HP LaserJet M17w Pro

Tools for troubleshooting: Engine diagnostics

The printer contains extensive internal engine diagnostics that help in troubleshooting print quality, paper path, noise, assembly, and timing issues.

Engine test

To verify that the printer engine is functioning, print an engine test page. The test page should have a grid pattern on the printed page.
• With the printer on and in the Ready state, open and then close the cartridge door four times within 5 seconds. The printer prints one simplex engine test page.

Half self-test functional check

The half self-test check determines which printing process is malfunctioning.

1. Send a print job to the printer.
   NOTE: MFP M28-M31 only: Use the image scanner to make a copy.
2. Open the toner-cartridge door after the paper advances halfway through the printer (about 5 seconds after the motor begins rotating). The leading edge of the paper should have advanced past the toner cartridge.
3. Remove the toner cartridge.
4. Look at the photosensitive drum. If a dark and distinct toner image is present on the drum surface, assume that the first two functions of the electrophotographic process are functioning (image formation and development). Troubleshoot the failure as a transfer or fusing problem.
5. If there is no image on the photosensitive drum, do the following:
   a. Make sure that the entire length of the sealing tape was removed before reinstalling the cartridge.
   b. perform a drum rotation functional check to make sure that the drum is rotating.
6. Make sure that the high-voltage contacts are clean and not damage.

Drum rotation functional check

The photosensitive drum, located in the toner cartridge, must rotate for the print process to work. The main motor drives the photosensitive drum.

NOTE: This test is especially important if refilled toner cartridges are used.

1. Open the toner-cartridge door, and then remove the toner cartridge.
2. Mark the drive gear on the toner cartridge with a felt-tipped marker. Note the position of the mark.
3. Replace the toner cartridge and close the toner-cartridge door. The startup sequence should rotate the drum enough to move the mark.
4. Open the toner-cartridge door and inspect the gear that was marked in step 2. Verify that the mark moved.

If the mark did not move, inspect the drive gear in the printer to make sure it is meshing with the toner cartridge gear. If the gear appears functional and the drum does not move, replace the toner cartridge.