The Old Joel on Software Forum: Part 3 (of 5)

Laser Printer Problem

If anyone out there knows anything about laser printers, the problem I'm having is that all of a sudden, every page that prints out is completely blackened. It's not a software problem; it happens from many different apps and on both PCs hooked up to my hub. Anyone know what this could be? Thanks.

bob
Monday, January 19, 2004

Not directly related to this issue, but check out:

http://www.fixyourownprinter.com/

They sell repair kits for common dysfunctions of today's printers. The kits seem expensive until you realize that the cost and downtime required to use them is far exceeded by that of taking the printer to a repair shop.

I don't work for these guys - just a satisfied customer. (HP1100 multiple page feed problem)

David Jones
Monday, January 19, 2004

I also recommend Printer Works (http://www.printerworks.com/) if you have an HP or HP-based laser printer.

Most printer manufacturers have diagnostic documents that help narrow down laser printer problems. Unfortunately, these documents are usually only available to authorized repair shops. If you search on the web (or P2P network), you may find the appropriate diagnostics for your printer model.

Anechoic
Monday, January 19, 2004

Thanks.

bob
Monday, January 19, 2004

check you've removed the orange label that says "remove me" :)

If it's just a cheapo laser buy another.

Stephen Jones
Monday, January 19, 2004

"every page that prints out is completely blackened"

How completely do you mean? Are we talking about the whole page coming out a solid black or do you mean something more like black smudges and lines all over the place? If the pages are coming out solid black, I've never seen it before but I'd look into the idea of it being a software or firmware problem because I don't know of anything mechanical that will cause that. If it's a case of black smudges everywhere, particularly if you find that there is some unfused toner on the page (your hands get dirty when handling the paper), I'd look into the possibility that the fuser has gone bad.

Matt
Tuesday, January 20, 2004

I happen to be a printer service technician. The problem you are discribing is usually related to the Primary corona which is located in the toner cartridge in some models, or in the printer itself in other models.
It could also be the laser scanner assembly.
After you have checked these items the only thing left is the DC controller PCA.

Richard
Wednesday, January 28, 2004