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Image defects If specific defects occur repeatedly, print a Print Quality Troubleshooting page and follow the instructions on the page. If you are unable to resolve the problem, use the information in this section to identify the root cause of the problem. Image defects fall into the categories listed in Table 7-18. Image defects. Possible causes and recommended solutions for each of these categories are listed in the tables that follow. In general, the items are listed in order from minor repairs to major repairs. Check the items in the order in which they appear. Table 7-18. Image defects Image defect Light image Light color Dark image Dark color Completely blank All black/solid color Dots in vertical lines Dirt on back of paper Dirt on front of paper Vertical lines White vertical lines Horizontal lines White horizontal lines Missing color Blank spots Description More information A very light image is printed. See Table 7-19. Causes for light images. One color is light in an image. See Table 7-20. Causes for one color printing light. A very dark image is printed. See Table 7-21. Causes for dark images. One color is dark in an image. See Table 7-22. Causes for one color printing dark. No image is printed. See Table 7-23. Causes for a completely blank image. An all black or solid colored image is printed. See Table 7-24. Causes for an all black or solid colored image. Vertical lines of white dots appear in the image. See Table 7-25. Causes for vertical lines of white dots. The back (non-printed) side of See Table 7-26. Causes for dirt the paper is dirty. on the back of the paper. The front (printed) sided of the See Table 7-27. Causes for dirt paper is dirty. on the front of the paper. Vertical lines are printed. See Table 7-28. Causes for vertical lines. White vertical lines appear in the image. See Table 7-29. Causes for white vertical lines. Horizontal lines are printed. See Table 7-30. Causes for horizontal lines. White horizontal lines appear in See Table 7-31. Causes for the image. white horizontal lines. One of the four toner colors is not printed. See Table 7-32. Causes for a missing color. The image has blank spots. See Table 7-33. Causes for blank spots. ENWW Image defects 369

