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Hewlett-Packard LaserJet II, IID, III, IIID

50 SERVICE ERROR

One of the most common failures of Canon engine-based laser printers (i.e. Hewlett-Packard LaserJet II, IID, III, IIID) is the code 50 service error message. While this message may only appear during printer warm-up, it often indicates either fuser or AC Power module failure. These particular failures are very common in the spring months, given the numerous electrical storms during that time of year. While 50 service error problems require only minor repairs, they present an unnecessary expense.

Fortunately, these problems can be avoided if the following preventative steps are taken:

# 1: Use Surge Protectors

Electrical surges sent to the fuser or power module of your printer are the primary cause of their failure. These failures can easily be prevented by surge protectors.

While surge protectors are recommended by everyone, an alarming number of people neglect this simple and inexpensive insurance policy. Electrical storms during spring and summer increase your chance of being zapped. Be sure all of your computer equipment, is properly protected by approved surge protection equipment. This $20 investment could save thousands.

# 2: Obtain Regular Professional Maintenance

Anyone can clean a laser printer, but printers need more than just cleaning. Like your automobile, just washing it won't keep it running. In fact, chances are, without regular professional maintenance you will eventually end up stranded.

Effective printer maintenance consists of the removal and cleaning of each individual part, including your fuser and power module, by a trained professional. Thorough cleaning of all printer parts removes dust and dirt build-up.

Build-up of this type acts like corrosion on your car battery. Just as neglecting to provide professional maintenance to your car can bring it to a grinding halt, neglecting your printer can cause it to stall with the infamous 50 service error. For information on Pendl's printer maintenance plans  click here.

# 3: Replace Your Ozone Filter Regularly

Laser printers using corona wire technology will always contain an ozone filter for ozone and dust ventilation. Replacing your ozone filter at least once a year will not only significantly reduce interior dust and build-up of residual toner, but will help create proper air flow in your printer.

# 4: Have Cooling Fans Checked During Maintenance

To ensure proper air flow in your printer, your printer’s cooling fans must also be working properly. These fans not only control the internal temperature of your printer, but also create air flow through your equipment that disposes of harmful build-up. Reliable service technicians generally check cooling fans during routine printer maintenance. For information on Pendl's printer maintenance plans click here.

BACKGROUND SHADING

Anyone with a Canon SX engine-based laser printer (i.e. Hewlett-Packard LaserJet II, IID, III, IIID) eventually encounters annoying and unpredictable background shading on envelopes, labels and other heavy paper stock. Unfortunately, replacing imaging components does not help.

The cause of the problem is static electricity. Laser printers of this style work by using an electrostatic imaging process. Low humidity and high static in printer environments greatly inhibits the ability of equipment to work properly. The primary wire of your printer creates a charge through the paper path to pull the toner image from your cartridge photodrum to the surface of your page.

When operating in a high static environment or low humidity, the charge sent from this wire gets scattered and spreads slightly causing a fine, background shade of toner that ruins the appearance of your documents.

While you may want to acquire an office humidifier as a permanent solution to the problem, in the meantime, here is a list of helpful hints to curb the appearance of this annoying problem.

# 1: Clean Transfer Corona Wire

The transfer corona is located horizontally under the diagonal guide wires in the middle of the printer interior. Clean this wire thoroughly with Q-tips and alcohol.

# 2: Clean Anti-Static Teeth

The anti-static teeth are located on the transfer wire assembly on the top back portion of the assembly. Use the brush side of the green tool found inside your printer to remove debris from the small teeth tucked into the tie unit.

# 3: Adjust Printer Density to 3

The green printer density dial is located just under the top cover in top left corner of your printer. It is labeled with numbers 1-9. 1 is the darkest setting, 9 is the lightest. Adjusting the dial to a lower number will increase the voltage and discharge a more concentrated charge to compensate for paper thickness.

An adjustment in RET (Resolution Enhancement Technology) setting may also be needed. The RET setting can be adjusted through the control panel on your printer. Take the printer off-line and hold down the "menu" key until "configuration" appears on printer display. Then press the "menu" key again and hold down until "RET" appears. When "RET" appears, press the "+/-" key to change the setting to "light," "medium," or "dark." The factory default is "medium." Try a darker setting and hit the "enter" key to save the change.

# 4: Ground Printer Unit

You may use static or grounding pads obtained at your local computer supply store to ground equipment. Doing so will help compensate for environmental factors like low humidity due to heating systems or cold weather.

LIGHT or UNEVEN PRINT

Open your printer and locate green dial on left side of printer. Numerical dial can be turned to a lower number to increase print density. You can also try removing your printer’s toner cartridge and rocking it side-to-side and shaking gently, parallel with the floor, to evenly distribute toner.

REPEATING SPOTS

Clean corona wire inside the toner cartridge using the green cleaning tool found inside your printer. Detailed instructions with diagrams are included with your toner cartridge.
If spots appear 3 times vertically in exactly the same location on each page, call Pendl Companies, Inc. at 1-800-236-2000 for assistance with a replacement cartridge.

STREAKING

Clean corona wire inside the toner cartridge using the green cleaning tool found inside your printer. Detailed instructions with diagrams are included with your toner cartridge.

Replacement EP-S toner cartridges are available for your Hewlett-Packard LaserJet II, IID, III, or IIID printer. Shop our catalog.


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Pendl Companies, Inc.

Information Processing Products and Service

1825 B Dolphin Drive, Waukesha, WI 53186
E-mail: customerservice@pendl.com
Toll Free: 800-236-2000
Phone: 262-896-8888
Fax: 262-896-8899
Other Locations