrusion on the lower left corner of the drawer pivots an arm that allows SW3 to toggle to the open position.

1 Open the dra wer and firmly push the drawer closed using one hand

in the middle of the drawer.

2 If the message persists, remove the printer’s left-side cover and

inspect the mechanical linkage that closes SW3.

3 Refer to the wiring diagram and verify the wiring. The two-wire

connector should be firmly seated to SW3 and the wiring harness should be firmly seated to connector J1003 of the DC controller PCB.

4 If the message persists, use an ohmmeter to verify functionality of

SW3.

5 Verify FM3 (in the front of the Imaging drum drawer) is functioning

properly. The fan con-nects via J77 to J1022 on the DC Controller.

Note

Closing the drawer also closes SW4 (the drum drawer s witch). When SW4 is open, the +24 V supply is disabled. This safety feature protects the operator from any high voltages when the drum or ITB drawers are open.

COLD RESET (4500)

-or-

RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS (4550)

The cold reset power-up sequence has been entered.

l Most printer variables will reset to their factory default values.

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CONTINUOUS PAGE PRESS CANCEL JOB (4500)

The printer configuration page is being printed continuously.

l Press [Cancel Job] to terminate continuous configuration page

printing and return the printer to the

READY state.

Note

The HP LaserJet 4550 Paper Path test runs from the Information Menu.

DATA RECEIVED

The printer has received and processed data and is waiting for a form feed.

l Press [Cancel Job] and resend the last page of the job making

sure a form feed is sent with it, or press Go to feed a ne w sheet of media through the printer.

DENSITY SENSOR OUT OF RANGE

alternates with

CLEAN DENSITY SENSOR

A density sensor out of range error was detected during a color calibration.

l The density sensor might be dirty. Inspect and clean the sensor.

DIAGNOSTICS MODE

The extended diagnostics power-up key sequence has been entered. Refer to the diagnostics procedures at the end of this chapter.

l No action is required.

DRUM ERROR REPLACE DRUM KIT

An error has been detected with a component of the printer drum kit.

l Replace the drum kit.

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DRUM LIFE LOW REPLACE DRUM KIT (4500)

-or-

DRUM LIFE LOW ORDER DRUM KIT (4550)

Approximately 80 percent of the drum’s life has been consumed.

l Continue printing and order the drum kit. Drum replacement will

be required in the near future.

DRUM LIFE OUT REPLACE DRUM KIT

The imaging drum has reached the end of its expected life.

l Replace the drum kit.

DUPLEXER ERROR CHECK DUPLEXER

An error has occurred in the duplex unit.

1. Verify that the duplex unit is correctly installed.

2. Verify that the small pow er cord from the duple x unit is plugged into the printer, and the power cord from the AC outlet is plugged into the duplex unit.

EIO X INITIALIZING YYY

alternates with

DO NOT POWER OFF

The EIO device in slot X is initializing. The YYY value will increment every 10 seconds during this process.

l No action is required.

EIO X NOT FUNCTIONAL

The EIO slot specified does not have a card installed or is not functional.

l No action is required.

EVENT LOG EMPTY

SHOW EVENT LOG

Event Log has no entries.

l No action is required.

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was selected from the Information Menu, but the

FUSER LIFE LOW REPLACE KIT (4500)

-or-

FUSER LIFE LOW ORDER KIT (4550)

Approximately 95 percent of the fuser’s life has been consumed.

l Continue printing, or replace the fuser kit. Fuser replacement will

be required in the near future.

FUSER LIFE OUT REPLACE KIT

The fuser has reached the end of its expected life.

l Replace the fuser kit.

INITIALIZING

The message appears when the printer is initially turned on.

l No action is required.

INSTALL DRUM KIT

The drum kit is not installed or is incorrectly installed.

l Verify that the drum kit is correctly installed.

INSTALL TRAY 2

The printer cannot print until media is loaded into Tray 2. The paper path for Tray 3 passes through Tray 2.

l Insert Tray 2 into the printer so that printing from Tray 3 can

continue or start.

MEMORY FULL STORED DATA LOST

The printer has no available memory. The current job might not print correctly. Some downloaded fonts might have been deleted.

l Try printing simplified pages. If this does not resolve the problem,

add printer memory.

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MEMORY SETTINGS CHANGED

The I/O buffering settings were changed by the printer because there is not enough memory available to use the previous settings.

l No action required. However, adding printer memory might

prevent this from occurring.

MEMORY SHORTAGE JOB CLEARED

The available memory was not enough to continue printing. The remainder of the job was canceled.

l No action required. However, adding printer memory might

prevent this from occurring.

MEMORY SHORTAGE PAGE SIMPLIFIED

The printer’s adaptive data compression had to resort to lossy compression to fit raster graphics in the available memory. This has caused a data loss in the raster output.

1. Reduce the complexity of the page to improve the print quality.

2. Adding memory will not correct this problem.

NO JOB TO CANCEL

[Cancel Job] was pressed but there is no active job or buffered data to

cancel. The printer automatically returns to the

l No action is required.

READY state.

OFFLINE

The printer is offline and there are no error messages pending.

l Press [Go] to return the printer to the READY state.

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PAGE CANNOT PRINT NOW

alternates with

RETRY WHEN PRINTING STOPS

An internal page has been requested while the printer is printing an incoming job. Interrupting the job to print the internal page would corrupt the job’s environment and potentially cause the job to finish printing incorrectly after the internal page is completed. Consequently, internal pages are not permitted to interrupt jobs and can only be printed when the printer is idle.

l Retry the print job after the printer has completed the current job.

PLEASE WAIT

The printer is in the process of purging data so that it can go offline or into the menus.

l No action is required.

POWERSAVE ON

The printer is in PowerSave mode. This message is cleared by pressing any key or by the receipt of a print job.

PRESS GO TO PRINT

alternates with

PRESS SELECT TO CHANGE TONER

The top cover was opened and closed when the printer was not in toner cartridge replacement mode.

l Press [Go] to resume printing or press [Select] to enter the toner

replacement mode.

PRINTER LANGUAGE NOT AVAILABLE

The printer received a request for a new language (personality) that does not exist in the printer.

l No action is required.

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PRINTING CALIBRATION PAGE

The color calibration page is being printed. The printer returns to the

READY stage upon completion of this page.

l No action is required.

PRINTING CONFIGURATION P AGE

The configuration page is being printed. The printer returns to the

READY stage upon completion of this page.

l No action is required.

PRINTING FONT LIST

A typeface list for the available personalities is being printed. The printer returns to the

l No action is required.

READY stage upon completion of these pages.

PRINTING MENU MAP

The printer menu map is being printed. The printer returns to the

READY state upon completion of this page.

l No action is required.

PRINTING REGISTRATION PG

The registration page is being printed. The printer returns to the

READY state upon completion of this page.

l No action is required.

PRINTING LASERJET DEMO (4500)

-or-

PRINTING DEMONSTRATION (4550)

The demo page is being printed. The printer returns to the READY state upon completion of this page.

l No action is required.

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PRINTING LASERJET DEMO 2 (4500 only)

The demo page is being printed. The printer returns to the READY state upon completion of this page.

l No action is required.

PRINTING ACCESSORIES

The accessories page is being printed. The printer returns to the

READY state upon completion of this page.

l No action is required.

PRINTING COLOR GUIDE

The color guide page is being printed. The printer returns to the

READY state upon completion of this page.

l No action is required.

PROCESSING JOB

The printer is processing the current job.

l No action is required.

READY

The printer is online and ready to receive data, and no status or device attendance messages are pending.

l No action is required.

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REINSTALL TRANSFER BELT

This message occurs if you do not have the intermediate transfer belt installed in the printer or if the home position marks (on the ITB) are not detected by sensor PS5. The ITB must be rotating before PS5 is able to detect its “home positioning” marks. Both the ITB and the imaging drum are driven by the drum motor (M4).

1 Check SW1 for correct operation and make sure the cables are

connected.

2 Verify that the ITB is installed in the printer. 3 If the ITB is installed and seated properly, verify that PS5 is not

damaged. PS5 is located on the ITB assembly. If the sensor appears damaged replace the entire ITB assembly.

4 Clean PS5. 5 Verify all wiring within the ITB drawer. Note the connection on the

ITB assembly (located on the front, lower, left-hand corner of the assembly). When the drawer is closed, the connector “mates” with a receptacle connector on the drawer. Verify the connector and all wiring are in good condition. Make sure there is no paper in the connector at the base of the drawer.

6 Verify that the drum motor (M4) is rotating both the imaging drum

and the ITB. Run the drum test from diagnostic mode to verify drive spindle movement for both the imaging drum and ITB.

7 If the imaging drum is not rotating, verify the imaging drum

connector is firmly seated into the connector J204 of the developing PCB.

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REMOVE PAPER TOP OUTPUT BIN

The top output bin holds 250 sheets of paper. Sensor PS9 along with its sensor flag detects the height of the output paper stack. Perform the action items if this message appears with no paper in the output bin.

1. Verify that the PS9 sensor flag and arm move freely and its movement is not blocked.

2. Verify PS9 is free of dust and debris (top assembly cover must be removed to access sensor).

3. Verify all connectors are firmly seated. Refer to the wiring diagram.

Note

PS9 (a three-wire sensor) plugs into a through-wall connector on the printer’s chassis and then into a 14-pin wire harness, which plugs into J206 on the developing PCB. All signals from the developing PCB are routed to J201 on the developing PCB to J1017 on the DC controller PCB.

RESETTING MEMORY

The printer is executing a memory reset. The printer returns to the

READY state upon completion of this process.

RESETTING VALUES FINISHED

The color calibration density values have been reset to their default values.

RESTORING FACTORY SETTINGS

The printer is executing a RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS or a

COLD RESET.

No action is required.

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SELECT LANGUAGE

The language selection power-up key sequence has been entered. The printer will prompt the user to select a new control panel display language once it has completed its initialization process.

l Select a new language when prompted.