Section	Page
Printer description	23
Model Configurations	25
The HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printer	25
Performance, memory, and other printer features	28
Identification	31
Model and serial numbers	31
HP Color LaserJet 5500 models	33
HP Color LaserJet 5550 models	34
Printer specifications	35
Supply storage requirements (HP Color LaserJet 5500 series)	37
Product information	38
Product information	38
Electrical specifications (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models)	38
Electrical specifications (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	39
Media requirements	41
Selecting print media	41
Media specifications	41
Supported media weights and sizes (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models)	41
Supported paper weights and sizes (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	44
Media specifications for 2-sided (duplex) printing	47
Media to avoid	47
Media that may cause damage to the printer	48
Printing on special media	48
Transparencies	48
Printing on transparencies	48
Glossy paper	49
Colored paper	49
Heavy paper	49
Printing images (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	50
Envelopes	50
Labels	51
HP LaserJet Tough paper	51
Preprinted forms and letterhead	51
Recycled paper	52
Weight equivalence table	52
Hewlett-Packard warranty statement	54
Limited warranty for print cartridge life	55
HP's Premium Protection Warranty. Color LaserJet Image Fuser Kit and Image Transfer Kit Limited Warr ...	56
Declaration of Conformity	57
Safety information	59
Laser safety statement	59
Canadian DOC regulations	59
EMI statement (Korea)	60
VCCI statement (Japan)	60
Laser Statement for Finland	61
Toner safety	62
Service approach	63
Chapter contents	63
Service approach	64
Parts and supplies	65
Ordering parts	65
By phone:	65
By mail:	65
Ordering supplies	65
Ordering parts, supplies, and accessories over the Internet	65
Ordering directly through the embedded Web server (for printers with network connections)	65
Ordering directly through the HP Toolbox software (HP Color LaserJet 5550 model only)	66
Exchange program	66
Supplies	66
World Wide Web	66
HP service parts information compact disc	67
HP support assistant compact disc	67
Customer care reseller sales and service support center	67
HP service agreements	67
Other areas	67
HP customer care	67
Ordering related documentation and software	68
HP maintenance agreements	70
On-site service agreements	70
Priority on-site service	70
Next-day on-site service	70
Weekly (volume) on-site service	70
Installation and configuration	71
Site requirements	73
Space requirements	74
500-sheet paper feeder dimensions	74
Printer stand dimensions	74
Unpack the printer	75
Package contents	75
Unpacking the HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printer (for base models 5500n and 5500dn)	76
Unpacking the HP Color LaserJet 5500/5550dtn and 5500/5550hdn models	80
Installing print cartridges for HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printers	84
Installing print cartridges (HP Color LaserJet 5500 series models)	84
Installing paper trays (HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printers)	86
Installing accessories (HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printers)	88
Installing optional printer stand (HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printers)	91
Installing a new overlay (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models)	92
Installing a new control panel label (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	93
Testing the printer operation	95
Using PowerSave	95
Connecting to a computer	97
Parallel connections	97
USB configuration (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	98
Auxiliary connection configuration (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	98
Network connections	99
Enhanced I/O (EIO) configuration	101
HP Jetdirect print servers	101
Available enhanced I/O interfaces	101
NetWare networks	101
Windows and Windows NT networks	102
AppleTalk networks	102
LocalTalk configuration	102
LocalTalk network configuration	102
UNIX/Linux networks	102
Wireless printing	103
IEEE 802.11b standard	103
Bluetooth	103
Printer drivers	104
Available drivers	104
Additional drivers	105
Select the right printer driver for your needs	105
Printer driver Help	106
Software for Macintosh computers	107
PPDs	107
HP LaserJet Utility	107
Installing the printing system software	108
Installing Windows printing system software for direct connections	108
Installing Windows printing system software for networks	109
To set up Windows-sharing to use the printer on a network	109
Installing Macintosh printing system software for networks	110
Installing Macintosh printing system software for direct connections (USB, HP Color LaserJet 5550 mo ...	111
Installing the software after the parallel or USB cable has been connected	112
Network configuration	114
Configuring Novell NetWare frame type parameters	114
HP Web Jetadmin	115
UNIX	115
Utilities	115
Embedded Web server	116
Configuring TCP/IP parameters	118
Setting network security on the printer	124
Locking the control panel	124
Using an ASCII PJL escape sequence to set network security	125
Printer maintenance	127
Cleaning the printer and accessories	128
Cleaning spilled toner	128
Vacuum specifications	128
Periodic cleaning	130
Cleaning the static discharge comb	130
Cleaning the OHT sensor	131
Approximate replacement intervals for supply items	133
ETB life under different circumstances	135
Locating supplies	136
Replacing supply items	137
Changing print cartridges	137
Replacing the transfer unit (ETB)	139
Replacing the transfer unit when it is not at end of life	140
Replacing the fuser	141
Replacing the fuser when it is not at end of life	142
Printer memory (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models)	144
To print a configuration page	144
Installing memory and font DIMMs (for HP Color LaserJet 5500 models)	144
Installing DDR memory DIMMs (for HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	147
Enabling memory (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models)	150
Enabling the language font DIMM (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	150
Enabling the language font DIMM (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models)	151
Checking DIMM installation (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models)	151
Installing an HP Jetdirect print server card	151
Theory of operation	155
Basic operation	157
Operation sequence	157
Engine control system	159
DC controller circuit	159
Motors and fans	161
Fuser power supply circuit	163
Heater temperature control	164
Heater temperature control (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	165
Failure detection (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	166
High-voltage power supply	166
Low-voltage power supply	167
Formatter system	168
PowerSave	168
Input/Output	169
Printer memory	170
