“My printer stopped working and is showing an error code. What does it mean? What am I supposed to do now?”
Printer error codes are messages or number combinations displayed on the LED display of your printer. They are informational tools meant to point out what is not functioning properly. Here is a list of common error codes for HP printers, including what they mean and what to do when you see them.*
Error Code: 02 – Warming Up
Explanation: This is commonly associated with printer cable or driver problems.
What to do: Turn off the printer and remove the printer cable (USB or I/O cable), then reconnect and turn it back on. If not resolved, update the driver. If not resolved, replace the printer cable. If there is still an error, there may be a hardware problem.
Error Code: 10 – Supplies Memory Error
Explanation: Your printer has a problem with the toner cartridge chip, which it’s unable to read on the print cartridge.
What to do: First, try resetting the printer by turning it on and off. If this doesn’t work, remove and reinstall the cartridge or replace it. If is still doesn’t work then you may have a hardware fault.
Error Code: 11 – Paper Out
Explanation: If your printer isn’t out of paper, this probably means there’s a problem with the paper tray or paper sensor.
What to do: Make sure your printer is on a completely flat surface. Check the paper trays for any damage and clean away any toner build up. If not resolved, check the paper sensor or clean the opto-sensor.
Error Code: 12 – Open or No EP
Explanation: If you printer does have toner cartridges installed correctly, this means either a cover is open or you may have defective cooling fans or PS5 sensors.
What to do: Check that all toners are installed correctly and that all covers are closed properly. If the problem persists you may have a hardware problem.
Error Code: 13 – Paper Jam
Explanation: Your printer has a paper jam. Paper jams can occur at four stages: pickup, printing, fusing and exit. Modern HP printers will indicate where the jam has occurred. If using thick paper, check the HP paper guide for your printer.
What to do: Either follow the on-screen guidance, if available, or methodically check for the paper jam in the customer accessible areas of the printer. Don’t attempt to use hard implements to remove paper at the risk of damage to the printer and yourself. If the problem persists you may have a hardware failure.
Error Code: 14 – No EP Cartridge
Explanation: Your printer either doesn’t have a toner cartridge installed or doesn’t recognize one that is.
What to do: Removing and reinstalling the toner cartridge normally resolves the problem. Otherwise, replace with a new cartridge.
Error Code: 16 – Toner Low
Explanation: This normally means that your toner cartridge is either low on toner or empty. However it may mean that the remaining toner isn’t distributed evenly.
What to do: Try removing the toner cartridge and gently shaking it to evenly distribute the remaining toner. Once depleted, replace the cartridge.
Error Code: 20 – Memory Overflow
Explanation: Your print job exceeds the current memory capacity of the printer.
What to do: You need to reduce the size of your print job. You can try reducing the DPI or unticking the collate option in the printer driver. You can also try making the document or image smaller. Alternatively, you can install additional memory if available.
Error Code: 21 – Print Overrun
Explanation: Your print job exceeds the current memory capacity of the printer.
What to do: You need to reduce the size of your print job. You can try reducing the DPI or unticking the collate option in the printer driver. You can also try making the document or image smaller. Alternatively, you can install additional memory of available.
Error Code: 22 – I/O Configuration
Explanation: There’s a communication problem between the printer and the computer.
What to do: Where possible, try connecting to a different port on the computer. Try another cable and make sure the computer is turned on and the cable is fully inserted at both ends. If this doesn’t help there may be a hardware issue.
Error Code: 24 – Job Memory Full
Explanation: Too many print jobs have been sent to the printer, or the job is too complex for the printer memory to process.
What to do: You need to reduce the size of your print job. You can try reducing the DPI or unticking the collate option in the printer driver. You can also try making the document or image smaller. Alternatively, you can install additional memory if available.
Error Code: 25 – XXX Memory Full
Explanation: Too many print jobs have been sent to the printer, or job is too complex for the printer memory to process.
What to do: You need to reduce the size of your print job. You can try reducing the DPI or unticking the collate option in the printer driver. You can also try making the document or image smaller. Alternatively, you can install additional memory if available.
Error Code: 30 – PS Error 16
Explanation: This is commonly associated with PostScript firmware errors. It may also be triggered by PCL files being sent while the print is in PS mode or a bad PostScript file.
What to do: Reseat the PostScript SIMM or replace it. Try printing an alternative PostScript file to rule out a bad file.
Error Code: 30.1.1 – Disk Failure
Explanation: Your printer’s hard disk drive has crashed.
What to do: You can normally resolve this by pressing the SELECT button. If it persists you may have a hardware problem.
Error Code: 40 – Data Transfer Error
Explanation: The connection between the computer and printer has been broken.
What to do: Check/replace all cables as required. Ensure that any EIO boards are seated properly. If networked, check to ensure the IP settings in the printer and driver haven’t changed and match. You can sometimes press SELECT to continue printing however print data may be lost; simply reprint the missing pages.
Error Code: 41 – Temporary Print Engine Error
Explanation: The printer has experienced a temporary printer engine error, which can normally be easily resolved.
What to do: Turn the printer off at the machine, then the mains and leave for 30 seconds. Turn back on and resend the print job if necessary.
Error Code: 49 – Printer Error or Communication Error
Explanation: There can be a few causes of this error depending on the model, which tend to be associated with firmware errors, cable problems or hardware issues.
What to do: First try turning the print off and on again. If the problem persists, try updating the firmware and replacing the printer communication cables or reseating memory modules. If unresolved then it is most likely a hardware problem.
