20 Most Recent HP LaserJet 4L Printer - Page 4 Questions & Answers

Yes, I had this exact same problem!! My printer would not come on simply after coming back from a two week vacation and when I switched on the surge protector, nothing happened. I found that the switching transistor in the switch mode power supply section of the DC Controller board failed!! (Q201) If your Laserjet 4L is as old as mine, remember that the switch mode power supply is always on standby, even when the printer is in " Intelligent Off" mode. It has to be ready for a print job at anytime and therefore the power supply really is always working. Therefore the switchmode power supply is almost always the place to look for a dead printer!! This field effect transistor (FET) ,(Q201)is mounted to a heatsink and handles various amount of current up to 4 amps, and can get very hot. So, in the many years since these printers were made, it has switched on and off many times, and dealt a lot of thermal stress. I searched the web for the replacement 2SK1351 transistor, and found that MCM had it for $8.88, but is currently out of stock. I ended up ordering it from littlediode.com, which is in the UK, for 5.47 plus about 6.50 shipping. I didn't mind waiting a few days for it to arrive. I hope that this helps!!!

Most likely low toner is the cause. Remove the toner cartridge and shake it side to side a few times and re-install. If this solves the problem or even improves it then you toner cartridge is getting low on toner.
If this makes no difference at all then your laser optics need to be cleaned.
Good Luck and Thank You for using Fixya.

Hi!
Your problem most likely is in the switchmode power supply section of the DC Controller board. What typically happens here is that the field effect transistor (FET) which is Q201 will fail. If you are an electronic technician and want to download a service manual, you probably can fix this. I just repaired my Laserjet 4L, and ordered the 2SK1351 transistor from littlediode.com in the UK. I ordered it from them because of the price and the fact that the next best price was 8.88 from MCM Electronics, but they are out of stock until June 21,2010. This FET has switched on and off many times, handled varing amount of current up to 4 amps, and is mounted on a heat sink in the 15 plus years since it was made. It therefore has dealt with a lot of heat, which can make a transistor eventually fail. I hope that this helps!!

You need a new cartridge. steven 818-888-0006

This is a very old printer, I dought you'll get parts for thi printer. Pull out the paper tray and check under the printer, there should be one or two swing sensors. it should swing both ways. If it does'nt then it's either out of position or broken.

The pickup roller most likely needs to cleaned. Normally paper dust causes this condition. Put the printer off and try again. If you still have the same problem then you probably have paper stuck in the printer somewhere, the paper sensor under the printer is broken. This is quite an old printer and spares might be a problem.


Good Luck

The printer is most likely connected to the parallel port which cannot determine the exact cause of the error; so it displays paper out. Check that the cable is connected properly and that The top green light on the printer is on.

Hi this machine has a power supply unit... may have fuses you can change on it.... have you tried the fuse in the plug? powersupply unit avaialable on line, may be cheaper to replace the printer though.

This is may due to toner catridge problem or fuser assembly. Replace the same will resolve your problem.

Thank you for using Fixya.

The HP Laserjet 4L uses a standard 25pin parallel printer cable.
These can be purchased at your friendly computer shop or on the Internet.

yes, using ONLY your finfers

Hi there
You have done all I think, so not much I can tell you only may be when you when you put the other drivers in did you first remove the old driver from the PC go to add and remove and take off the old driver first then re install new driver and also by the way some diver when installing need to leave the USB lead out until the software ask you to put in, if not ask then just carry on installing trying by leaving out first then the other way by putting in first.

Other than this I not can say as I think you done what you can.

Hope it will work for you.

Please come back and just gave a vote, it will gave me some satisfaction to know am helping some one so I will keep on helping.
All The Best: Pineworks

If what you experiencing that the printer attempts feed paper but fails, then try this:-

This is sort of scenario is usually caused by dust inside the printer. Dust has a way of preventing the sensors from detecting paper. Also it prevents the rollers from having a firm grip on the paper while picking paper. I will suggest you get a long handle brush and try to reach as far inside the printer as possible and brush (from the back and front). If you have a blower you may also use it to blow well into the interior of the printer (If you do not have a blower the brushing will still do if you do it well.) This, if properly done should do it. Brush especially the rollers etc.

There is a problem with the new cartridge. You should replace it. I didn't know they were still producing supplies to that model.

The driver for the HP 4L printer should be built into Windows 98. Goto add printer, select HP and look for your model. If you cant find the exact model try a laserjet model that is close, it should work fine.
Hope this helps
Jer

Remove the toner and look in the area above where the drum sits, there is either a glass that needs wiping or a shutter that may not be opening all the way. That opening is where the laser image is sent to the drum. Use a mirror if you can't see the area very well.

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First understand, that your Laserjet uses toner, not ink. Usually, the best answer is to purchase a replacement toner cartridge. I buy from the aftermarket, as the HP brand can be expensive. I think this is your best solution.

When you remove the toner and look down in the front where paper jams, there is a guide and small window, 2 screws removes this guide, there is usually a lot of paper dust in that area that you need to blow out, and sometimes paper scraps. It is a good time to wipe the feed roller with a damp rag which will help the feeding as well.