Grinding Noise, Paper Jams, Cracked Fuser Latch

The blue grasping latch(es) at the back of the printer, used to insert the fuser into position and lock it in place, are cracked possibly causing a grinding noise and paper jams. Other syptoms may include 13.20 paper jams, or less commonly a 13.5 or 13.6 paper jam.

A product countermeasure was implemented in October of 2003, consisting of a triangular tab in the middle of each latch to help reinforce the plastic and eliminate the cracking in the stress area most susceptible to breaking. The part numbers have rolled on these parts and all replacement parts today have the countermeasure in place.

Field action is to do a direct fuser replacement on failure only.

Figure 1: Example of broken fuser latch

1 - Location of crack in latch

Figure 2: Old and new example

1 - Example of old latch

2 - Location of countermeasure latch fin

3 - Example of new latch

Part numbers have rolled for this countermeasure and are as follows:

New part number

HP LaserJet 4200 110V Maint.Kit
Q2429-67903

Fusing ASSY, 110V (HP LaserJet 4200)
RM1-0013-040CN

Maintenance Kit-110V (HP LaserJet 4300)
Q2436-67904

110V Fuser Assembly, HP LaserJet 4300
RM1-0101-070CN

© 2005 Hewlett-Packard