SERVICE MODE

The Service Mode power-up key sequence has been entered. The printer will remain in Service Mode until [Go] is pressed.

l Press [Go] to end service mode.

TONER CMYK LOW

The toner cartridge specified is low on toner. This message appears if

TONER=LOW (default) is set on the printer control panel in the

Configuration Menu.

l Printing will continue until a TONER OUT message appears. To

change the toner cartridge now, press [Select].

TONER CMYK OUT

alternates with

PRESS SELECT TO CHANGE TONER

The toner cartridge specified is out of toner.

l Press [Select] to enter the toner replacement mode. Press [Go] to

resume printing without changing the cartridge.

TONER CMYK LOW

alternates with

PRESS SELECT TO CHANGE TONER

The toner cartridge specified is low on toner and must be replaced. This message appears when panel in the Configuration Menu.

l Press [Select] to enter the toner replacement menu.

TONER LOW = STOP is set on the f ront

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TONER POSITION [COLOR] = [STATE]

Indicates the current state of a particular toner cartridge. This message appears when [Select] is pressed while a message appears.

l If necessary, replace the specified toner cartridge.

TONER LOW/OUT

TRANSFER KIT LOW REPLACE KIT (4500)

-or-

TRANSFER KIT LOW ORDER KIT (4550)

The transfer kit is near the end of its expected life.

l Although printing can continue, the transfer kit should be replaced

for optimum printer operation.

TRANSFER KIT OUT REPLACE KIT

The transfer kit has reached the end of its expected life.

l Replace the transfer kit.

TRAY X EMPTY [TYPE] [SIZE]

The specified tray is empty but the current job does not require this tray to complete the job.

l No action required. However, loading the proper media type and

size into the tray will avoid this message in the future.

TRAY X LOAD [TYPE] [SIZE]

The specified media type and size need to be loaded into the requested tray.

l Load the specified media type and size into the requested tray.

Press [Go] to override this request and cause the page to be printed on different media.

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TRAY X SIZE [SIZE]

Media has been loaded into the specified tray. The most recently configured size will be displayed with an asterisk next to it. Action:

1. [– Value +] might be used to view all possible media sizes.

2. Pressing [Select] will select the currently displayed size. Pressing

[Go] will remove the message.

TRAY X TYPE [TYPE]

Media has been loaded into the specified tray. The most recently configured type will be displayed with an asterisk next to it.

1. [– Value +] might be used to view all possible media types.

2. Pressing [Select] will select the currently displayed type. Pressing

[Go] will remove the message.

TRAY X OPEN

The specified tray is not completely closed.

l Close the specified tray.

WARMING UP

The fuser is warming up. Printing will continue when the fuser reaches the optimum temperature.

l No action is required.

WASTE TONER FULL REPLACE DRUM KIT

The waste toner full sensor PS13 detects a waste toner full condition. A light receiver and light pipe arrangement, along with a window in the drum assembly, look for a waste fill condition. Verify that sensors and light pipes are not blocked.

1 Replace the drum kit. 2 Check the sensor, replace it if it’s defective.

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Numerical messages

13.XX Jam

Note

Refer to the jam troubleshooting section for the complete details about locating jams.

XX Description: 4500 4550

0 1 Jam in input feed area 1 5 Jam in fusing area 2 6 Jam in fusing area 3 10 Jam in duplex reversing unit 4 11 Jam in duplex feed unit 5 12 Jam in duplex paper feed area or ITB drawer 6 13 Jam in duplex paper feed area or ITB drawer 7 20 Jam in paper feed area or ITB drawer 8 21 Door open jam

9 23 Irregular jam in paper path 10 24 Paper in the paper path is too short 11 25 Paper in the paper path is too long 12 2 Paper did not clear input sensor in time.

Note the location of the leading edge of the first jammed piece of media. Note the jam message. Note the location of the media.

13.XX Jam

alternates with

CHECK ALL REAR DOORS

Media is jammed in the rear paper path or rear duplexing area. 1 Open the rear duplex door (if installed) and remove any jammed

media.

2 Open the upper rear door and remove any jammed media.

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13.XX Jam

alternates with

CHECK MIDDLE FRONT DOORS

Media is jammed in the transfer belt area or media is not picking.

1 Open the ITB drawer and remove any jammed media. 2 Check for media between the transfer roller and the fusing

assembly.

13.XX Jam

alternates with

CHECK FRONT DUPLEX DRAWER

Media is jammed in the front duplexing area.

l Open the duplex drawer and remove any jammed media.

13.0 Jams (4500)

13.1 Jams (4550)

1 Check to see if the white plastic tabs (located inside the front of the

trays under the separation tabs) have fallen off in Tray 2 or Tray 3. (Note the position of the springs.)

2 Make sure that the correct media is loaded properly in Tray 3, and

that it is not overloaded.

3 Make sure that the two shipping locks have been removed f rom the

back of Tray 3.

4 Inspect the pick-up rollers for Tray 2; the flat side of the “D” on the

rollers should be parallel to the paper.

5 Make sure that the roller spring underneath the front of Tray 2 is

secure.

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13.1 Jam OPEN MIDDLE FRONT DRAWER (4500)

13.5 Jam OPEN MIDDLE FRONT DRAWER (4550)

alternates with

CHECK IN REAR OF DRAWER

A jam has occurred inside the ITB drawer area. (The ITB drawer is also referred to as the middle front drawer for end users.) The jam might be located in the fuser area or between the transfer area and the fuser.

1 Open the ITB drawer and carefully inspect for any media. 2 Be sure to inspect the fusing area. You might need to access the

fusing area through the rear door. 3 Remove any jammed media. Make sure that the transfer roller is securely in place

20 INSUFFICIENT MEMORY

alternates with

PRESS GO TO CONTINUE

More data has been received from the computer than fits in the printer’s internal memory.

1 To continue printing, press [Go]. Only the amount of data that fits in

the printer’s internal memory is printed.

2 To cancel the job, press [Cancel Job]. 3 Add more memory to resolve the problem.

22 EIO X BUFFER OVERFLOW

lternates with

PRESS GO TO CONTINUE

The EIO buffer for the EIO card in slot “X” has overflowed during a busy state.

1 The current data in the print buffer will be lost. 2 Press [Go] to resume printing and then resend the job.

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22 PARALLEL I/O BUFFER OVERFLOW

alternates with

PRESS GO TO CONTINUE

Indicates the parallel buffer has overflowed.

1. The current data in the print buffer will be lost.

2. Press [Go] to resume printing and then resend the job.

40 EIO X DATA ERROR

alternates with

PRESS GO TO CONTINUE (4500)

-or-

40 EIO BAD TRANSMISSION (4550)

A connection with the card in the specified slot has been broken

1. Check that all cables are connected to the EIO ports and that the EIO board is seated properly.

2. If possible, print to another network printer to verify the network is working properly.

Note

All data in the print buffer will be lost.

41.3 UNEXPECTED PAPER SIZE

alternates with

CHECK PAPER IN TRAY X (4500)

-or-

41.3 UNEXPECTED PAPER SIZE

alternates with

LOAD TRAY X [TYPE][SIZE] (4550)

A tray is configured for a specific paper size, but the sheet loaded is a different size. This error often occurs when the printer is multifeeding.

l Load the requested size media in tray.

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41.5 UNEXPECTED PAPER TYPE

alternates with

CHECK PAPER IN TRAY X

A tray is configured for a specific media type, but the printer detects a different media type loaded. The most common cause for this error is a jam at registration plate (under the ITB) where the customer does not remove the paper. The engine tries to check the OHT sensor and receives an error message.

1. Verify that the correct media type is loaded in the input tra y and the printer control panel is configured correctly.

2. Clean the detection windows of OHT sensors 1 and 2.

49.ERROR XXXX

CYCLE POWER

Indicates that a firmware error occurred that caused the processor on the formatter to abort operation. This type of error can be caused by invalid print commands, corrupt data, or invalid operations. In some cases, electrical noise in the cable can corrupt data during transmission to the printer. Other causes include poor quality parallel cables, poor connections, or home-grown applications. On rare occasions, the formatter is at fault and is usually indicated by a 79 Service Error.

1. Turn the printer off and on to reset the printer.

2. Verify that all cables are connected.

3. Cancel all print jobs then resend. Try to isolate any offending print job.

4. Delete the print job from the Windows spooler or from the print server.

5. If the formatter pan assembly or DC controller was removed, make sure the ribbon cable between the DC controller and the interconnect PCB is connected.

(Continued on next page.)

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49.ERROR XXXX CYCLE POWER

(continued)

Note

The printer control panel will display 49 (FFFF) and the display will be dark if the ribbon cable is not connected.

To verify that the formatter is functioning properly, run the formatter tests available in the diagnostics mode. If the formatter passes, the formatter is not defective. DO NOT replace the formatter.

49 ADAC or AFAC

Indicates that the printer is printing a PostScript file using Windows 3.1 or 9x.

l No action required.

49 FF01 to FF05

An NEC firmware ROM error has occurred.

l Replace the firmware.

49 FF02

Unsupported EDO memory has been installed.

l Remove unsupported memory.

49 04CC

Indicates a media timing issue. This occurs when printing multiple copies of transparencies or heavy or glossy media with either the PCL or PostScript drivers. Or it could indicate a timing mismatch between the engine and formatter.

49 04E7

Occurs during decompression of the strip buffers when the end of the strip marker is missing. This is triggered by one of the following: 1) Marker is corrupt; 2) Strip buffer size given to HiLite is too small; 3) Strip buffer size given is too large. (Continued on next page.)

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49 04E7

(continued)

Note

This error is primarily associated with the firmware and should not require a new formatter.

49 04FF

A large print job (800 to 1200 pages) or complex graphics can cause the printer to quit printing. Two courses of actions are available:

l Determine the page that is causing the failure. If there is an image

on the page, try to move the image down on a portrait page or left on a landscape page to move the image out of the strip that is failing. The movements will need to be very small so as not to cause the next strip to fail.

l Put the printer in Lossy mode with a sequence of PJL commands.

