Light Print on Transparencies or 41.5 Unexpected Paper Type Error On Printer Control Panel

When printing on overhead transparencies (OHT) printouts are very light. The HP Color LaserJet 8500 or 8550 series printer may also display a 41.5 Unexpected Paper Type error on the printer control panel.

There are several factors that can affect how the final output looks when printing on transparencies. Check and verify the following:

The green fuser lever shown in Figure 1, Callout 1 has been left the UP position. The only time that this lever should be in the UP position is to remove a paper jam or when the printer is being moved. For printing it must be in the DOWN position as shown in Figure 1. Printers that have had a Product Enhancement Package (PEP) kit previously installed have a "fuser bumper" attached to the left door that will not allow the door to be closed if the green fuser lever is in the UP position.
NOTE: The PEP kit program has been discontinued as of Sept 30, 2003.

Figure 1: Fuser with Fuser access door open 1-Green fuser lever in the down position for printing

The green "L" shaped registration flap is out of position. This can also cause a 41.5 Unexpected Paper Type error. See Figure 2, call-outs 1 and 2.

Figure 2: The registration flap

Transparency specifications

The type of transparencies being used can have an effect on print quality. Many print quality defects are the result of out-of-specification transparencies. Refer to the HP LaserJet Printer Family Print Media Guide for more information.

CAUTION:Out-of-specification transparencies can damage the printer.

The only transparencies supported in the HP Color LaserJet 8500 and 8550 series printers are:

HP part number C2934A-letter size for the HP Color LaserJet 4500 and 8500 series printer families

HP part number C2936A-A4 size for the HP Color LaserJet 4500 and 8500 series printer families

3M transparencies CG3700-letter size

Printer control panel and software/driver settings

Settings made from the printer control panel. The printer needs to be properly configured to print transparencies. See the following:

NOTE: It is recommended that transparencies be printed from the MP tray. It has a straighter paper path; this translates to less media curl and reduced chance of jamming. They should also be sent to the top output bin to prevent them from bonding together. Also, whenever printing from Tray 1, the printer will sometimes display the WARMING UP message on the control panel between print jobs. This is normal; the printer is adjusting to the media type.

Push the MENU key until Paper Handling Menu shows on the control panel.

Push the ITEM key until Tray 1 Type= shows on the control panel. It needs to be set to Cassette to show paper type options for Tray 1.

After setting Tray 1 Type=Cassette (HP Color LaserJet 8500 series printer) or Tray 1 Type=Auto (HP Color LaserJet 8550 series printer) push the ITEM key once more to show Paper Type=. Press the VALUE key until Transparency shows on the control panel. Use the SELECT key to put an asterisk next to the selection.

Adjust the tray guides and load the transparencies into the tray long edge first.

Configure the printer driver

From the PC desktop, select Start, Settings and Printers.

Right-click the HP Color LaserJet 8500 or HP Color LaserJet 8550 driver, either PCL or Postscript (R).

Click Document Defaults.

Click the Color tab and change the selection from Colorsmart to Manual. See Figure 3, call-out 2.

Figure 3: Color tab of the driver

The Color Mode values need to be changed to OHT. By changing all three of these values the printer will now use color tables calibrated for transparencies. See Figure 3, call-out 1.

Select the Paper tab of the driver then Transparency as media type. See Figure 4, call-out 1.

Figure 4: Paper tab of the driver

Test the printer

After verifying the green fuser lever is in the down position, the printer and driver are set up correctly and supported transparencies are being used, reprint the job. For testing purposes several different jobs with varying types of colors and graphics should be printed.

NOTE: It may be necessary to make adjustments within an application to get certain colors or graphics to print correctly on transparencies.

If none of these troubleshooting steps resolve the issue then call HP support or a local service provider for further assistance.

© 2005 Hewlett-Packard