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.