(Lossy compression is the process of compressing a file such that some data is lost after the file is compressed and decompressed.) Use the following series of commands to put the printer into Lossy mode: ESC%-12345X@PJL @PJL Default Service mode=HPBOISEID @PJL Default Diagnostics=ON @PJL Enter Language = PCL ESC%-12345X@PJL Esc*z9999P Esc*z50P Esc*z201X

To turn off Lossy mode once the file has printed, use the following commands: ESC%-12345X@PJL @PJL Default Diagnostics=OFF @JPL Default Service Mode=EXIT @PJL EOJ ESC%-12345X@PJL

(Continued on next page.)

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49 04FF

(continued) Putting the printer in Lossy mode might affect performance and print

quality.

49 FFFF

Issue reported by life test when replacing the fuser. This error might also occur during the boot cycle.

l Replace the formatter.

49FFOX

This error message allows you to scroll through the printer control panel to obtain all of the error information.

l No action required.

49 OBOA

A request is not understood. This error message is generated when the I/O card does not support a command that was sent to it.

l Check the command being sent; the I/O card might not support a

particular feature.

49 OB22

This error message is generated when the I/O card receives a control panel menu action that it does not recognize.

l Verify the action being sent.

50.x Fuser Error

The fusing assembly contains two heating bulbs, two thermo-s witches, and two thermistors. AC power is provided to the fusing assembly via the DC power supply, which is controlled by the DC controller PCB. The thermistors monitor the temperature of the fusing assembly and provide feedback to the DC controller PCB to regulate the fusing temperature. The two thermo-switches are wired in series with the fusing bulbs, and “open” if the temperature exceeds 240° C (464° F). (Continued on next page.)

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50.x Fuser Error

(continued) X Description:

1 Low temperature error 2 Fuser warm-up service 3 High fuser temperature 4 Faulty fuser 5 Fuser voltage mismatch (verify that you have

NOT installed a 110V fuser in a 220V printer or

vice-versa). 6 Fuser heater cutoff 7 Fuser motor malfunction (see recommended

action for 50.7 Fuser error)

Note

Closely inspect the mechanical linkage. The gears along the gear “drive” path can bind the gears, which will prevent M1 f rom rotating.

50.7 FUSER ERROR

The fusing motor (M1) drives the fusing assembly, the paper transport (web) assembly, ITB lift mechanism, transfer roller, transfer roller lift mechanism, and the face down output delivery drive assembly. A 50.7 fuser error appears when PS6 detects no motion within the fuser. Photosensor PS6 is the fusing unit pressure switch.

1 Power cycle the printer to try to clear the message. 2 Remove the left-side cover of the printer. Verify that the fusing

motor (M1) connector is seated firmly into J102 of the feed PCB.

3 Ensure that the connector at J110 of the feed PCB is firmly seated

(this connector contains the wiring for PS6, which provides fusermotion feedback).

Note

Closely inspect the mechanical linkage. The gears along the gear “drive” path can bind the gears, which will prevent M1 f rom rotating.

(Continued on next page.)

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50.7 FUSER ERROR

(continued) 4 If the error persists, Observe the drive shaft of M1 while powering

on the printer. If this shaft DOES NOT rotate, your failure is related to the motor drive circuitry. Referring to the printer’s wiring diagram, verify that connectors J102 and J106 of the feed PCB are firmly seated. If the error still persists, replace the fusing motor and the feed PCB in sequence.

5 If the shaft rotates (both forward and reverse), and the 50.7 fuser

error appears, the cause of the error is related to the motion feedback circuitry. Remove the fusing assembly and verify the sensor flag is in good condition and functional. Verify the connector at sensor PS6 is firmly seated. Clean the sensor of dust and debris. If the error persists replace sensor PS6

51 LASER ERROR (4500)

-or-

51.X PRINTER ERROR (4550)

Indicates a beam detect error or laser failure.

1 Turn the printer off and on to reset the printer. 2 Verify connectors J1102 on the laser driver PCB and J1008 on the

DC controller are seated properly.

3 Verify connectors J551 on the beam detect PCB and J1006 on the

DC controller are seated properly.

4 Replace the laser/scanner unit.

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52 SCANNER ERROR (4550)

-or52 PRINTER ERROR (4550)

Indicates that a scanner error has occurred.

1 Turn the printer off and on to reset the printer. 2 Verify connectors J551 on the beam detect PCB, J1103 on the

scanner motor, and J1006 on the DC controller are fully seated and connected correctly.

3 Replace the laser/scanner unit.

53.XY.ZZ PRINTER ERROR

Indicates a memory error. If a DIMM caused the error, the DIMM will not be recognized (configured).

X = MemoryType Y = Device LocationZZ = Error Number

0 = ROM 0 = Onboard0 = Unsupported memory 1 = RAM 1 = DIMM slot 11 = Unrecognized memory

1 = DIMM slot 13 = Failed RAM test 2 = DIMM slot 2

3 = DIMM slot 3

1 Verify that the DIMM is installed correctly. 2 Turn the printer off and on to reset the printer. 3 Remove and replace the DIMM that caused the error.

54.1 PRINTER ERROR

Indicates that an internal power failure has occurred.

1 Turn the printer off, and then turn the printer back on. 2 Replace the high-voltage power supply. 3 Check the fuser to ensure jams have not occurred.

( Continued on next page.)

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54.1 PRINTER ERROR

(continued)

CAUTION

54.1 errors can be caused by damaging the thermistor while clearing fuser jams.

4 Make sure there is not a fluctuation in the power supply to the

printer. Check that the electrical specifications are met.

5 Replace the low-voltage power supply.

54.2 PRINTER ERROR

An error 54.2 indicates that a problem exists with the carousel assembly. Either the carousel is not rotating or the sensor has failed. Drive motor (M3) provides drive for the toner cartridge carousel. If motion is not detected, a 54.2 error appears. M3 is a 6-phase stepping motor and receives its drive signal from J203 of the developing PCB. Photosensor PS10 monitors “movement” (and the position) of the toner cartidge carousel. Different width tabs (four tabs, one for each cartridge) on the left-end of the carousel housing pass through PS10 to provide positioning information. The black toner cartridge tab is the home position. Toner cartridge position within the carousel is monitored by PS11. If PS11 fails or is improperly connected, a 54.2 error appears. Another indicator of this is that the carousel starts to rotate then stops immediately. A 54.2 error message can also occur if the sensor is installed backwards.

1 Turn the printer off and then on to reset the printer.

Open the color toner door and look for an obstruction. If necessary , remove the toner cartridges individually by manually releasing the carousel brake and rotating the carousel around to each cartidge position and removing the cartridges. Turn the printer off and on to reset the printer.

(continued on next page)

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54.2 PRINTER ERROR

(continued)

Note

The printer CANNOT operate with the top cover remo ved unless the carousel brake has been released or removed.

2 Verify the carousel drive motor wiring harness is firmly seated into

connector J203 of the developing PCB.

3 Verify PS10 is working correctly and not excessively dirty (clean if

necessary) and that the wiring harness is firmly seated into both the sensor assembly and connector J206 of the developing PCB.

4 Verify PS11 is connected and functioning properly. 5 Verify all connectors to the developing PCB and the DC controller

PCB are firmly seated.

6 Verify that the rotary drive assembly is working. Replace it on older

units with more than 50K of life.

The following URL provides help with cartridge installation and removal: http://www.hp.com/go/ljsupplies

54.3 PRINTER ERROR

The printer is NOT receiving data back from the density sensor (PS14). PS14 is located in the bottom of the imaging drum drawer. During calibration routines, a series of images are written on the imaging drum and the densitometer measures the density of the image (e.g. amount of toner that is placed into the drum). These measurements provide the feedback to ensure image quality is consistent throughout the life of the consumable.

1 Verify the densitometer is clean; perform the toner density sensor

cleaning procedure in Chapter 7 of the online user guide.

2 Inspect the density sensor wiring harness for damage. The

harness runs from the density sensor through the left-side upper

(continued on next page)

54.3 PRINTER ERROR

(continued)

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control arm of the imaging drum drawer to J1010 of the DC controller PCB. Verify that the cable is firmly seated into the J1010 of the DC controller PCB.

3 If the error persists, replace the density sensor assembly.

54.4 PRINTER ERROR

Optional equipment is not recognized.

l Turn the printer off and on to reset the printer.

54.5 PRINTER ERROR

Indicates a waste toner sensor malfunction.

1 Turn the printer off and on to reset the printer. 2 Remove the drum cartridge and clean the waste toner detection

window with a dry cloth.

3 Clean the waste toner sensor unit at the printer side with a dry

cloth.

4 Check the light guide and clean it if necessary. Replace the light

guide if the ends are scarred.

5 Reconnect the waste toner sensor unit connector and the DC

controller PCB connector (J1009) correctly.

6 Replace the waste toner sensor (PS13).

54.6 PRINTER ERROR

The OHT sensor has reported an error condition. This can be caused by contamination in the connectors, a blocked sensor, or a defective sensor.

1 Remove the ITB and verify that the OHT sensor prism is in place. 2 Lift the registration flap and verify that the OHT sensor is not

blocked.

3 Remove the ITB drawer and inspect the drawer connectors for

contamination such as a piece of paper.

(Continued on next page.)

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54.6 PRINTER ERROR

(continued)

4 If the error persists, verify that all connectors are firmly seated. 5 Replace ITB drawer.

55 DC CONTROLLER ERROR

The print engine is not communicating with the formatter. The communication link between the formatter and DC controller was lost. This can occur due to a timing error or intermittent connection between the formatter and DC controller.

1 Turn the printer off and on to reset the printer. 2 Reseat the connectors between the formatter and DC controller.

Only if the error persists, replace the DC controller making sure to perform the calibration and color plane alignment procedures.

57.1 FAN FAILURE

The printer detected that the fan (an exhaust fan located in the upper, left rear corner of the printer) was not rotating. This fan operates off +24Vdc and is enabled by the DC controller PCB’s microprocessor.

