HP LaserJet 4250n User Manual

							Understanding accessory lights for the stacker and stapler/stacker
The following table lists errors that can occur in an accessory (such as the stacker or stapler/
stacker) and that are reported by the accessory lights and on the printer control panel display.
Accessory lights 
LightExplanation and solution
Solid green● The accessory is receiving power and is
ready.
● The stapler is low on staples.  STAPLER
LOW ON STAPLES  appears on the printer
control-panel display. Fewer than 70 staples
remain in the staple cartridge. Replace the
staple cartridge. See 
Loading staples .
● The number of pages in the job exceeds the
15-page limit for stapling.  TOO MANY
PAGES IN JOB TO STAPLE  appears on
the printer control-panel display. For jobs
that have more than 15 pages, staple the
pages manually.
● The job contains different paper sizes.
DIFFERENT PAPER SIZES IN JOB
appears on the printer control-panel display.
The stapler cannot align the paper for
stapling if different paper sizes are in the
job. If stapling is required, modify the job.
Solid amber●The accessory is experiencing a hardware
malfunction.  66.XY.ZZ OUTPUT DEVICE
FAILURE   appears on the printer control-
panel display. (See the section for this
message in 
Interpreting control-panel
messages .)
ENWW Understanding accessory lights for the stacker and stapler/stacker 169
 
						

							LightExplanation and solution
Blinking amber●The accessory has a staple jam.  13.XX.YY
JAM IN STAPLER  appears on the printer
control-panel display. (See the section for
this message in 
Interpreting control-panel
messages .)
● The accessory has a paper jam, or a sheet
needs to be removed from the unit, even if
the sheet is not jammed.  13.XX.YY JAM IN
OUTPUT DEVICE  appears on the printer
control-panel display. (See the section for
this message in 
Interpreting control-panel
messages .)
● The bin is full.  STACKER BIN FULL
appears on the printer control-panel display.
(See the section for   FULL in
Interpreting control-panel messages.)
● The stapler is out of staples.  STAPLER
OUT OF STAPLES  appears on the printer
control-panel display. (See the section for
this message in 
Interpreting control-panel
messages .)
● The bin is in the up position.  LOWER THE
STACKER BIN  appears on the printer
control-panel display. (See the section for
this message in 
Interpreting control-panel
messages .)
● The jam-access door is open.  OUTPUT
PAPER PATH OPEN  appears on the printer
control-panel display. (See the section for
this message in 
Interpreting control-panel
messages .)
● The stapler unit is open.  OUTPUT PAPER
PATH OPEN  appears on the printer control-
panel display. (See the section for this
message in 
Interpreting control-panel
messages .)
● The firmware is corrupt.  CORRUPT
FIRMWARE IN EXTERNAL ACCESSORY
appears on the control-panel display. (See
the section for this message in 
Interpreting
control-panel messages .)
170Chapter 4 Problem solving ENWW
 
						

							LightExplanation and solution
Off●The printer might be in PowerSave mode.
Press any button on the printer control panel.
● The accessory is not receiving power. Turn
the printer power off. Check that the
accessory is properly seated on and
connected to the printer, without any gaps
between the printer and the accessory. Turn
the printer power on.
● The accessory might have been
disconnected and reconnected while the
printer power was on.  66.XY.ZZ
EXTERNAL DEVICE FAILURE  appears on
the printer control panel display. See the
section for this message in 
Interpreting
control-panel messages .)
● The job might have stalled between the
printer and the accessory.  PROCESSING
JOB  appears on the printer control-panel
display. Turn the printer power off, and then
turn the printer power on.
Replacing accessories or accessory components
If you are unable to resolve problems that  are indicated by the stacker or stapler/stacker
accessory lights, contact the HP  Customer Care Center. (See 
HP customer care.) If an HP
Customer Care Center representative recommends replacement of the stacker, stapler/
stacker, or stapler/stacker components, you can either perform the replacement procedure
yourself or have an HP-authorized dealer replace it.
● For the steps to replace the entire stacker accessory or the entire stapler/stacker
accessory, see the install guide that came with the accessory.
● For the steps to replace the stapler unit, see 
Replacing the stapler unit.
● For the steps to replace the staple cartridge, see 
Loading staples .
For more details about ordering replacement parts or supplies, see 
Ordering parts,
accessories, and supplies  and Part numbers .
ENWW Understanding accessory lights for the stacker and stapler/stacker 171
 
