4100n Keeps interrupting Print job

[jacpac00]

My 4100n has suddenly started interrupting print jobs. For instance, I'll be trying to print a 100 page document. It will print 30 pages fine, then print a blank page and stop printing. You can still hear the printer running, but it stops printing. The screen still says processing job, but....nothing. If I open the top cover for a few minutes, then close it, it will cycle and print a few more pages, then print another blank page and stop again. Repeat ad infinitum! I have checked all settings. Toner - fine, fuser - fine.
PLease help!!!!

[prntrfxr]

Some questions:

How much memory do you have installed?
Is it only happening with that document or is it happening with any large document you are printing?
Did it used to print this document before?
Is this a document you frequently have to print or a one time only deal?

Quick fix:
If its one time only, try printing 30 pages at a time. You can select the page numbers when you click File > Print.

[redcow]

Try doing "paperpath test" 50 pages.
If it works you may have an application gone bad.
Or JetDirect. Is that the only printer in the place?
You didn't say if you were direct connected or JetDirect.

[jacpac00]

32 MB of memory
DIMM SLot 1: 16 MB ROM
DIMM Slot 2: 32 MB SDRAM

I don't normally print documents this large, but have 5 to print each May.
I tried printing 30 at a time, worked the first time;second time - stopped after 20 pages.

The printer is on a network. The configuration page says:
EIO 2: HP JetDirect J4169A

I tried the paper path test with 50 pages - it printed 15, then a blank page and stopped, just like when I am trying to print the document.

The pages do seem unusually hot when they come out.

[redcow]

OK, now we are getting somewhere.
The problem is the printer.
Remove the JetDirect and do the paperpath test again.
When did you last replace the toner cartridge?
Maybe its gears are binding. Normally if the fuser gets too hot you will
get an error msg.
Whats the page count?
Print out the event log.

[jacpac00]

What do you mean by "remove JetDirect"? Do I have to physically remove something? On the "Jet Direct" Menu, CFG Network = NO.

The page count is 21404.

Thanks

[cs_steve]

When it stops printing on the 50-page Paper Path test what error message shows up on screen ?
-- I would try a Cold Reset, which restores all the factory settings ... (turn the printer off, make sure you unscrew and remove your JetDirect network card or else it will get reset also, reboot the printer while holding down the green "GO" button until you see the words "Cold Reset" ... then you can let it warm up to Ready, then turn the printer off, rescrew in your JetDirect)

-- Sometimes a failing JetDirect card can cause the formatter to freeze up like this; try running a paper path test with the JetDirect network card unscrewed and removed from the printer... you might have to replace the JetDirect card http://www.printertechs.com/jetdirect/jetdirect-gallery.php

-- You could have a failing formatter, if you have another 4100 machine you can unscrew the formatter assembly from that machine and put it on this, then try running a paper path test ...

-- Memory is pretty cheap ; wouldn't hurt to add some more memory to the machine and see if that helps ...

[jacpac00]

OK, pulled the JetDirect card, did the cold reset, printed the paper path test with card pulled - printed 14 pages out of 50, then printed blank page and stopped. It is not giving any error messages at all. The screen still dispplays "Processing job" or "printing paper path test".

As noted - the paper is VERY WARM when it comes out, is this normal? Shouldn't I be getting a message if it is overheating?

[redcow]

Yes, if it is overheating you will get a error msg. (50.something)
Do you have another toner cartridge you can try?
Did this printer ever work correctly?

[cs_steve]

Yep, don't worry about the heat of the paper ...

RedCow has a good suggestion with trying a different toner, in case this particular cartridge is binding ... I believe you said if you lift the toner lid up and then back down, the printing restarts? There is an actuator arm on the right hand side of the toner lid, when the lid goes up it frees the toner lock and when it goes back down it causes the printer to reset itself ...

Pretty much the next step, if a toner doesn't work, would be to try a different formatter ... the formatter is the main logic board of the printer where all the data processing takes place ... formatter is located at the right side rear of the machine (it is the board inside the metal cage, where your JetDirect card is screwed into) ...

Swapping the formatter is easy ... there is a plastic cover on the right hand side of the machine that you slide off towards the back of the printer, and then you remove the screws that hold the metal formatter cage in place, and then slide the formatter cage away from the printer... you slide the new formatter cage in place, reattach the screws, and screw the JetDirect card onto the new machine ... (we sell replacement formatters at PrinterTechs, or if you have another machine you can swap from that) ...

[jacpac00]

Tried a new cartridge, no difference. When the printing interrupts, i open the cover,close it, and I have to push the "go" button after the printer cycles. Then it will print a few more and do it again. If I don't push the button, it just sits there running, but never prints any more.
Trying to get my tech department to go for the new formattor.