HP M277C6 gives dreaded Fuser Error 50.2

[fs142]

OK. So my HP M277c6 is about 8 years old but has only printed 4400 pages total. 

Attached below is the "Impressions" output from the printer.

I know 8 years is a decent time period but 4500 pages is pretty **bleep** low. 

I thought fusers give about 100,000 pages.    I assume age also counts.   

Anything else I can try before throwing this crap out ?

Impressions

Total Impressions:	4600
Monochrome Impressions:	1544
Color Impressions:	3056
Total Equivalent Impressions (A4/Letter):	4596.5
Monochrome Equivalent Impressions (A4/Letter):	1542.6
Color Equivalent Impressions (A4/Letter):	3053.9
Duplex Sheets:	581
Jam Events:	8
Mispick Events:	6
Photo Color Impressions:	0
Photo Monochrome Impressions:	0
USB Flash Drive Insertions:	4
Images Scanned to USB Flash Drive:	17
Copy Flatbed Images Scanned:	123
Copy ADF Images Scanned:	0
Copy Monochrome Impressions:	120
Copy Color Impressions:	29
ADF Images Scanned to Host:	225
Flatbed Images Scanned to Host:	263
Images Scanned to E-mail:	8
Images Scanned to Network Folder:	0
Fax ADF Images Scanned:	0
Fax Flatbed Images Scanned:	0
Fax Impressions:	0
Images Sent from PC:	10
ADF Images Scanned:	232
Flatbed Images Scanned:	405
Scanner Jam Events:	0

[YourITBuddy · Accepted solution]

It's certainly frustrating when a printer component like a fuser seems to fail prematurely, especially with a relatively low page count of around 4,600 impressions. You're right to expect a much longer lifespan from a fuser in terms of page count, as many are indeed rated for 100,000 pages or even more.

However, with your HP M277c6 being about 8 years old, age itself can unfortunately become a factor in component failure, regardless of usage. Over time, materials can degrade, and the heating and cooling cycles of a fuser can take a toll, even if it hasn't processed a massive number of pages.

Before considering discarding the printer, here are several things you can investigate and try:

1. Identify the Specific Symptoms:

You mentioned you "thought fusers give about 100,000 pages," which suggests you suspect a fuser problem. But what specific issues are you experiencing with the printer? Common signs of fuser problems include:

• Error Messages: Is the printer displaying any error codes on its control panel? Fuser errors often start with "50" (e.g., 50.2 Fuser Error, 50.3 Fuser Error, 50.7 Fuser Failure). Knowing the exact error code can be very helpful.
• Print Quality Issues:
  • Smearing or smudging: Toner that isn't properly fused to the paper and can be rubbed off easily.
  • Wrinkled or creased paper: The fuser rollers might be damaged or uneven.
  • Ghosting or repeating images: While sometimes related to other components, a faulty fuser can cause this.3
  • Partial or incomplete printing: Sections of the page are faded or not printed correctly.
• Strange Noises: Grinding or whining sounds emanating from the fuser area during printing.
• Paper Jams: Frequent paper jams in or near the fuser unit (usually at the exit path of the printer). Your "Impressions" report shows only 8 jam events, which is quite low, but it's worth checking if there's a recent, unresolved jam.

2. Basic Troubleshooting Steps:

• Power Cycle and Direct Connection: Turn the printer off, wait for about 60 seconds, and then turn it back on. Crucially, if your printer is connected to a surge protector or a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), try plugging it directly into a wall outlet. Laser printers have high power demands, especially for the fuser, and sometimes a surge protector or UPS can interfere with this, leading to fuser-related errors or malfunctions.
• Check for Paper Jams: Carefully inspect all paper paths, especially the rear door area where the fuser is typically located, for any stuck paper fragments. Even a small piece can cause issues. The fuser can be hot, so allow the printer to cool down before reaching inside.
• Print a Supplies Status Page and a Print Quality Page: These can be printed from the printer's control panel (usually under a "Reports" or "Tools" menu). The supplies status will show the remaining life of your toner cartridges and other consumables. A print quality page can help pinpoint if the issue is with a specific color or general fusing.
• Check Toner Cartridges: Ensure your toner cartridges are genuine HP cartridges and are properly installed. While less likely to cause a fuser failure, problematic cartridges can lead to print quality issues that might be confused with fuser problems.