						

							Correcting print-quality problems
This section helps you define print-quality problems and what to do to correct them. Often
print- quality problems can be handled easily by making sure that the printer is properly
maintained, using print media that meets HP specifications, or running a cleaning page.
Print-quality checklist
General print-quality problems can be solved by following the checklist below.
●Check the printer driver to make sure that you are using the best available print quality
option (see 
Selecting print-quality settings ).
● Try printing with one of the alternative  printer drivers. The most recent printer drivers
area available for download from  http://www.hp.com/go/lj4250_software  or
http://www.hp.com/go/lj4350_software .
● Clean the inside of the printer (see 
Cleaning the printer ).
● Check the paper type and quality (see 
Paper specifications ).
● Check to make sure that EconoMode  is off in the software (see 
Using EconoMode
(draft) printing  ).
● Troubleshoot general printing problems (see 
Solving general printing problems ).
● Install a new HP print cartridge, and then  check the print quality again. (See the
instructions provided with the print cartridge.)
NOTE
If the page is totally blank (all white) check  to make sure that the sealing tape is removed
from the print cartridge and ensure that the print cartridge is installed correctly.Newer
printers have been optimized to print characters more accurately. This might result in
characters that look lighter or thinner than you are  used to from your older printer. If the page
is printing images darker than those  from an older printer, and you want the images to match
the older printer, make these changes  in your printer driver: on the Finishing tab, select
Print Quality , select Custom , click Details , and click the check box for  Print Images Lighter.
Image defect examples
Use the examples in this image-defect table to determine which print-quality problem you are
experiencing, and then see the corresponding reference pages to troubleshoot. These
examples identify the most common print-quality problems. If you still have problems after
trying the suggested remedies, contact  HP Customer Support. (See 
HP customer care.)
NOTE
The examples below depict letter-size paper that has passed through the printer short-edge
first.
172 Chapter 4 Problem solving ENWW
 
						

							See Light print
(partial page)
See Light print
(entire page)
See SpecksSee SpecksSee Dropouts
See DropoutsSee Dropouts
A
A
A
A
AB
B
B
B
BC
C
C
C
Ca
a
a
a
ac
c
c
c
cb
b
b
b
b
See LinesSee Gray
background
See Toner smear
See Loose tonerSee Repeating
defects
Dear Mr. Abhjerhjk,
The dhjhfiuhu if teint hhkjhjnf j us a weue jd, fnk
ksneh vnk kjdfkaakd ss hsjhnckkajhdhf kashfhnduujdn.
Pkshkkhklhlkhkhyufwe4yrh9jjflkln djd skshkshdcnksnjcnal
aksnclnslskjlncsl nas lnslna, ncnsljsjscljckn nsnclknsllj
hwlsdknls nwljs nlnscl nijhsn clsncij hn. Iosi fsjs jlkh andjna this
is a hn. jns fir stie a djakjd ajjssk. Thsi ius vnvlu tyeh lch afted,
and when hghj hgjhk jdj a dt sonnleh. Suolklv jsdj hvjkrt ten sutc of jthjkfjkn vjdj hwjd, an olk d
.at fhjdjht ajshef. Sewlfl nv atug ahgjfjknvr kdkjdh sj hvjk
sjskrplo book. Camegajd sand their djnln as orged tyehha
as as hf hv of the tinhgh in the cescmdal vlala tojk. Ho sn shj
shjkh a sjca kvkjn? No ahdkj ahhtuah ahavjnv hv vh aefve r
Tehreh ahkj vaknihidh was skjsaa a dhkjfn anj
cjkhapsldnlj llhfoihrfhthej ahjkkjna oa h j a kah w asj kskjnk as
sa fjkank cakajhjkn eanjsdn qa ejhc pjtpvjlnv4purlaxnwl. Ana l, and the askeina of ahthvnasm. Sayhvjan tjhhjhr ajn ve fh k
v nja vkfkahjd a. Smakkljl a sehiah adheufh if you do klakc k
w vka ah call lthe cjakha aa d a sd fijs.
Sincerely,Mr. Scmehnjcj
See Repeating
image
AaBbCcAaBbCc
AaBbCc
AaBbCc
AaBbCc AaBbCc
See Misformed
characters
See Page skew
See Curl or waveSee Wrinkles or
creases
See Vertical
white lines
A
A
A
A
AB
B B
B
B C
C C
C
Ca
a
a
a
ac
c
c
c
cb
b
b b
b
See Tire tracksSee White spots
on black
See Scattered
lines .
See Blurred print.See Random
image repetition
(dark)
See Random
image repetition
(light)
ENWW Correcting print-quality problems  173
 
