M401dw strange issue

[mg45023]

Hi,

I'm experiencing a strange problem with my LaserJet.

It will print nothing but two blank pages and then jam on the third with a paper pick up error.

This happens whether I print from my computer or try to print an internal test or configuration page, so I know it's not a driver issue. I've tried factory resetting and a hard reset by unplugging, holding down the power button for 30 seconds and then re-plugging in.

The printer is plugged directly into a wall socket and is not connected to any surge protector or power strip.

Any suggestions?

I was given this printer so I've never used it before but I was told it had "connectivity" problems. It does connect fine to my wireless network.

[Valsimot]

How does it print from the upper manual paper tray?

[mg45023]

It feeds one page and then stops with the "No paper pickup" message. Page is still blank/no image. I was trying to print a status page.

[petergroft29]

The paper is too slick for the product. The paper might not be engaged with the feed rollers. The paper-width guide is pressed against the paper stack too tightly. The paper settings in the print driver do not match the paper loaded in the paper tray.

Hope This Helps,
Peter

[Repairatrooper]

If you have another cartridge try that, especially if it is a non-HP cartridge. The cartridge drum drive used on this model was very problematic for 3rd party vendors to copy and many fail. Look at the right side of the cartridge for a short spring loaded shaft. it should have a couple of teeth on it, make sure they are not bent or broken.

[mg45023]

I've ordered new paper but I'm not primarily worried about the pickup issue and probably shouldn't have mentioned it to begin with.

My real concern is the pages are coming out blank and it's definitely not a driver issue as the blank pages I mentioned are being generated internally (status, configuration, supplies pages)

[mg45023]

I  did check the toner/print cartridge. It's a genuine HP 80x and report status online as being about 90% full. The teeth on the gear look fine, but I've ordered a new cartridge just to eliminate another variable.

I'm at the point wondering if the operating system is somehow borked. Is there any resource available to us non-HP types to get a hold of something to reinstall the system from scratch and try again? Only other thing I can think of is maybe the laser unit is hosed?

Just to note that I've been supporting laser production machines for more than 30 years, just not HP.  I did work for HP for a time, but was supporting the Indigo which is a whole 'nother beast. I primarily supported Fiery print controllers and whenever things starting acting strange this was one of the first things I try after eliminating the obvious suspects.

[Repairatrooper]

Other than doing a factory restore or an NVRAM reset there is no way "change or fix" firmware on these devices. I have never seen a failed firmware cause blank pages and if the laser was bad it should throw an error to that effect.

[mg45023]

That's good information Trooper. I've done a factory reset, no change. Is the NVRAM reset when you unplug, wait, hold down power button for 30 seconds then plug in again? If so, I've also done that. The printer also reports it's firmware is up to date, so no hope there.

Any other suggestions?

If not, I'll just wait for the new imaging cartridge and if that doesn't work I'll probably just scrap it. But such a strange problem to have.