Color LaserJet Pro MFP-M281fdw shows 49 Service Error after firmware update from 20th October

[Jerrykur]

I have tried enough with attempts to repair this printer.  I am just going to trash it.

Does anyone have recommendations for a replacement printer with similar functionality? Preferably, NOT FROM HP!!!

[Djoka60]

I bought Brother MFC-L3730CDN. Same functionality and cheaper as HP.

[katherine73]

@Jerrykur - did you ever get the replacement formatter board  from the guy in Florida? When I spoke to him, he said he tests all the boards. Worst case, he said he had something like 200 of them in his inventory.

[Jerrykur]

@katherine73

The new board did get the display coming up.  It was not completely black like the previous board, but only 1/2 of the display was lit and it looked a little squished.  So I am sending it back and don't plan on spending any more time on this printer.  HP has been in contact with us, and is playing 20 questions and supposedly looking into what they can do.  But, we really need to get a printer so we can keep our business running,

[bitsaboy]

I've removed the printer's formatter (processor) board last night, and ordered a used, known-good replacement today. While it wasn't free, paying $80 for a replacement board is still better than spending $600-700 for an entirely new printer.

If it works, I'll report back once the board is delivered and installed.

Looking at Youtube videos & hoping to find steps for formatter board removal - it appears removing panels often / accidentally breaks off mounting tabs.  No video pertains to the M281 apparently.  Any helpful hints regarding proper panel removal would  be most appreciated.

EDIT:

whoops - found instructions on your later link - albeit foreign language - beats nothing my a mile!

Thanks!

[katherine73]

@Bitsaboy, if you take your time it's not too difficult to get the panel off. Just make sure you remove the screw in the back and start removing the panel from the back. I didn't break any tabs.

[katherine73]

@Jerrykur - did you check the MFRAME ribbon cable? It sounds like there was a connection problem if only 1/2 the display was lit.

Also, my display cable wasn't well laminated from the factory. Just unplugging it and replugging it once caused traces to come up at the very end. It caused a short, so I needed to trim the very end and once I did it worked fine.

[PrinterProb123]

Still having problems any other thoughts

[Jerrykur]

@Katherine73

By trim it what do you mean?  Can I just a cut a bit off with a scissors?

[Deuils]

@Ltwo
Good thought. Maybe even some sort of petition is in order.
I'm just gobsmacked at the apathetic behaviour from HP Support and how they show no sign whatsoever of giving a toss about the number of furious customers, many of whom are soon to be ex-customers.