Error Code: 50.x – Fuser Error
Explanation: The printer fuser is faulty or the supporting circuits or power are at fault. The additional 50.x number indicates:
50.1 Low temperature. Fuser is failing to warm up.
50.2 Warm up failure. The warm-up period timed out. This could be a power supply or firmware issue.
50.3 High temperature. The main thermistor is too hot. Likely to be a control circuit issue.
50.4 Faulty fuser (or Bad AC line voltage). Moderately likely to be bad mains supply (UPS, generator, extensions)
50.5 Inconsistent fuser or Wrong type fuser installed. The printer has detected the wrong fuser.
50.6 Open fuser. Fuser heater cut-off. The fuser possibly overheated.
50.7 Fuser pressure release mechanism failure. Fuser drive motor or the pressure release doesn’t work
50.8 Lower fuser temperature (sub-thermistor). Secondary thermistor detects a fault
50.9 High fuser temperature (sub-thermistor).
What to do: These faults typically needed assistance from an experienced HP engineer.
Error Code: 51 – Beam Detect Error
Explanation: On older model this normally indicates the tab on the bottom of the cartridge that opens the laser shutter is missing/snapped off. On new models it can be a problem with the whole laser scanner unit.
What to do: If it’s an older printer then check to see if the tab is missing and if so replace the toner cartridge. New models may need the laser scanner assembly replacing.
Error Code: 52 – Incorrect Scanner Speed Error
Explanation: The printer uses a polygon mirror to reflect the laser beam across the imaging unit. This error code and HP error codes 52.1 and 52.2 indicate a problem with this process.
What to do: These faults typically needed assistance from an experienced HP engineer.
Error Code: 54 – Printer Error Cycle Power
Explanation: There are many causes for this error code. On some models it means the seal hasn’t been removed from the toner cartridge, which is easily resolved.
What to do: Check whether tape has been left on the printer cartridges and remove it, if not then this error code typically requires assistant from a HP engineer.
Error Code: 56 – Printer Device Error
Explanation: This error message can relate to a number of different issues depending upon the model.
What to do: Try one or more of the following, depending upon your HP printer:
1. Make sure all paper trays are correctly installed
2. Reinstall the stacker or staple/stacker
3. You may be trying to incorrectly print transparencies through the duplex unit
4. You may be trying to print envelopes whilst in duplex mode
5. Check the printer’s configuration to ensure it is correct
6. Turn the print off for 30 seconds and turn on again
Error Code: 60.xx –
Explanation: On new printers this relates to a motorized tray lift error. On older models HP error code 60 relates to memory problems.
What to do: If you have an older model then re-seating or changing the memory may resolve the issue. All new models with tray lift problems can often be resolved by checking for obstructions such as paperclips or other objects.
Error Code: 66 – External Paper Handling Device Error
Explanation: This fault means there’s a problem with one or more additional paper or envelope trays or finishing units, such as a staple finisher.
What to do: Turn the printer off, checking the connections between all the accessories and that they move freely, where applicable. If this doesn’t resolve the problem you may have sensor or board problems that require that attention of an engineer.
Error Code: 67 – Service Printer Error or Memory Error
Explanation: Depending up your model this can be a number of different things including: a temporary error, defective paper guide, a break in communication, controller board error or defective SIMMs.
What to do: Turn off your printer and check that the paper trays are inserted correctly and aren’t damage. Check whether the I/O printer cable is installed correctly and not damaged, perhaps try using a different cable to test. Reseat any SIMMs or replace if necessary. If a controller board needs replacing you may need an engineer.
Error Code: 69 – Duplexer Error has Occurred
Explanation: The printer has a problem with duplex unit, this is the unit that enables the printer to print double-sided.
What to do: Check the duplex unit and reseat and clear any obstructions that may be causing the error. If the error persists you may need a new duplex unit.
Error Code: 70 – Faulty MIO Card or SIMMs or Wrong Cartridge
Explanation: Either the SIMM or cartridge installed is incompatible with the printer or the MIO card is faulty (older models).
What to do: Check the SIMMs or cartridge to ensure they are intended for your machine. Faulty MIO problems are very rare.
Error Code: 71 – Faulty MIO Card or SIMMs or Wrong Cartridge
Explanation: Either the SIMM or cartridge installed is incompatible with the printer or the MIO card is faulty (older models).
What to do: Check the SIMMs or cartridge to ensure they are intended for your machine. Faulty MIO problems are very rare.
Error Code: 72 – Defective Font Cartridge or Formatter Board
Explanation: Either the font cartridge is defective, or was removed during access, or the formatter board is defective.
What to do: Turn the printer off and on and see if this resolves the problem. Check the font cartridge is installed correctly. Replace the font cartridge, if unresolved the formatter board may need replacing.
Error Code: 79 – Critical Hardware Error has Occurred
Explanation: Your printer has a defective accessory of some kind, possibly related to memory, I/O cards or a firmware issue.
What to do: Update to the latest firmware to rule out this issue. If unresolved, remove all cards/accessories and replace one by one to identify what is at fault.
Error Code: 80 – Defective Network Card or Formatter Board
Explanation: Your printer has a defective accessory of some kind, possibly related to memory, I/O cards or a firmware issue.
What to do: Update to the latest firmware to rule out this issue. If unresolved, remove all cards/accessories and replace one by one to identify what is at fault. If unresolved, the formatter board may need replacing.
Error Code: 81 – Defective Network Card or Formatter Board
Explanation: Your printer has a defective accessory of some kind, possibly related to memory, I/O cards or a firmware issue.
What to do: Update to the latest firmware to rule out this issue. If unresolved, remove all cards/accessories and replace one by one to identify what is at fault. If unresolved, the formatter board may need replacing.
Error Code: 99 – Firmware Upgrade
Explanation: There has been a flash firmware failure.
What to do: You need to either update to the latest flash firmware or replace the flash firmware DIMM.
Information obtained from http://www.hpprinterrepair.co.uk/common-hp-printer-error-codes/
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