LaserJet Pro MFP3302fdw Boot Loop & Error

[Tom29199]

Hi, I have a Colour LaserJet Pro MFP 3302fdw.

Since doing a firmware update last year, it has been totally ruined and doesn't work.

When booting it shows the error "CA.C3.1A.0B a critical system error has occured. FW version 6.28.1.35-202511201716"

It does NOT boot to a ready state and you cannot access any menus on the touch screen. If you turn the unit off and then turn it on again and hold the power button for 30 seconds, the screen will remain on a HP logo with the blue, puink, yellow and black dots flashing below in sequence and it will not change. It has been like this for 48 hours.

I have tried a variety of things here to try and get it working to no avail.

I have downloaded the lastest firmware, copied to Fat32 usb stick, put that into printer but nothing happens. I have tried a variety of sequences to try and locate a NVRAM reset but nothing works. Tapping the top left of the screen for 8 seconds, then two taps on top right, one bottom right and one top right does make the screen go black for longer but nothing happens. (HP_Color_LaserJet_Pro_MFP_3301-3388_Firmware_6.28.1.35-202511201716.bdl)

I have plugged it into the network, and it is detected by HP software and PC's with software showing firmware 'upto date' so I cannot try and update it this way.

I have tried it with USB cable also, the software still picks the printer up but again shows it is upto date.

I have sent the firmware file directly to the printer via usb on CMD usiing

The EWS is in a disabled state so cannot access that.

Whilst the printer is in the state it is in currently, not in a ready state, but with the HP logo on the screen, it is detected on the network and you CAN print a windows test page, and you can send a scan command but nothing else works, you cannot print documents or anything.

If I open and close toner door 15 times, it will print its own test page fine.

I am 99% sure this is a firmware issue, but there is no obvious way to do a NVRAM reset or reflash the firmware and it seems crazy I am going to have to throw this printer in the bin when I am sure it can be fixed!

There must be a way to do a NVRAM reset?

Alternatively i just need it repaired, but cant call HP and just ask for that without buying a subscription for them to talk me through all the troubleshooting I have already done?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Tom29199,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3302fdw is stuck in a boot loop showing CA.C3.1A.0B after a firmware update. Let’s go through the recovery steps that can sometimes restore the printer when it cannot reach a Ready state.

Perform a full power reset
Turn the printer off and unplug the power cable from the back of the printer (not the wall).
Wait at least 60 seconds, then reconnect power and turn the printer back on.

Attempt a Preboot / firmware recovery mode
Turn the printer off.
Turn it back on and immediately tap the lower-right corner of the touchscreen repeatedly until a Preboot menu appears.
If successful, select Administrator → Download → USB Thumbdrive, then choose the firmware file.

Verify USB firmware drive format
Make sure the USB drive is:

FAT32 formatted

Less than 32GB

Firmware file placed in the root directory

Only one firmware (.bdl) file present

Some printers will ignore the USB if these conditions are not met.

Try firmware downgrade or reflash
If available, try installing a previous firmware version instead of the same version.
Reinstalling identical firmware may be blocked by the device.

Try Cold Reset during startup
Turn the printer off.
Turn it back on and hold the Home area of the touchscreen until the screen changes.
This may clear NVRAM and reset startup configuration.

Disconnect accessories during boot
Remove:

USB cable

Network cable

USB drives

Fax/phone line
Then power the printer on to rule out initialization conflicts.

Important note:
The CA.C3.1A.0B error is typically associated with firmware corruption or formatter initialization failure, especially if it started immediately after a firmware update. Since the printer still responds to basic network discovery and can print internal pages, the hardware is likely functional and the issue is firmware-related.

Also, on this model, the Embedded Web Server remains disabled until the printer reaches Ready, which explains why it cannot be accessed.

If the printer never reaches the Preboot menu or accepts firmware recovery, it usually means the firmware partition is not loading correctly and requires formatter-level recovery.

I hope this helps.

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Best regards,