LaserJet 4MV will print 8.5X11 inch sheets, but will not print 11X17 inch sheets.

[Archie48]

Recently had an error code of 55 appear and printer would not print..  One source suggested problem was caused by bad fuser assembly.  Changed fuser assembly (with used assembly). Printer now prints on 8.5 inch X 11 inch sheets, but will not print at all when 11 X 17 inch sheets are selected in the printer dialog.

[Repairatrooper]

What happens when you attempt a print test from the control panel for the 11x17 tray? If that works then you know you have an issue with your driver not a hardware issue.

[Archie48]

Thanks for the reply Repairtrooper.

Got the printer to print test sheets for both 8 1/2 X 11 and 11 X 17 sheets. So... the printer by itself works.

Cannot connect printer to computer.  The printer links to my Ethernet network via Cat 5 cable from back of printer (the JetDirect Card) to my Router. 

Router is good (tested a number of different ways.)

Cat 5 cable swapped out. Not the problem.

Ran thru a number of iterations of printer setup menu via printer control panel.  Nothing clicks.

Swapped out JetDirect card (J2552A) with an old one I had laying around (which may or may not be good) - but that didn't help. The old JetDirect card just inserted has outdate firmware (A.04.09).  The card removed's firmware was A.05.05

I don't know how to test the state of health of the JetDirect card - which would be interesting to know. And I can't update the firmware on the "laying around" card if I can't connect it to the network.

I'd try connecting the printer via an alternate method (non-Ethernet)  if I had any matching connection ports between the printer and my computer (a 2019 iMac). I was thinking of buying a parallel port to usb adapter and plugging the printer to a USB on my Mac.  - but not at all sure that would work.

Any advice would be welcome.

0.

[Archie48 · Accepted solution]

Eureka!

Had another JetDirect card laying around  (the last of two spares).  Put it in.  It set itself up with new IP.  I set up new printer with the new IP etc. And lo and behold - it works!

It was the JetDirect Card that was the problem. I wish I knew how to test those cards.

The world is well (after hours of fiddling around).