1 Turn the printer off and on to reset the printer. Visually check to see

if the fan is rotating (if you cannot see any rotation, place y our hand over the outlet vents to see if exhaust air is moving).

2 Remove the printer’s left-side cover. Check to see if anything is

preventing the fan from rotating freely.

3 Verify that the fan’s connector is firmly seated into connector J208

of the developing PCB.

4 If the error persists, replace the fan.

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57.2 FAN FAILURE

The printer detected that the fan (an exhaust fan located in the upper, right rear corner of the printer) was not rotating. This fan, operates off +24Vdc and is enabled by the DC controller PCB’s micro-processor.

1 Turn the printer off and on to reset the printer. Visually check to see

if the fan is rotating (if you cannot see any rotation, place y our hand over the outlet vents to see if exhaust air is moving).

2 Remove the printer’s left-side cover. Check to see if anything is

preventing the fan from rotating freely.

3 Verify that the fan’s connector is firmly seated into connector J208

of the developing PCB.

4 If the error persists, replace fan.

57.3 FAN ERROR alternates with CLOSE UPPER FRONT DRAWER

The intake fan is located in the front, center of the drum drawer. (The drum drawer is referred to as the upper front drawer for end users.) Fan rotation stops when the drawer is opened. A fan error message appears when fan motion is NOT detected by the DC controller’s micro-processor if the drawer is closed and the printer is not in PowerSave mode.

1 Turn the printer off and on to reset the printer. Due to the difficulty

of observation, listen to hear if the fan is rotating.

2 Verify FM3 connector 27 is not damaged or broken. Verify the fan

connector is firmly seated into connector J1022 of the DC controller PCB.

3 Verify the fan connector is firmly seated into connector J1022 of

the DC controller PCB.

4 If the error persists, replace the fan.

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62 NO SYSTEM

Indicates there is a printer firmware problem. Either there is no firmware DIMM installed or the DIMM has failed. If the formatter was just replaced, make sure all DIMMs have been moved from the old formatter to the new one.

1 Turn the printer off and on to reset the printer. 2 Reseat the firmw are DIMM, making sure it is in the slot surrounded

by a white line with the text “ROM ONLY IN THIS SLOT.”

62.X PRINTER ERROR

Indicates that a problem exists with the internal memory.

X = Description

0 = Internal memory 1-3 = DIMM slots 1 through 3.

1 Turn the printer off and on to reset the printer. 2 Reseat and then replace the DIMM. 3 Replace the formatter board.

62.M BAD MPTR

The firmware ran out of memory trying to build the static entity directory.

1 Check printer settings to determine which values have been

changed.

2 Clear the message by pressing [Go].

68 NVRAM ERROR CHECK SETTINGS

One or more settings saved in the non-volatile storage device are invalid. Some settings might have been reset to factory defaults.

1 Check printer settings to determine which values have been

changed.

2 Clear the message by pressing [Go].

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68 NVRAM FULL CHECK SETTINGS

Indicates that a non-volatile storage device is full. Some settings might have been reset to factory defaults.

1 Check printer settings to determine which values have been

changed.

2 Clear the message by pressing [Go].

79 SERVICE (XXXX) PRINTER ERROR

Description:

A hardware error has occurred.

X=Description

01XX = IO ASIC register error 02XX = video ASIC register error 03XX = IDE ASIC register error

1 Reseat the formatter. 2 Reseat the firmware DIMM. 3 Run formatter diagnostics. 4 Replace the fir mware DIMM. 5 Replace the formatter.

80 SERVICE (XXXX) EIO ERROR

Description:

A critical EIO failure has occurred. X indicates the slot number of the device. XXXX indicates the error type.

1 Turn the printer off and on to reset the printer. 2 Reseat the EIO card. 3 Replace the EIO card.

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Troubleshooting paper path problems

Paper jams

Paper jams are posted if paper fails to arrive at or clear the paper path sensors in the allowed time. Dedicated paper sensors (PS2, PS7, PS3101, PS3103, and PS3104) detect whether paper is present in the sensor and if the paper is fed normally (see the figure below). When the control board detects a paper jam, it immediately stops the printing process and displays the appropriate paper jam message for the sensor that detects the paper jam.

Paper jam sensors (shown with the optional 500-sheet paper feeder

and duplex unit installed)

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Paper jam sensors

Registration paper sensor (PS2)

Duplex paper-pick sensor (PS3104)

Reversed unit paper sensor (PS3103)

Reversed paper sensor (PS3101)

Delivery paper sensor (PS7)

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Paper jam locations

Use the figure below to troubleshoot paper jams in the printer. For instructions on clearing paper jams, see the sections later in this chapter.

10 11

2 13

Paper jam locations (shown with the optional 500-sheet paper feeder

and duplex unit installed) See the next page for the associated error messages.

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Table 1-1 4500 Jam locations and associated error messages

13.11 Paper in the paper path is

too long. Check the Tray 1 area.

Check the entire paper path.

13.10 Paper in the paper path is

too short. Check the Tray 1 area.

Check the entire paper path.

13.9 Irregular paper jam in the

paper path. Check the Tray 1 area.

Check the entire paper path.

13.8 Door open jam. Check the

rear door, duplex cover, and rear

output door.

13.7 Jam in paper feed area.

Check the entire paper path.

13.6 Jam in duplex paper feed

area. Inspect the rear of the duplex

unit and the duplex tray.

13.5 Jam in duplex paper feed

area. Inspect the rear of the duplex

unit and the duplex tray.

13.4 Jam in duplex unit. Inspect

the rear of the duplex unit and the

duplex tray.

13.3 Jam in duplex reverse unit.

Inspect the rear of the duplex unit and the duplex tray.

13.2 Jam in fusing area. Check the

fuser assembly, output assembly, and duplex unit.

13.1 Jam in fusing area. Check the

fuser assembly, output assembly, and duplex unit.

13.1 Paper jam. OPEN MIDDLE

FRONT DRAWER

alternates with

CHECK IN REAR OF DRAWER.

Check the middle front drawer. Check and pull out the fuser.

13.1 Paper jam: Check in rear of

drawer . Check the rear of the middle front drawer. Reseat the transfer roller.

13.0 Jam in input feed area. Check

the input trays and duplex unit.

13.12 Paper did not clear the input

sensor in time.

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Table 1-2 4550 Jam locations and associated error messages

13.25 Paper in the paper path is

too long. Check the Tray 1 area. Check the entire paper path.

13.24 Paper in the paper path is

too short. Check the Tray 1 area. Check the entire paper path.

13.23 Irregular paper jam in the

paper path. Check the Tray 1 area. Check the entire paper path.

13.21 Door open jam. Check the

rear door, duplex cover, and rear output door.

13.20 Jam in paper feed area. Check the entire paper path.

13.13 Jam in duplex paper feed

area. Inspect the rear of the duplex unit and the duplex tray.

13.12 Jam in duplex paper feed

area. Inspect the rear of the duplex unit and the duplex tray.

13.11 Jam in duplex unit. Inspect

the rear of the duplex unit and the duplex tray.

13.10 Jam in duplex reverse unit.

Inspect the rear of the duplex unit and the duplex tray.

13.6 Jam in fusing area. Check the

fuser assembly, output assembly, and duplex unit.

13.5 Jam in fusing area. Check the

fuser assembly, output assembly, and duplex unit.

13.5 Paper jam. OPEN MIDDLE

FRONT DRAWER

alternates with

CHECK IN REAR OF DRAWER.

Check the middle front drawer. Check and pull out the fuser.

13.5 Paper jam: Check in rear of

drawer . Check the rear of the middle front drawer. Reseat the transfer roller.

13.1 Jam in input feed area. Check

the input trays and duplex unit.

13.2 Paper did not clear the input

sensor in time.

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General paper path checklist

• Verify that media is correctly loaded in the input trays and that all

length and width guides are set correctly.

• Clean the printer. Toner and paper dust in the paper path inhibits

free movement of media through the printer and blocks the sensors.

• Vary the input and output selections of the printer to determine if the

problem is associated with a particular area of the printer.

• Worn separation pads on the multi-purpose tray cause multifeeds.

Check the condition of the pickup rollers and customer replaceable feed roller. Bent separation tabs cause misfeeds and multifeeds. Replace the tray if necessary.

• Defective paper tray switches can cause paper jams by indicating

the wrong size paper to the formatter.

• Scraps of paper left in the paper path can cause intermittent paper

jams. Always check that the paper path is clear when cleaning the printer and when clearing paper jams. Also, remove the fuser and carefully check it for jammed paper.

• Scraps of paper may be difficult to find in the following areas.

• The ITB drawer connector on the engine side

• The OHT sensor under the registration plate

• The fuser (Remove the fuser and check it carefully.)

• The web transport (Paper scrapes are sometimes found in the

center of the web transport before the fuser.)

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Print media checklist

Many print problems are caused by printing on media that does not meet specifications. See “Supported media weights and sizes” on page 90 and the HP LaserJet Printer Family Print Media Guide for detailed information about media specifications. In addition, the following list helps to quickly check common media-related printing problems.

• Rough paper causes poor transfer and smeared print problems.

Check that the paper meets specifications for smoothness.

• The printer handles only 60 to 159g/m

media, and 0.13 mm (5-mil) thick transparencies.

• Paper that has absorbed moisture causes paper feed problems. If

the printer is used in a humid area, suspect damp paper as a cause

of recurring paper feed and print quality problems.

• Damaged paper, paper with ragged edges, or paper whose edges

stick together cause paper jams.

• Using paper that has already been through a laser printer or a

copier could cause paper jams.

CAUTION

Using media that does not conform to the specifications listed here

or in the HP LaserJet Family Print Media Guide can cause problems

that require service. This service is not covered by the Hewlett-

Packard warranty or service agreements.

(16- to 42-pound) bond

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Service tools

Overview

This chapter provides information on service tools that service personnel can use to verify and manipulate internal printer settings and diagnostics.

Note

Only authorized service personnel should use the service mode.

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Cold Reset

Cold reset clears all data from the print buffer and returns the printing menu and the configuration menu to the factory default settings.