Read-only memory	170
Random-access memory	170
Firmware DIMM (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models)	170
Firmware compact flash (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	170
Nonvolatile memory	170
PJL overview	171
PML	171
Control panel	171
Laser/scanner system	172
Scanner motor control	173
Image formation system	174
Image formation process	175
Print cartridges	177
Toner level detection	178
Electrostatic transfer/transport belt (ETB) unit	182
Electrostatic latent image formation block	183
Development block	185
Transfer block	186
Fusing block	187
Fuser motor speed control	188
Cleaning block	188
Calibration and cleaning	189
Color plane registration calibration	193
Drum phase calibration	194
Image stabilization control	194
Pickup/feed system	197
Pickup/feed unit	200
Fuser/delivery unit	207
Duplex feed unit	208
500-sheet paper feeder	209
Pickup and feed operations	209
Removal and replacement	211
Introduction	213
Removal and replacement strategy	213
Repair notices	213
Caution regarding electrostatic discharge (ESD)	213
Required tools	213
Types of screws	214
Supplies	216
Print cartridges and ETB	216
Covers and external components	218
Rear cover	218
Top cover	218
Rear top cover	219
Left cover	220
Right cover	221
Reinstallation tip	222
Multi-purpose tray (Tray 1)	222
Front cover	223
Control panel	224
Cassette cover	226
Internal components (front)	227
Paper pickup unit	227
Cassette sensor PCB	228
Multi-purpose tray sensor PCB	228
Paper pickup drive unit	229
Lifter drive unit	230
Cassette (Tray 2) paper pickup and feed rollers	232
Solenoid and clutch	233
Cassette separation roller	234
Multi-purpose tray pickup roller	235
Multi-purpose tray separation pad	236
Color registration detection unit	236
Internal components (left side)	238
DC controller shield	238
Environment sensor (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	238
Memory tag antenna PCBs	239
E-label memory controller PCB	245
DC controller PCB	246
Cassette paper size detection switches	247
Power supply fan	248
Internal components (rear)	250
Formatter	250
Low-voltage power supply	251
Formatter case	253
Laser/scanner units	255
Internal components (right side)	261
High-voltage power supply PCB	261
Toner level detection PCB	262
High-voltage contact blocks	263
Door switch	264
Internal components (top)	266
Discharging PCB	266
Fuser power supply PCB	267
Fuser drive unit	268
Fuser inlet paper sensor	271
Fuser delivery sensor and output bin full sensor	272
Static discharge comb	274
Formatter fan	275
Cartridge fan	275
Optional 500-sheet paper feeder	277
Paper feeder left cover	277
Paper feeder right cover	278
Paper feeder pickup and feed rollers	279
Paper feeder separation roller	279
Paper feeder pickup unit	279
Paper feeder lifter drive unit	281
Paper feeder length and width detection switches	282
Paper feeder pickup clutch	283
Paper feeder PCB	284
Troubleshooting	285
Introduction	288
Troubleshooting process	289
Pre-troubleshooting checklist	289
Troubleshooting flowchart	290
Troubleshooting flowchart (continued)	292
Troubleshooting power-on	292
Printer error troubleshooting	294
Status messages	294
Warning messages	294
Error messages	294
Critical error messages	294
Alphabetical printer messages	295
Numerical printer messages	324
Replacement parts configuration (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	363
Both the formatter and DC controller	363
Formatter (new or previously installed in another printer)	363
DC controller (new or previously installed in another printer)	364
Paper path troubleshooting	365
Jams	365
Jam locations	365
Jam locations by error message	365
Jam recovery	367
Avoiding paper jams	368
Persistent jams	369
Basic troubleshooting for paper jams	369
Data collection	369
General paper path troubleshooting	370
Paper path checklist	370
Paper transport troubleshooting	376
Paper is wrinkled or folded	376
Image formation troubleshooting	378
Print quality problems associated with media	378
Overhead transparency defects	378
Print quality problems associated with the environment	379
Print quality problems associated with jams	379
Print quality troubleshooting pages	379
Understanding color variations	380
Print quality defect chart	385
Image defects	391
Light image	392
Light color	392
Dark image	393
Dark color	394
Completely blank image	394
All black or solid color	394
Dots in vertical lines	395
Dirt on back of paper	395
Dirt on front of paper	396
Vertical lines	396
White vertical lines	397
Horizontal lines	397
White horizontal lines	398
Missing color	398
Blank spots	399
Poor fusing	399
Distortion or blurring	400
Smearing	400
Misplaced image	401
Repetitive defects troubleshooting	402
Interface troubleshooting	405
Communications checks	405
EIO troubleshooting	405
AUTOEXEC.BAT standard configurations	405
Printer Job Language (PJL) commands	406
Control panel troubleshooting	409
Printing a menu map	409
Information menu	410
Paper handling menu	411
Configure device menu	411
Printing menu	412
Print quality menu	415
System setup menu	417
I/O menu	423
Resets menu	424
Diagnostics menu	424
Service menu	426
Tools for troubleshooting	428
Embedded Web server	428
To access the embedded Web server	428
Information tab	429
Settings tab	429
Networking tab	430
Other links	430
Using the HP Toolbox (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	430
Printer Status and Alerts software	433
To choose which status messages appear	434
To view status messages and information	434
Printer configuration page	434
Supplies status page	436
Usage page	437
Event log	439
Print the file directory page	440
Print the PCL font list page	441
Print the PS font list page	442
Print the RGB samples page (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	443
Print the CMYK samples page (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	444
Diagnostics	445
LED diagnostics	445
Engine diagnostics	447
Diagnostics from the control panel	448
Test pages	461
Engine test page	461
Formatter test page	461
Engine resets	462
Cold reset	462
NVRAM initialization	462
Hard disk initialization	463
Calibration bypass	463
Calibrate now (HP Color LaserJet 5500 models only)	464
Full calibrate now (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	465
Quick calibrate now (HP Color LaserJet 5550 models)	466
Service menu	467
Accessing the Service menu	467
Clear event log	467
Total page count	467
Transfer kit count	467
Fuser kit count	467
Serial number	467
Service ID	468
Cold reset paper	469
Diagrams	470
Main parts	470
Switches	472
Solenoid and clutch	473
Motors and fans	474
PCBs	475
DC controller PCB	476
Connectors	477
500-sheet paper feeder connectors	480
General circuit diagram	481
500-sheet paper feeder circuit diagram	482
Parts and diagrams	483
Introduction	484
Ordering parts	485
Supplies and accessories	485
Common fasteners	490
Illustrations and parts lists (printer)	492
Illustrations and parts lists (500-sheet paper feeder)	542
Alphabetical parts list	556
Numerical parts list	565

