Decoding the error codes of your HP laser printer

Do you own an HP laser printer and your HP toner cartridges are intact? And here's what it means if your printer shows error codes. Understand the common fuser error codes and know the easy ways to fix them.

Fuser Errors

Laser printers take not more than a few seconds to print amazing printouts. When the print command is given, the paper passes through the fuser (heated rollers) and the toner is melted and compressed to leave a print on the paper and the fuser rolls the paper out to the output tray. The fuser also heats up the paper during this process. Just like the toner cartridges and drum unit, the fuser wears out due to overuse and might show up error messages due to many reasons.

50.1 – Low voltage power supply / Low-temperature error

When the machine doesn’t get the right amount of power supply, it results in low fuser temperature and throws an error.

Solution

• Ensure the printer is connected straight into the wall outlet and there are no other devices connected to the same circuit
• Turn off and turn on the printer because the printer just doesn’t get the right temperature for the first time

50.8 – Low temperature

Due to power fluctuations or sudden power outages, your printer reads the temperature of the fuser at the wrong time causing Fuser error 50.8.

Solution

Turn off the machine and turn it back on after a few minutes to resolve the problem

50.2 – slow fuser error

When the fuser doesn’t warm up fast enough, your printer throws this error.

Solution

• You may have to replace the fuser unit

50.3 – High-temperature service error

It’s self-explanatory. This error appears when the fuser temperature is relativity high

Solution

• Power off the machine and wait for 10-20 minutes allowing the fuser unit inside the printer to cool down
• You must also ensure the printer gets proper ventilation allowing the extra heat produced by the machine to escape. Proper positioning of the machine will help them cool down immediately
• Adjust the fuser settings and make sure the temperature does not reach over 85 to 92 degrees

50.4 – Fuser heater wire failure

• In this case, you have to replace the fuser

50.5 – Incorrect fuser for the printer model

This error appears when you use inappropriate fuser unit for your printer. HP makes 3 different fuser units which are identical but they are not interchangeable between printer models. The fuser unit may look similar but the inner wiring of the units are different. You will get the incorrect fuser error when you power on the machine.

Solution

• You need to read the specifications properly and choose the correct fuser unit

50.6 – Open circuit error

If the fuser assembling is different, it will lead to an open circuit error.

Solution

• Remove the fusing assembly and reinstall them. Ensure they are seated properly in the machine

50.7 – Pressure release mechanism error

Your HP laser printer throws this message when there’s no motion detected in the fuser by the photosensor.

Solution

• Reboot the printer to check if it resolves
• If that doesn’t work, you may have to replace the fuser motor
• If none of the above steps work, you may have to replace the fuser unit

Printer fuser problems are interconnected and one failure may result in multiple error codes. And the good news is that simple power off and power on would fix most of the issues. You may have to check the power supply to ensure the printer is connected to the right power source specified by the manufacturer. Most of the laser printers function well at 350-425 Fahrenheit and when the power supply is less or more, there will be an evident issue.

To sum it up

• Improve the power supply to your printer by connecting them directly to the wall outlet
• Avoid connecting other devices to the same circuit
• Place your printer near the ventilated area as your printer needs to cool from all the sides
• Give your printer some time to rest after a large print job
• Break down large printing jobs into smaller ones so that the temperature of the fuser unit becomes normal
• When you are replacing the fuser unit, ensure you receive the right one

And remember, when you are not too sure about the error, do not attempt to fix it as it might complicate the issue. It is advisable to get a professional to look into it when you are unfamiliar with the troubleshooting steps.