To perform a cold reset

Select RESTORE FACTORY DEFAULTS from the Reset menu for the HP LaserJet 4500 series

RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS from the Reset menu for the HP

Select LaserJet 4550 series

Service mode

Service mode allows for the modification of page counts and certain registration values for the printer. In the LaserJet 4500 series, when the configuration page is printed while in service mode, all event log messages are printed as well. The LaserJet 4550 series event log can be printed from the Information menu. If both the formatter and DC controller are replaced at the same time, service mode will need to be utilized to execute the color plane registration sequence to ensure optimum print quality.

To access service mode

1 Hold down the CANCEL JOB key and SELECT key while turning the

printer on until the display is blank and the 3 LEDs are on.

2 Press the right side of the M

key. Service mode will be displayed on the front panel briefly followed b y

two rows of asterisks. The printer will go through its normal start up cycle then display

3 Press the MENU key to access the Service menu.

SERVICE MODE on the front panel.

ENU key, and then press the SELECT

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Service menu

Serial number=

Transfer maint count=

Fuser maint count=

Color page count=

Total page count=

Cold reset

get

paper=

Clear event log

Service mode menu map

Cyan registration=

Magenta registration=

Yellow registration=

Top margin=

Tray 1 left margin=

Trays 2 and 3 left margin=*

Print registr’tn page tray=

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Service menu items

The Service menu provides the options listed below. Press the

TEM key to scroll through the Service menu.

• Serial number

• Transfer maintenance count

• Fuser maintenance count

• Color page count

• Total page count

• Registration page (see page 55)

• Diagnostics mode (see page 59)

• Paper path test (see page 63)

• Developer test (see page 64)

• Drum test (see page 64)

• Door sensor test (see page 67)

• Formatter diagnostics (see page 60)

• Engine test (see page 68)

See the page number referenced opposite the item for more details.

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Registration page

Note

You must set the registration values if both the formatter and DC

controller are replaced at the same time or if the formatter was

previously installed in another printer. If the DC controller is replaced

by itself, these values are copied from the formatter to the DC

controller. If a new f ormatter is replaced, or if an NVRAM initialization

is performed (see page 69), these values are loaded onto the

formatter from the DC controller.

Printing a registration page

1 Scroll through the Service menu until PRINT REGISTRATION PAGE is

displayed.

2 Select the paper tray to pull paper from (only when setting left side

margins will the tray actually matter).

3 Press S

ELECT to print the registration page.

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Registration page

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Setting registration numbers

On each of the color bars in the process section are bolded numbers that indicate the current number set on the control panel. These bolded numbers will always be in the middle of the bars. To set the correct value for each of the colors, look at the lines within the bar and find the grouping that has the color line directly on top of the black line (it will have more white space). Print at least five registration pages to see if the new settings are correct.

Note

Using a magnifying glass to look at the lines will help in selecting the

best number.

Setting the registration number: 1 Use the I

TEM key to select the appropriate color (cyan, magenta, or

yellow) to view or change its registration number.

2 Press the + V

ALUE - key to change the registration number to the

one identified.

3 Press the S

ELECT key to enter the value.

Setting margin numbers

The top margin number is not tray dependent like the left side margin. You can print the registration page from whichever tray has paper. Using a ruler, measure from the top edge of the paper to the series of lines. Find the line that is 13 mm (0.5 in) away from the edge of the paper.

Setting the top margin registration value: 1 Press the I

margin is displayed.

2 Press the + M 3 Press the SELECT key to enter the number.

Print another registration page and the number just entered will align with the arrow and be bolded.

TEM key to scroll through the Service menu until top

ENU - key until the number to be entered is displayed.

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The left-side margin setting is tray dependent. Tray 1 has its own number while Trays 2 and 3 are combined. The procedure is the same as the top margin with one exception. The page must be printed from the tray that will be adjusted.

Printing from Tray 1: 1 Press the I

TEM key until PRINT REGISTRATION PAGE TRAY = 1

(default) is displayed.

2 Press the S

ELECT key.

3 Measure from the left side of the paper to the lines and find the line

that is 13 mm (0.5 in) from the edge of the paper.

If the number for the line is different then the current number: 1 Press the I

TEM key until TRAY 1 LEFT MARGIN = # is displayed.

2 Press the + VALUE - key to change the number to the number

required.

3 Press the S

ELECT key.

Printing from Tray 2 and 3: 1 Press the I

TEM key until PRINT REGISTRATION PAGE TRAY = 2 or 3

is displayed.

2 Press the S

ELECT key.

3 Measure from the left side of the paper to the lines and find the line

that is 13 mm (0.5 in) from the edge of the paper.

If the number for the line is different then the current number: 1 Press the I

TEM key until TRAY 2 AND 3 LEFT MARGIN = # is

displayed.

2 Press the + V

ALUE - key to change the number to the number

required.

3 Press the S

ELECT key.

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Diagnostics mode

This section provides an overview of the diagnostic tools incorporated into the HP Color LaserJet 4500 series and 4550 series printers.

CAUTION

Use caution when performing printer diagnostics to avoid risk of injury .

Only trained service personnel should access the diagnostic mode

with the skins removed.

There are two diagnostic sections built into the firmware, one for the formatter and the other for the engine. Each section contains different tests that allow the service technician to verify printer functionality. While in diagnostic mode there are no error messages associated with these tests. Therefore, determination of the problem will rely on the technicians skill. To exit diagnostic mode, turn the printer off.

Note

In the 4550 series, you can abort a test run by pressing the [CANCEL

OB] key and holding it down until the display sho ws the menu again.

In some cases, it will take several seconds. To cancel the NVRAM

test while it is running, press the [C

until the display show the menu again. NVRAM is put back in its

original form, and an error is logged in the Fault log.

When the Attention LED is on, then there ahs been an error in the

test. Press the [M

to see the different log messages, and the [-V

message back and forth.

ENU] key to get to the Fault log menu, the [ITEM] key

ANCEL JOB] key and hold it down

ALUE+] key to scroll the

Accessing diagnostics

• To access the diagnostics mode, hold down the left side of the ITEM

key and turn on the printer.

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Formatter diagnostics

Formatter diagnostics are designed to be used by qualified service personnel. This set of tests are designed to thoroughly test the functionality of the formatter. If all the tests pass, the formatter is working correctly and it is likely that the problem resides elsewhere. Listed below are descriptions of the formatter tests available.

CAUTION

NVRAM can be lost if the printer is turned off during testing.

Note

In the 4550 series, you can abort a test run by pressing the [CANCEL

OB] key and holding it down until the display sho ws the menu again.

In some cases, it will take several seconds. To cancel the NVRAM test while it is running, press the [C until the display show the menu again. NVRAM is put back in its original form, and an error is logged in the Fault log.

When the Attention LED is on, then there ahs been an error in the test. Press the [M

ENU] key to get to the Fault log menu, the [ITEM] key

to see the different log messages, and the [-V message back and forth.

ANCEL JOB] key and hold it down

ALUE+] key to scroll the

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Formatter diagnostics

Test Description

REPEAT If set to yes, the tests will run continuously until

interrupted. In the 4550 series only , [C will abort the test.

ON FAULT The following will occur for each setting:

BREAK – The test will stop when a failure occurs. PAUSE – Stops the test for a short period of time then resume with the remaining tests. CONT – Continues to execute the tests even when a failure occurs.

ROM CRC 4500 series only. Tests the firmware ROM for

correct functionality.

DRAM Tests the on-board RAM and the DIMMs. SRAM 1 Tests the SRAM inside the ASIC. SRAM 2 Tests the SRAM physically mounted on the

formatter.

NVRAM

CAUTION

Do not interrupt the NVRAM test. Doing so will cause the printer to lose all NVRAM values.

Tests the formatter NVRAM. This test takes 18

minutes to run and should only be used when

NVRAM values are being lost. In almost all cases,

this test should never be run.

ANCEL JOB]

In the 4550 series only, [C

ANCEL JOB] will abort

the test. Do not turn off the printer or corruption of

the NVRAM could result; if the NVRAM test must

be aborted, use the [C

ANCEL JOB] key.

EXECUTE TESTS Runs the selected tests.

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Engine diagnostics

A good understanding of how the printer operates is required to use the engine diagnostics successfully.

To have a better view of the areas being ex ercised, remo ve the left-side cover and the ITB drawer. Defeat the two ITB drawer switches located on the left side of the drawer cavity.

Listed below are the diagnostics available and a brief description of what the diagnostic will do.

Engine diagnostics

Menu item Selectable

Description

value

Continuous N (default) Selected test will run once.

Selected test will run in a continuous loop. In the 4550 series only,

ANCEL JOB] will abort the test.

Y (press

ANCEL JOB

to exit)

Turns on the motors that control the paper path section of the printer. In the 4550 series only, [C

ANCEL JOB]

will abort the test.

Paper Path Test Rotates the carousel and the

developers. In the 4550 series only,

ANCEL JOB] will abort the test.

Developer Test Turns on the drum drive motor that

drives the drum and ITB. In the 4550 series only, [C

ANCEL JOB] will abort

the test.

Drum Test Displays the state for each of the

paper path sensors and switches. In the 4550 series only, this test will continue running until the [C

OB] key is pressed.

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ANCEL

Engine diagnostics (continued)

Menu item Selectable

value

Path Sensors Displays the state for each of the door

Door Sensors Selected test will run once.

Description

and drawer switches. In the 4550 series only, this test will continue

running until the [C pressed.

Selected test will run in a continuous loop. In the 4550 series only,

ANCEL JOB] will abort the test.

ANCEL JOB] key is

Paper path test

Note

If an error occurs during the paper path test, the message

PATH_1PAPER PATH TEST FAILED displays.

1 Press the I 2 Press the SELECT key to activate the test. While the test is running

ENGINE DIAGS E1:PAPERPATH displays in the front panel.

The test takes approximately 15 seconds to run. Components exercised by the paper path test include the fusing motor

(M1), paper path motor (M2), and associated gears and assemblies. The paper pick roller for Tray 2 can be activated by manually activating the paper pick solenoid (SL2). This test will not pick paper and move it through the paper path. To test this function, run a configuration page. For multiple pages, select control panel.