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Image defects

If specific defects occur repeatedly, print a Print Quality Troubleshooting page and follow the

instructions on the page. If you are unable to resolve the problem, use the information in this

section to identify the root cause of the problem.

Image defects fall into the categories listed in

Table

7-18.

Image

defects

. Possible causes

and recommended solutions for each of these categories are listed in the tables that follow.

In general, the items are listed in order from minor repairs to major repairs. Check the items

in the order in which they appear.

Table 7-18. Image defects

Image defect

Description

More information

Light image

A very light image is printed.

See

Table

7-19.

Causes

for

light

images

Light color

One color is light in an image.

See

Table

7-20.

Causes

for

one

color

printing

light

Dark image

A very dark image is printed.

See

Table

7-21.

Causes

for

dark

images

Dark color

One color is dark in an image.

See

Table

7-22.

Causes

for

one

color

printing

dark

Completely blank

No image is printed.

See

Table

7-23.

Causes

for

completely

blank

image

All black/solid color

An all black or solid colored

image is printed.

See

Table

7-24.

Causes

for

all

black

solid

colored

image

Dots in vertical lines

Vertical lines of white dots

appear in the image.

See

Table

7-25.

Causes

for

vertical

lines

white

dots

Dirt on back of paper

The back (non-printed) side of

the paper is dirty.

See

Table

7-26.

Causes

for

dirt

the

back

the

paper

Dirt on front of paper

The front (printed) sided of the

paper is dirty.

See

Table

7-27.

Causes

for

dirt

the

front

the

paper

Vertical lines

Vertical lines are printed.

See

Table

7-28.

Causes

for

vertical

lines

White vertical lines

White vertical lines appear in

the image.

See

Table

7-29.

Causes

for

white

vertical

lines

Horizontal lines

Horizontal lines are printed.

See

Table

7-30.

Causes

for

horizontal

lines

White horizontal lines

White horizontal lines appear in

the image.

See

Table

7-31.

Causes

for

white

horizontal

lines

Missing color

One of the four toner colors is

not printed.

See

Table

7-32.

Causes

for

missing

color

Blank spots

The image has blank spots.

See

Table

7-33.

Causes

for

blank

spots

ENWW

Image defects

369