						

							Light print (partial page) 
1. Make sure that the print cartridge is fully installed.
2. The toner level in the print cartridge might be low. Replace the print cartridge.
3. The media might not meet HP specifications (for example, the paper is too moist or too
rough). See 
Paper specifications .
4. The printer might be due for maintenance. Check this by printing a copy of the supplies status page. (See 
Supplies status page .) If maintenance is due, order and install the
printer maintenance kit. (See 
Performing preventive maintenance .)
Light print (entire page)
1. Make sure that the print cartridge is fully installed.
2. Make sure that the EconoMode setting is turned  off at the control panel and in the printer
driver.
3. Open the Configure Device menu at the printer control panel. Open the Print Quality submenu and increase the TONER DENSITY setting. See 
Print Quality submenu .
4. Try using a different type of paper.
5. The print cartridge might be almost empty. Replace the print cartridge.
Specks
Specks might appear on a page after a jam has been cleared.
1. Print a few more pages to see if the problem corrects itself.
174 Chapter 4 Problem solving ENWW
 
						

							2. Clean the inside of the printer and run a cleaning page to clean the fuser. (See Cleaning
the printer.)
3. Try using a different type of paper.
4. Check the print cartridge for leaks. If  the print cartridge is leaking, replace it.
Dropouts 
1. Make sure that the environmental specifications for the printer are bein\
g met. (See
Operating environment.)
2. If the paper is rough, and the toner  easily rubs off, open the Configure Device menu at
the printer control panel. Open the Print Quality submenu, select  FUSER MODES, and
then select the paper type you are using.  Change the setting to HIGH 1 or HIGH 2,
which helps the toner fuse more completely onto the paper. (See 
Print Quality submenu .)
3. Try using a smoother paper.
Lines 
A
A
A
A
AB
B
B
B
B C
C
C
C
Ca
a
a
a
ac
c
c
c
cb
b
b
b
b
1. Print a few more pages to see if the problem corrects itself.
2. Clean the inside of the printer and run
 a cleaning page to clean the fuser. (See 
Cleaning
the printer.)
3. Replace the print cartridge.
4. The printer might be due for maintenance. Check this by printing a copy of the supplies status page. (See 
Supplies status page .) If maintenance is due, order and install the
printer maintenance kit. (See 
Performing preventive maintenance .)
ENWW Correcting print-quality problems  175
 
						

							Gray background 
1. Do not use paper that has already been run through the printer.
2. Try using a different type of paper.
3. Print a few more pages to see if the problem corrects itself.
4. Turn over the stack of paper in the tray. Also, try rotating the paper 180°.
5. Open the Configure Device menu at the  printer control panel. On the Print Quality
submenu, increase the  TONER DENSITY setting. See 
Print Quality submenu.
6. Make sure that the environmental specifications for the printer are bein\
g met. (See
Operating environment .)
7. Replace the print cartridge.
Toner smear 
1. Print a few more pages to see if the problem corrects itself.
2. Try using a different type of paper.
3. Make sure that the environmental specifications for the printer are bein\
g met. (See
Operating environment .)
4. Clean the inside of the printer and run  a cleaning page to clean the fuser. (See 
Cleaning
the printer.)
5. The printer might be due for maintenance. Check this by printing a copy of the supplies status page. (See 
Supplies status page .) If maintenance is due, order and install the
printer maintenance kit. (See 
Performing preventive maintenance .)
6. Replace the print cartridge.
Also see 
Loose toner .
176 Chapter 4 Problem solving ENWW
 
						