The paper path test allows the service technician to verify the operation of components within the paper path. When the test is initiated, both M1 and M2 are activated. You will see the ITB lift cams rotate once and the ITB drive gear turn briefly. The remaining portion of the test allows both M1and M2 to run, thus exercising the associated gears and rollers.

TEM key until you see ENGINE DIAGS PAPER PATH TEST.

CONTINUOUS CONFIGURATION PAGE in the

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Developer test

The developer test rotates the carousel stopping at each toner cartridge and rotating the developer slee v e. F or the best vie w of the carousel and the toner cartridge sleeves, remove the drum cartridge. The drum drawer must be closed before the test can run.

1 Press the I

TEM key until ENGINE DIAGS DEVELOPER TEST is

displayed.

2 Press the S

ELECT key to run the test. The front panel displays

ENGINE DIAGS E2:DEVELOPER while the test is running. Watch the

carousel and make sure that the toner cartridge developer sleeve rotates. The sequence is black followed by a pause, then magenta, cyan, and finally yellow.

The test takes approximately 35 seconds. While the developer test is running you will see the drum turn if it is installed, as well as the drive gear for the ITB.

Drum test

The drum test exercises the drum drive mechanism. In addition, the fuser motor is turned on to allow the lift cams for the ITB to be rotated into the ITB up position.

1 Press the I 2 Press the SELECT key to run the test. The front panel displays

ENGINE DIAGS E3:DRUM while the test is running.

Watch to see if the ITB lift cams turn and if both the drum drive gear and the ITB drive gear is rotating.

TEM key until ENGINE DIAGS DRUM TEST displays.

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Path sensors

The path sensors test allows the paper path sensors and switches to be tested for correct operation. The table below shows the correlation between the identifier on the front panel and the sensor or switch it represents.

Paper path sensors and switches

Identifier Name Description

A PS8 Tray 2 paper detect sensor B PS3 Tray 1 last piece of media pulled sensor C PS4 Tray 1 paper detect sensor D SW801 Tray 2 paper size switch 2 E SW802 Tray 2 paper size switch 1 F SW803 Tray 2 paper size switch 0 G PS3001 Optional Tray 3 paper detect sensor H SW3001 Optional Tray 3 paper size switch 2 I SW3002 Optional Tray 3 paper size switch 1 J SW3003 Optional Tray 3 paper size switch 0 K PS10 Carousel position sensor L PS11 N/A M N/A 500-sheet feeder: 1=installed, 0=uninstalled N PS9 Top output tray full sensor

1 Press the I

on the front panel.

2 Press the S

display A through N with a binary value below it.

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TEM key until ENGINE DIAGS PATH SENSORS is displayed

ELECT key to activate the test. The front panel will

When running this test, make sure the ITB drawer is installed with Tray 2 and Tray 3 (if installed) removed. In this state, the default value on the front panel should be: 0X111111110010, where the x can be either 0 or 1. If there is any other value, then there is a possible problem. Identify the sensor or switch in the table above and test to see if the value changes. Cassette paper-size settings for each tray are described in the table below.

Paper-size settings

Paper Size Tray 2 switches (DEF) Tray 3 switches (HIJ)

A4 000 000 B5 001 001 Custom (A5) 010 011* Custom (B5 ISO) 011 011* Letter 100 100 Executive 101 101 Legal 110 110 No tray installed 111 111

* These values are the same for Tray 3.

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Door sensor test

The door sensor test allows service personnel to open and close doors on the printer while watching the sensor status on the front panel. Switches 4 and 5 are in series with each other, which causes the value to toggle under identifier A.

Once the door sensor test is initiated, the front panel displays the status for each sensor listed in the table below. As a door is opened and closed, the state of the sensor changes the indicator values on the front panel.

Sensor status

Identifier Name Description

A SW4 and

B SW1 * ITB drawer switch. C SW2 * Toner cartridge door *. D SW3 * Drum drawer switch *. E Drum detect Detect if a drum cartridge is installed. F Fuser Detects if fuser is installed. Changes the

* Activates (A) when opened. 1 Press the I

on the front panel. 2 Press the S The front panel displays A through F with a binary value below it. All the

doors and drawers should be closed. In this state, the display will show all 0’s. Open the doors and drawers one at a time to verify correct functionality. If operating correctly, the 0 will change to a 1. If a 1 is displayed with all doors and drawers closed, there is a bad switch or connection.

SW5

TEM key until ENGINE DIAGS DOOR SENSORS is displayed

ELECT key to activate the test.

Front and rear door switches.

state of the sensor if not detected or removed when rear door is opened and closed.

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Engine test

The printer has one test pattern (vertical lines). When an image defect appears, a test print can be made to identify the problem. The test print can be made by pressing the test print switch located on the right side of the printer (see figure below). A test pattern can be printed by pressing the test print switch once after the photosensitive drum has stopped and the printer has entered the standby mode. If the switch is held down, the test pattern is printed continuously. The switch can be used when paper is loaded in any tray other than Tray 1.

The engine test does the following:

• Verifies that the print engine is functioning correctly (the formatter

PCB is completely bypassed during an engine test).

• Isolates printer problems.

• Checks and adjusts registration.

• Prints from Tray 2 or 3 only, not from Tray 1.

• Can be activated with the formatter PCB removed.

Note

For the printer to perform an engine test, Tray 2 or Tray 3 must be installed and loaded with paper, and the toner cartridges must be installed in the printer.

Engine test button

Location of the engine test button

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NVRAM initialization

NVRAM initialization should always be executed immediately after replacing the firmware or the formatter board. This procedure aligns the firmware with the formatter. Not performing NVRAM initialization could result in deterioration of print quality. Bef ore initializing NVRAM, be sure to gather and write down the information listed below, if possible.

• Total page count and color page count.

– Print a configuration page to obtain both page counts and the

serial number.

• Percentage of life remaining for both the transfer kit and the fuser

kit.

A From

B Go to

C Use the V

D Go to

• Serial number.

To initialize NVRAM 1 Hold down both the C

lights are on, then release the keys.

2 Press C 3 Press SELECT.

After replacing the firmware or the formatter board, the following settings are changed or lost. If you do not wish to accept the new values, use Service Mode to enter the previous settings that you wrote down prior to initializing.

• Total page count and total color page count (counter resets to 0)

• Transfer kit percentage of life remaining (gauge resets to 100

percent)

• Fuser kit percentage of life remaining (gauge resets to 100 percent)

SERVICE MODE on the printer display panel, press MENU.

SERVICE MENU and press ITEM.

ALUE +/- keys to go to TRANSFER MAINT

COUNT=XXXXXXX

and write down the exact numbers shown.

FUSER MAINT COUNT=XXXXXXX and write down the exact

numbers shown.

ANCEL JOB and SELECT keys until all the LED

ANCEL JOB.

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• Printer serial number

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Overview

Three power supplies are used to power various sections of the printer: AC, DC, and a high-voltage power supply. This chapter details the distribution of these power supplies.

Power supply

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AC/DC power supply

The low-voltage power supply circuit supplies +24 Vdc and +5 Vdc, which is required for the printer, and 3.3 and 5 Vdc , which is required for the video controller.

+24 Vdc

• The paper pickup motor, scanner motor, and high-voltage power

supply PCB use +24 Vdc.

• The front door switch or the rear door switch is deactivated by

opening the drum cartridge drawer, ITB unit drawer, toner cartridge door, or delivery door. These switches are in series and disable the 24 Vdc when open.

+5 Vdc

• The sensors and the ICs on the DC controller PCB use +5 Vdc.

• The low-voltage power supply circuit monitors the 5 VS (volt signal)

fed back from the connector PCB to ensure the 5 V pow er supply to the formatter.

+3.3 Vdc

• Formatter PCA

• DIMM

• EIO PCA

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Overcurrent/overvoltage protection

Each DC power supply circuit has an overcurrent protective function and overvoltage protective function. This prevents a power supply circuit failure by automatically interrupting the output voltage when anomalies such as a short develop on the loads that result in overcurrent flow or abnormal voltage.

Note

Protective functions remain active for two minutes after activation.

Wait for at least 2 minutes to turn the power back on again. If this function is activated and no DC voltage is output from the

low-voltage power supply circuit:

1 Turn off the power switch (SW6). 2 Unplug the power cord. 3 Resolve the anomaly on the load. 4 Turn the power switch (SW6) on again.

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High-voltage power supply

The printer contains two high-voltage PCBs mounted in one assembly. Together these PCBs generate the voltage supplied to the following:

• primary charging roller

• developing sleeve

• primary transfer roller

• secondary transfer roller

• ITB cleaning roller

• upper fusing roller

DC voltage or a superimposed AC voltage and DC v oltage is applied to the primary charging roller, developing sleeve, and ITB cleaning roller.

Positive or negative DC voltage is applied to the primary transfer roller and secondary transfer roller. Negative DC voltage is applied to the upper fusing roller.

Protection systems

Problems on the load side, such as short-circuits, can cause an excessive flow of current from the DC power supplies or can generate abnormal voltage. When this happens, the excess-current and excess-voltage protection systems automatically shut off output v oltage to protect the power supplies.

If the protection systems are activated and the power supply circuit does not output DC voltage, turn the printer off, correct the problem in the faulty load, and then turn the printer on again.

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Overview

This chapter provides information on cabling and the printer interface.

Input/Output (I/O)

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Enhanced I/O (EIO) configuration

Both 4500 series and 4550 series printers come equipped with two enhanced input/output (EIO) slots. These slots hold compatible external devices such as the HP JetDirect 600N Print Server. Plugging EIO cards into the slots increases the number of network interfaces available to the printer.

EIO cards can maximize printer performance when you are printing from a network. In addition, they provide the ability to place the printer anywhere on a network. This eliminates the need to attach the printer directly to a server or a workstation and enables you to place the printer closer to your network users.

