HP error codes, explained
LaserJet and LaserJet Enterprise printers and MFPs. Codes below: Numeric service errors (13.xx, 49, 50.x, 79…). Each guide covers what the code means, what you can safely try yourself, when to stop and call a technician, and what the repair typically costs.
HP 49 Service Error — Firmware communication crash
The printer's firmware hit a critical error, almost always triggered by a specific print job (corrupt PDF, bad driver data) or a network communication problem — not usually broken hardware.
HP 50.x Fuser Error (50.1–50.4) — Fuser fault family
The fuser failed a temperature check: 50.1 low temperature, 50.2 warm-up failure, 50.3 high temperature, 50.4 line-voltage problem. The printer locks out until the condition clears.
HP 51.x — Laser/beam detect error
The laser scanner failed its beam check. Occasionally transient; if recurring, the laser scanner assembly is failing.
HP 52.x — Scanner motor error
The laser scanner's polygon motor didn't reach or hold speed — mechanical wear or a failing motor.
HP 55.x — DC controller communication error
The engine control board and formatter stopped talking to each other — board, cable, or power-supply issue.
HP 59.x — Main motor error
The main drive motor failed to start or stay at speed — often a gear-train obstruction (jammed paper fragment, seized toner cartridge drive) rather than the motor itself.
HP 79 Service Error — Firmware/formatter crash
Like the 49 error, a critical firmware exception — commonly caused by a corrupt job from the print queue or a failing formatter board/network card.
HP 13.xx — Paper jam family
A sheet stopped somewhere it shouldn't, or a sensor thinks one did. The subcode indicates where (pickup, fuser area, duplexer, output). Phantom jams after clearing usually mean a torn fragment or a stuck sensor flag.
HP 10.x — Supply memory error
The printer can't read the memory chip on a toner cartridge — a poorly seated cartridge, a dirty chip contact, or (frequently) a compatible/refilled cartridge with a bad chip.
HP 41.3 — Unexpected paper size
The paper the printer picked doesn't match the size the job or tray expects — usually a tray guide or tray-size setting mismatch, or sheets sticking together.
HP 21 — Page too complex
The page contains more data than the printer can process at speed — dense graphics, huge images, or too little printer memory.
HP 54.x — Sensor error family (incl. the sealing-tape classic)
A sensor family with one famous member: 54.1 means the sealing tape was never pulled off a new toner cartridge. 54.4 is a line-voltage problem (get it off the UPS/strip). Color-model subcodes cover internal density/registration sensors — those are service items. Check the subcode before assuming hardware.
HP 57.x — Cooling fan failure
A specific fan failed or stalled — but WHICH fan the subcode means varies by model (on a 4200 57.7 is the duplex fan; on a 9050 it's the rear delivery fan), so never order parts from the subcode alone. Obstructions and loose connectors cause a share; worn motors the rest.
HP 58.x — Environmental sensor / power subsystem error
Commonly the ambient (environmental) thermistor — NOT the fuser sensor, despite what forums assume (fuser errors are 50.x). Some subcodes on big machines are CPU/power-supply faults. Power cycle, then service.
HP 60.x — Tray lift error
Tray X couldn't lift its paper stack to the feed position — the number is the tray (60.2 = tray 2). The signature is a thumping or clicking from the tray. Obstructions and overfilled trays cause many; worn lift gears the rest.
HP 62.x — Memory error
A memory fault: 62.1–62.4 point at DIMM slots 1–4 (reseat or replace that module); 62.0 is internal memory, which usually means the formatter board.
HP 66.xx.yy — Finisher/accessory failure
The fault is in an attached accessory (feeder, stacker, stapler, finisher), not the printer engine. Re-docking, reseating cables, and clearing finisher jams solve most.
HP 69.x — Duplexer error
A duplex (two-sided printing) mechanism fault — classed by HP as a 'temporary' error, so one occurrence means nothing. Recurrence points at the duplexer, which on most models is a slide-out unit you can reseat yourself.
HP 81/82/8X.YYYY — Network card (JetDirect) error
A critical fault in the EIO network card (81 = slot 1, 82 = slot 2) or the embedded JetDirect. Power cycle, reseat/move the card, update firmware; if it's the embedded variant, the fault is on the formatter itself.
HP 30.03.xx — MFP scanner failure
The flatbed scanner failed — on Enterprise MFPs commonly the internal lamp or scanner control board, and on several models (M525/M575 famously) a firmware update is the documented first fix. Printing usually still works while the scanner is down.
HP 33.02.01 — 'Used board/disk installed' (not a defect!)
The most misdiagnosed message on FutureSmart printers: an encrypted disk/board from ANOTHER printer was installed — expected behavior after any board or disk replacement, not a fault. Select OK to erase and re-pair it (several reboots, ~10 minutes) and it never returns.