LaserJet IIIP won't start when switch is turned on 3

[daddye]

I have an HP LaserJet IIIP which is about 12 years old now, but has low mileage (about 3,000 to 4,000 pages printed) and is in great shape. Lately, whenever I turn it on it does not come on immediately. After about 30 - 45 minutes it will finally start up and works great after that.

Does anyone have any ideas as to why it would delay coming on after the switch is turned on?

 

[edfair]

Fuser having problems coming up to heat?

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[Walter349]

I would agree that the fuser unit would seem to be the fault. Inside the teflon roller is a halogen unit that provides the heat. If this is failing to come up to the operating temp, then it is time for a replacement fuser.

 

[edfair]

The bulb can be replaced.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[daddye]

So how hard is it to replace this fuser/bulb? Also, do you have any idea how hard of a job it would be?

 

[daddye]

Sorry, instead of repeating myself, I meant to say do you have any idea how expensive it is to replace this?

 

[edfair]

Before you start, make sure that the bulb isn't heating. Crank it up in a dark room and you should be able to see a glow on the cover between the paper feed (end supply) and the eject rolls of the reversing stacker, about level with the cover latch. Should see a glow from both ends of the fuser.

Bulb replacement requires 5 screws of the fuser, then removal by spreading the sides of the cover that are latching it in place. Then 2 screws on one end and 1 screw on the other end. (this from memory of the last one a year ago).
Last bulb cost $14.00 but I've paid up to $30.00.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[daddye]

Ed,
Thanks for the valuable info. I will check to see if the bulb is working first. $30 would be a small price to pay to keep from having to buy a new printer. Replacement doesn't sound too difficult either. Thanks again!

 

[daddye]

Bulb replacement did nothing to solve the problem. Now when I turn it on it does not come on at all (this was happening BEFORE I replaced the bulb), not even after 30-45 minutes.

Could it possibly be the power supply?

 

[edfair]

Can be power supply. Can be processor board.
I've never had to troubleshoot a totally dead one, so I can't give any personal advice.
You can get some access to the guts by pulling the covers.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[Auger282]

#1 try a different outlet you're plugging the printer into

#2 get a different power cable

#3 if its new then you can get it serviced for free.. get it fixed

 

[daddye]

I've tried a different outlet, and will try a different power cable. It's not new, so free service is out.

I am hesitant to keep pouring money into it based on what I THINK might be the problem (yes, it is totally dead now). I might just have to bite the bullet and take it in somewhere to get it fixed (although that would take all of the fun out of it).

But maybe I'll check the prices of power supplies first! ;-)

Does anyone know where the power supply is located in this printer? I assume somewhere in the bottom towards the back.

Thanks!

 

[edfair]

Assuming control panel on front. Switch is back right. PS is back left, on the bottom.
You pull the top, 2 screws under the CP, and drop the I/O interface cover (2 screws) then the interface (2 screws at top and loosen 2 at bottom and rotate out after the memory board (if you have one) is removed. Allows the top to rotate off to the side (or pull cable) then the side covers lift out.
You might also check for an indication of resistance on the power cable as you turn the power switch on. Should get a small flicker on an analog VOM as an inrush. A bad power switch will keep the machine dead and I've run across 2 or 3 bad ones with IIs, which use the same switch.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[daddye]

Sounds like I will have to go in and take a look before I order anything. Thanks for the step-by-step (I need it!). I don't have a meter to check the switch but maybe can borrow one. I hadn't thought about the switch.

 

[daddye]

Got the replacement power supply today and just finished installing it and the printer now works! Thanks to all who helped me troubleshoot this thing (especially you Ed!). I really appreciate all of the help!

BTW, I thought the page count was around 3-4,000 pages but really has over 12,000! I guess I lost count over the last 12 years.

Thanks again!