The printer control panel will have an additional menu (EIO Menu) if the printer is configured with EIO cards. (See the chapter on using the printer control panel in the online user guide.)

Note

Installation of cards and network configuration should be performed by a network administrator.

Note

The 4550 series supports the optional 5 GB hard disk drive (included with the HP Color LaserJet 4550HDN printer). The 4500 series does not support an optional hard disk drive.

JetDirect configuration page

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HP JetDirect print servers

HP JetDirect print servers (network cards) can be installed in one of the printer EIO slots. These cards support multiple network protocols and operating systems. HP JetDirect print servers facilitate network management by allowing you to connect a printer directly to your network at any location. HP JetDirect print servers also support the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), which provides network managers with remote printer management and troubleshooting through HP Web JetAdmin software.

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LocalTalk I/O

The LocalTalk interface enables you to print directly from a standalone Apple Macintosh computer or from a Macintosh computer on a LocalTalk network. For specific information on configuring your computer and printer to print through a LocalTalk interface, refer to the printer’s getting started guide and the HP JetDirect Print Server

Software Installation Guide.

CPU

The 4500 series formatter PCB incorporates a 133MHz RISC processor.

The 4550 series formatter PCB incorporates a 233 MHz RISC processor.

Fast InfraRed Receiver (optional)

The HP Fast InfraRed Receiver enables cableless printing from any IrDA-compliant portable device (such as a laptop computer) to the HP Color LaserJet 4550 printer (when the optional FIR accessory is installed).

The printing connection is maintained by positioning the sending FIR port within operating range. Note that the connection can be blocked by objects such as a hand, paper, direct sunlight, or any bright light shining into either the sending or receiving FIR port.

System requirements

In order to print with the HP Fast InfraRed Receiver, you will need:

• the receiver connected to this printer

• IrDA-compliant portable or other IR-capable host supporting IRLPT

or JetSend Communications Technology over IR

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• Microsoft Windows 9x, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 or Mac 8.5

with a LaserWriter 8.6 or higher driver.

Note

Older non-IrDA-compliant portable computers might not be

compatible with the HP Fast InfraRed Receiver. If you experience

problems when attempting to print with the HP Fast InfraRed

Receiver, contact the manufacturer of or dealer for your portable

computer to verify compatibility with the IrDA standard. For more information, see the HP Fast InfraRed Receiver User Guide

that came with the HP Fast InfraRed Receiver.

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Bidirectional parallel interface

When used to describe a parallel interface, the term bidirectional indicates that the printer is able to both receive data from the computer and send data to the computer through the parallel port. An IEEE-1284 compliant parallel cable with the correct pin configuration (see the following table) is necessary to transmit data bidirectionally.

Note

T o use the enhanced capabilities of the bidirectional parallel interf ace such as bidirectional communication between the computer and printer, faster transfer of data, and automatic configuration of printer drivers, your software application must support these capabilities.

When you are using multiple ports, you can adjust automatic I/O switching to maximize performance by using the timeout feature. If data from other ports appears in the middle of your print job, increase the I/O timeout value.

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Parallel cable pin configuration

Use the following table to verify the correct pin configuration.

Signal name Printer pin # Computer port #

nSTROBE 15 1 DATA 0 62 DATA 1 7 3 DATA 2 8 4 DATA 3 9 5 DATA 4 10 6 DATA 5 11 7 DATA 6 12 8 DATA 7 13 9 nACKNLG 3 10 BUSY 1 11 CALL (PE) 5 12 SELECT 2 13 NAutoFd 17 14 0 Vdc (GND) 19 – 35 18 – 25 nFAULT 4 15 nSe/In 16 17 nINIT 14 16 PERIPHLH 36 N.C. 18

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IEEE-1284 compliant parallel cables

HP helped develop the IEEE-1284 standard and is one of the first companies to introduce products that are compliant with it. HP offers the following IEEE-1284 compliant parallel cables. Each is described below.

Part number Length Connector type

C2946A 3 meters

(10 feet)

C2947A 10 meters

(33 feet)

Maximum I/O cable lengths

Cable type Length

Parallel (non-IEEE-1284) 3 meters (10 feet) Parallel (IEEE-1284) with “C” type

connector

Host A to printer C (small) connector

10 meters (33 feet)

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Configuring the computer interface

You can verify that the printer is configured properly by printing out a printer configuration page.

Note

If the printer is configured with EIO cards (for example, an

HP JetDirect print server), an additional configuration page will print

that provides interface configuration information.

The Color LaserJet 4550 series has several new pages that can be

printed to help diagnose issues, including Supplies Status, Event Log,

and Usage pages. These pages are printable from the Infromation

menu.

Interpreting the printer configuration page

The following sample illustrates a 4500 series printer configuration page (left) and a 4550 series printer configuration page (right).

Printer configuration page

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1 Printer information—Lists the printer serial number, PCL/Emulated

PostScript firmware revision, total number of pages printed during the life of the printer, and total number of color pages printed during the life of the printer.

2 Event log—Lists the last five printer events, including printer jams,

service errors, and other printer conditions.

3 Installed personalities and options—Lists installed options such

as EIO cards, DIMMs, duplex printing accessory, and 500-sheet paper feeder.

4 I/O menu—(LaserJet 4500 series only.) Lists the current settings of

the I/O menu items.

5 Configuration menu—(LaserJet 4500 series only.) Lists the current

settings of the configuration menu items.

6 Printing menu—(LaserJet 4500 series only.) Lists the current

settings of the printing menu items.

7Memory—Shows the total memory installed and the total memory

available in the printer. Also lists the memory allocation settings.

8 Security—Shows whether the printer control panel is locked or

unlocked. Also shows whether the printer control panel password is enabled or disabled.

9 Paper trays—Lists the size and type of media currently configured

for each input tray. Also lists the current Tray 1 mode, A4/letter override setting, and default size setting.

10 Density settings—(LaserJet 4500 series only.) Lists the current

density settings.

11 Printing menu—(4500 series only) Lists the current settings of the

printing menu items.

12 Color blocks—The color blocks verify color printing ability of the

printer. The color blocks in themiddle of the page are primary colors, and the color blocks surrounding the page are secondary colors. Each color is shown in 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% fill.

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13 Printer usage information—(4500 series only; 4550 series usage

information is on the Usage Page) Shows the number of pages

printed for the following items:

Row 1: Paper size

000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 Custom Envelope Legal Executive/B5 Letter/A4

Row 2: Fuse modes

000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 Normal Heavy OHT Gloss Envelope

Row 3: Source tray

000000 000000 000000 000000 Tray 1 Tray 2 Tray 3 Duplex

Row 4: Language

000000 000000 000000 PCL

pages

Row 5: Media types

000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 Plain Pre-

Row 6: Media types

000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 Bond Recycled Color Card Gloss

PS pages XL pages

printed

Letterhead Transparency Pre-

punched

000000 Labels

000000 Heavy

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Row 1: Paper size

Note

For rows one to three, the page count is incremented after e very 10 pages. Row four is incremented after e very end of page. Rows one to four are counted through the engine. Rows five and six are driver requests.

The tray count is incremented based on the tray that is selected by the firmware, not the tray that is selected by the user.

Media size count is incremented based on the media size that is selected by the user. Media type count is incremented based on 1) the media type that is selected by the user when the media is pulled from tray 1; and 2) the media type configured on the tray when media is pulled from Tray 2 or Tray 3.

Fuse mode count is incremented twice for duplex ed sheets, once when the front side is fused and once when the back side is fused.

14 Calibration density settings—On the bottom row of text, there are

four separate blocks of numbers. The first block is for cyan, second for magenta, third for yellow, and the last is for black. Make sure the numbers are not near zero (if so, no calibration was done).

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Note

For rows one to three, the page count is incremented after e v ery ten

pages. Row four is incremented after every end of page. Rows one

to four are counted through the engine. Rows five and six are driver

requests.

The tray count is incremented based on the tray that is selected by

the firmware, not the tray that is selected by the user.

Media size count is incremented based on the media size that is

selected by the user. Media type count is incremented based on 1)

the media type that is selected by the user when the media is pulled

from T ra y 1; and 2) the media type configured on the tray when media

is pulled from Tray 2 or Tray 3.

Fuser mode count is incremented twice for duplexed sheets, once

when the front side is fused and once when the back side is fused. 15 Calibration density settings—On the bottom row of text, there are

four separate blocks of numbers. The first block is for cyan, second

for magenta, third for yellow, and the last is for black. Make sure the

numbers are not near zero (if so, no calibration was done).

Note

Do not print the configuration page until the printer is ready or

calibration will not occur.

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Overview

Use media that meet the specifications listed on the following pages. By doing so, you will minimize the incidents of paper jams, prevent premature wear to the printer, and reduce repair costs. Hewlett-Packard recommends testing print media before buying it in large quantities.

Note

For complete paper specifications for all LaserJet printers, see the

HP LaserJet Printer Print Media Guide.

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Supported media weights and sizes

The table below shows the media types and sizes supported by the printer and the printer accessories. For optimum results, use conventional 75 g/m

Supported media specifications

(20 lb) xerographic paper.