3. Understanding the "Impressions" Output:

The data you provided is helpful:

• Total Impressions (4600) / Total Equivalent Impressions (4596.5): This confirms your low usage.
• Jam Events (8) and Mispick Events (6): These numbers are very low for the printer's age and usage, suggesting chronic paper jamming isn't likely the core problem unless a recent one caused damage.

4. The Fuser Unit (HP Part RM2-5583 for M277 series):

• Lifespan vs. Age: As discussed, 4600 pages is low for page-count-related failure. However, an 8-year timeframe can lead to degradation of the fuser's heating element, pressure roller, or its sleeve. The repeated heating and cooling cycles over years can cause wear.
• Replacement: The fuser unit in your HP M277c6 is a replaceable part (model RM2-5583). You can find these online from HP parts resellers or third-party vendors.
• Cost-Effectiveness: This is a key consideration. On an 8-year-old printer, you'll need to weigh the cost of a new fuser assembly against the price of a new, modern printer with a full warranty and potentially more features. Fusers can be relatively expensive components.
• Fuser Counter Reset: Some HP printers have a fuser counter that needs to be reset from the service menu after replacement.9 For the M277c6, it's not always explicitly clear if this is a manual user-accessible reset or if the printer automatically detects a new fuser. If you do replace the fuser, check the documentation that comes with the new part or search for specific instructions for your model regarding fuser replacement and counter reset. Often, for these types of models, a "Permanent Storage Init" or factory reset (as found in some HP support threads for the M277dw/c6) might be performed in some troubleshooting scenarios, but this is a more drastic step and should be approached with caution as it can reset all your settings. Specific fuser counter reset options are more common in higher-end business printers.

5. Other Potential Issues Mimicking Fuser Problems:

• Laser Scanner Unit: Dust or debris on the laser scanner mirrors can cause light or faded print.
• Transfer Belt (ITB): Problems with the Intermediate Transfer Belt can also lead to print quality defects.
• Power Supply Issues: Insufficient or unstable power can affect various components, including the fuser's ability to reach the correct temperature.

What to Try Next:

1. Pinpoint the exact symptoms and note any error messages.
2. Perform the basic troubleshooting steps (power cycle, direct wall outlet, check for jams).
3. Print internal test pages (Supplies Status, Print Quality Report) to gather more information.
4. If a specific fuser error (like a 50.xx error) is displayed and persists after basic troubleshooting, the fuser is the most likely culprit.
5. Research the cost of a replacement fuser (RM2-5583) for your M277c6.
6. Consider professional diagnosis/repair: If you're not comfortable replacing parts yourself, a printer technician could diagnose the issue. However, the diagnostic fee plus repair costs might quickly approach the cost of a new printer.

It's a tough spot to be in with an older printer that has low usage. While 4600 pages is indeed very low for a fuser to wear out from printing alone, 8 years is a significant amount of time for electronic and mechanical components. Weigh your options carefully after trying the troubleshooting steps. If the problem is clearly the fuser and the replacement cost is high, investing in a new printer might be the most practical, albeit frustrating, solution.

[piper97]

An HP M277c6 printer with only about 4600 impressions after 8 years is much lower than the usual 100,000 suggested for its fuser. How active the tool is doesn’t always matter; age itself can wear the parts down.

If things aren’t going well, try using these methods:

Check on the printer if there are errors or warnings showing.

If you have the ability to do so, start a cleaning cycle.

Regularly check and clean paper paths so jams are unlikely.

If there are signs of smudges on your prints or the printer indicates problems with the fuser, replace the fuser unit.

Sometimes the problem could come from the toner cartridges, so try to fix them too.

If you know your drone is affected by a bug, try updating the firmware.

In case the price to replace the fuser is higher than simply getting a new printer, it could be best to stop using it. Even so, rarely using the fuser can make a new fuser worth the investment.