							Loose toner
Loose toner, in this context, is defined as toner that can be rubbed off the page.
1. If paper is heavy or rough, open the Configure Device menu at the printer control panel.On the Print Quality submenu, select  FUSER MODES, and then select the paper type
you are using. Change the setting to HIGH 1 or HIGH 2, which helps the toner fuse more
completely onto the paper. (See 
Print Quality submenu .) You must also set the type of
paper for the tray you are using. (See 
Printing by type and size of media (locking trays) .)
2. If you have observed a rougher texture on one side of your paper, try printing on the smoother side.
3. Make sure that the environmental specifications for the printer are bein\
g met. (See
Operating environment .)
4. Make sure that type and quality of the  paper you are using meet HP specifications. (See
Paper specifications.)
5. The printer might be due for maintenance. Check this by printing a copy of the supplies status page. (See 
Supplies status page .) If maintenance is due, order and install the
printer maintenance kit. (See 
Performing preventive maintenance .)
Repeating defects 
1. Print a few more pages to see if the problem corrects itself.
2. If the distance between defects is 38 mm  (1.5 inches), 55 mm (2.2 inches), or 94 mm
(3.7 inches), the print cartridge might need to be replaced.
3. Clean the inside of the printer and run  a cleaning page to clean the fuser. (See 
Cleaning
the printer.)
4. The printer might be due for maintenance. Check this by printing a copy of the supplies status page. (See 
Supplies status page .) If maintenance is due, order and install the
printer maintenance kit. (See 
Performing preventive maintenance .)
Also see 
Repeating image .
ENWW Correcting print-quality problems  177
 
						

							Repeating image
Dear Mr. Abhjerhjk,The dhjhfiuhu if teint hhkjhjnf j us a weue jd, fnk
ksneh vnk kjdfkaakd ss hsjhnckkajhdhf kashfhnduujdn.
Pkshkkhklhlkhkhyufwe4yrh9jjflkln djd skshkshdcnksnjcnal
aksnclnslskjlncsl nas lnslna, ncnsljsjscljckn nsnclknsllj
hwlsdknls nwljs nlnscl nijhsn clsncij hn. Iosi fsjs jlkh andjna this
is a hn. jns fir stie a djakjd ajjssk. Thsi ius vnvlu tyeh lch afted,
and when hghj hgjhk jdj a dt sonnleh. Suolklv jsdj hvjkrt ten sutc of jthjkfjkn vjdj hwjd, an olk d
.at fhjdjht ajshef. Sewlfl nv atug ahgjfjknvr kdkjdh sj hvjk
sjskrplo book. Camegajd sand their djnln as orged tyehha
as as hf hv of the tinhgh in the cescmdal vlala tojk. Ho sn shj
shjkh a sjca kvkjn? No ahdkj ahhtuah ahavjnv hv vh aefve r
Tehreh ahkj vaknihidh was skjsaa a dhkjfn anj
cjkhapsldnlj llhfoihrfhthej ahjkkjna oa h j a kah w asj kskjnk as
sa fjkank cakajhjkn eanjsdn qa ejhc pjtpvjlnv4purlaxnwl. Ana l, and the askeina of ahthvnasm. Sayhvjan tjhhjhr ajn ve fh k
v nja vkfkahjd a. Smakkljl a sehiah adheufh if you do klakc k
w vka ah call lthe cjakha aa d a sd fijs.
Sincerely,Mr. Scmehnjcj
This type of defect might occur when using preprinted forms or a large quantity of narrow
paper.
1. Print a few more pages to see if the problem corrects itself.
2. Make sure that type and quality of the  paper you are using meet HP specifications. (See
Paper specifications.)
3. The printer might be due for maintenance. Check this by printing a copy of the supplies status page. (See 
Supplies status page .) If maintenance is due, order and install the
printer maintenance kit. (See 
Performing preventive maintenance .)
4. If the distance between defects is 38 mm  (1.5 inches), 55 mm (2.2 inches), or 94 mm
(3.7 inches), the print cartridge might need to be replaced.
Misformed characters
AaBbCc AaBbCc
AaBbCc
AaBbCc
AaBbCc AaBbCc
1. Print a few more pages to see if the problem corrects itself.
2. Make sure that the environmental specifications for the printer are bein\
g met. (See
Operating environment .)
3. The printer might be due for maintenance. Check this by printing a copy of the supplies status page. (See 
Supplies status page .) If maintenance is due, order and install the
printer maintenance kit. (See 
Performing preventive maintenance .)
Page skew
1. Print a few more pages to see if the problem corrects itself.
2. Verify that there are no torn pieces of paper inside the printer.
178 Chapter 4 Problem solving ENWW