Tray Supported media Media

specifications

Tray 1

Paper

A4/Letter Legal Executive JIS B5 A5

Custom Minimum Size: 76 by 127 mm (3 by 5 in) Maximum Size: 216 by 356 mm (8.5 by 14)

Transparencies Glossy Paper Letter/A4

Envelopes (Tray 1 only)

Com10

Monarch

B5 (JIS)

Labels (Tray 1 only)

Cardstock

(Postcards) (Tray 1 only)

Single-sided:

If less than or equal to 148 mm width:

60 to 176 g/m

(16 to 47 lb) If more than or equal to 148 mm width:

60 to 176 g/m

(16 to 36 lb) Two-sided:

64 to 105 g/m

(17 to 28 lb)

0.13 mm (5 mil) 120 g/m

(32 lb/80 lb text)

Maximum weight:

90 g/m

Maximum weight:

176 g/m Maximum size:

200 mm by 148 mm

(7.87 in by 5.82 in)

(24 lb)

(47 lb)

Capacity

150 sheets of 75 g/m

Limit of 50 Limit of 50 sheets

Limit of 10

Limit of 50

Do not load more than the maximum stack height of 15 mm (0.6 in)

(20 lb) paper

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Supported media specifications (continued)

Tray Supported media Media

Capacity

specifications

Tray 2*

Tray 3* (optional)

Duplex printing accessory (optional)

Paper

A4/Letter Legal Executive JIS B5 A5 Custom (B5 ISO)**

Transparencies Glossy Paper

Paper

A4/Letter Legal Executive JIS B5 Custom (B5 ISO)**

Transparencies Glossy Paper

Paper

A4/Letter Legal Executive JIS B5

60 to 105 g/m (16 to 28 lb)

0.13 mm (5 mil)

120 g/m (32 lb/80 lb text)

60 to 105 g/m (16 to 28 lb)

0.13 mm (5 mil)

120 g/m (32 lb/80 lb text)

64 to 105 g/m (17 to 28 lb)

250 sheets of 75 g/m

Limit of 50 transparencies Limit of 200 sheets glossy

500 sheets of 75 g/m2 (20 lb) paper

Limit of 50 transparencies Limit of 500 sheets glossy

*Trays 2 and 3 do not support the range of custom sizes available in Tray 1. **Trays 2 and 3 use “custom” size—specifically for B5 ISO.

(20 lb) paper

Note

Use only HP-supported transparencies (HP part number C2934A, letter size; C2936A, A4 size).

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Media requirements

Selecting print media

You can use many types of paper and other print media with the HP Color LaserJet printers. This section provides guidelines and specifications for selecting and using different print media.

For optimum results, use conventional 75 g/m paper. Verify that the paper is of good quality and is free of cuts, nicks, tears, spots, loose particles, dust, wrinkles, curls, or bent edges. See “Supported media weights and sizes” on page 90.

Before purchasing any media or specialized forms in quantity, verify that your paper supplier obtains and understands the print media requirements specified in the HP LaserJet Family Print Media Guide. The guide is available through HP Direct. (See “Services and support resources” in Chapter 11.) You will want to make sure that your paper meets the following specifications:

Electrical surface resistivity

Electrical volume resistivity

It is possible that media could meet all of the guidelines in this chapter and still not print satisfactorily. This may be due to abnormal characteristics of the printing environment or to other variables over which Hewlett-Packard has no control (for example, extremes in temperature and humidity).

Hewlett-Packard recommends testing any media before buying it in large quantities.

2.0 to 15 by 10 (conditioned at 23 C and 50% RH)

1.2 to 15 by 10 (conditioned at 23 C and 50% RH)

(20 lb) xerographic

ohms/square inch

CAUTION

Using media that does not conform to the specifications listed here or in the HP LaserJet Family Print Media Guide can cause problems that require service. This service is not covered by the HewlettPackard warranty or service agreements.

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Non-supported media

Use the following guidelines to avoid poor print quality or damage to your printer:

• Do not use paper that is too rough.

• Do not use paper that is embossed or coated unless it is specifically

recommended for use in the HP Color LaserJet printers.

• Do not use paper with cutouts or perforations other than standard

3-hole punched paper.

• Do not use multipart forms.

• Do not use paper with irregularities such as tabs or staples.

• Do not use letterhead paper with low temperature dyes or

thermography. Preprinted forms or letterhead must use inks that can tolerate temperatures of 190° C (374° F) for 0.1 second.

• Do not use any media that produces hazardous emissions, or that

melts, offsets, or discolors when exposed to 190° C (374° F) for 0.1 second.

• Do not use paper that has already been printed on or fed through a

photocopier or printer.

• Do not use paper with a watermark if you are printing solid patterns.

• Do not duplex on glossy paper. Doing so will result in paper jams

and print quality problems.

• Do not use transparencies that are not specified for use with HP

Color LaserJet printers.

Printing on special media

Use these guidelines when printing on special types of media.

For optimum results, use conventional 75 g/m paper. Verify that the paper is of good quality and is free of cuts, nicks, tears, spots, loose particles, dust, wrinkles, curls, or bent edges.

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(20 lb) xerographic

Transparencies

Note

Hewlett-Packard recommends using HP Color LaserJet Transparencies with this printer. HP products are designed to work together for optimum printing results.

When printing on transparencies, use these tips to prevent printer malfunctions caused by transparencies:

• Use letter-size and A-4 size for printing.

• Do not send transparencies from Tray 2 to the rear output bin. The

toner will be warm and may cause the transparencies to stick together.

• Send transparencies to the top output bin.

• Handle transparencies using the edges. Oils from your fingers can

remain on the transparency and can cause print quality problems.

• Use transparencies with the correct resistivity.

• Use transparencies that meet HP specifications for fusing

compatibility.

• Use only overhead transparencies recommended for use in this

printer. The following table gives the recommended specifications for transparencies.

Printing on transparencies

Description Specifications

Electrical surface Resistivity

Fusing compatibility Materials must not discolor, melt, offset, or

Caliper (thickness) 0.12 mm (0.0048 in) to 0.13 mm (0.0052 in)

2.0 to 15 by 10 ohms per square inch

release hazardous emissions when heated to 190° C (374° F) for 0.1 second.

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Glossy paper

For optimum results when printing on glossy paper, select the glossy print setting in the printer driver. You can also use the printer control panel to set the media type to GLOSS for the input tray you are using. Because this setting affects all print jobs, it is important to return the printer to its original settings once your job has printed. See the section in the online user guide on configuring input trays.

CAUTION

Do not duplex on glossy paper. Doing so will result in paper jams and print quality problems.

Colored paper

Colored paper should be of the same high quality as white xerographic paper. Pigments used must be able to withstand the printer’s fusing temperature of 190° C (374° F) for 0.1 second without deterioration. Do not use paper with a colored coating that was added after the paper was produced.

The printer creates colors by printing patterns of dots, overlaying and varying their spacing to produce various colors. Varying the shade or color of your paper will affect the shades of your printed colors.

Heavy paper

CAUTION

Do not use paper that is heavier than the recommended paper specification for this printer. Doing so can cause misfeeds, paper jams, inferior print quality, and excessive mechanical wear.

Use Tray 1 for paper that is heavier than 105 g/m results when printing on heavy paper, select the heavy print setting in the printer driver. You can also use the printer control panel to set the media type to HEAVY for the input tray you are using. Because the setting adjustment affects all print jobs, it is important to return the printer to its original settings once your job has printed.

(28 lb). For optimum

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Envelopes

Envelopes can only be printed from Tray 1. For information on loading envelopes, see the section in the online user guide on loading envelopes into Tray 1.

Adhering to the following guidelines will help ensure proper printing of envelopes and help prevent printer jams:

• Do not load more than 10 envelopes into Tray 1.

• The weight rating of envelopes should not exceed 90 g/m

(24 lb).

• Envelopes should be flat.

• Envelopes must not be wrinkled, nicked, or otherwise damaged.

• Envelopes with peel-off adhesive strips must use adhesives that can

withstand the heat and pressures of the printer’s fusing process.

• Envelopes should be loaded with the flaps facing away from the

printer and toward the left side of the printer.

CAUTION

To prevent severe printer damage, do not use envelopes that have windows, clasps, snaps, or synthetic materials.

Loading envelopes—envelope flaps at left, face down

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Labels

Note

To print labels, Hewlett-Packard recommends configuring Tray 1 as a cassette and setting the tray’s media type to LABELS in the printer control panel.

When printing labels, use the following guidelines:

• Verify that the label’s adhesive material can tolerate temperatures of

190° C (374° F) for 0.1 second.

• Verify that adhesive material is not exposed between the labels.

Exposed areas can cause labels to peel off during printing, which can cause printer jams. Exposed adhesive can also cause damage to printer components.

• Do not re-feed a sheet of labels.

• Verify that labels lie flat.

• Do not use labels that are wrinkled, bubbled, or otherwise damaged.

Preprinted forms and letterhead

Observe the following guidelines for best results with preprinted forms and letterhead:

• Forms and letterhead must be printed with heat-resistant inks that

will not melt, vaporize, or release hazardous emissions when subjected to the printer’s fusing temperature of approximately 190° C (374° F) for 0.1 second.

• Inks must be non-flammable and should not adversely affect any

printer rollers.

• Forms and letterhead should be sealed in a moisture-proof

wrapping to prevent changes during storage.

• Before you load preprinted paper such as forms and letterhead,

verify that the ink on the paper is dry. During the fusing process, wet ink can come off the preprinted paper.

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Recycled paper

This printer supports the use of recycled paper. Recycled paper must meet the same specifications as standard paper (refer to the HP LaserJet Family Print Media Guide). The guide is available through HP Direct. See Appendix D in the online user guide for ordering information. Hewlett-Packard recommends that recycled paper contain no more than 5 percent groundwood.

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HP 4500 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Ordering other manuals

Supported products

Overview

Pre-troubleshooting checklist

Control panel messages

Alphabetical messages

Numerical messages

Troubleshooting paper path problems

Paper jams

Paper jam locations

General paper path checklist

Print media checklist

Service tools

Overview

Cold Reset

To perform a cold reset

Service mode

To access service mode

Service menu items

Registration page

Diagnostics mode

Accessing diagnostics

Formatter diagnostics

Engine diagnostics

NVRAM initialization

Overview

Power supply

AC/DC power supply

Overcurrent/overvoltage protection

High-voltage power supply

Protection systems

Overview

Input/Output (I/O)

Enhanced I/O (EIO) configuration

HP JetDirect print servers

LocalTalk I/O

System requirements

Bidirectional parallel interface

IEEE-1284 compliant parallel cables

Maximum I/O cable lengths

Configuring the computer interface

Interpreting the printer configuration page

Overview

Supported media weights and sizes

Media requirements

Selecting print media

Non-supported media

Printing on special media

Transparencies

Glossy paper

Colored paper

Heavy paper

Envelopes

Labels

Recycled paper