-= Project: Fix HP LaserJet M1522nf Printer (Found On Sidewalk LoL) =-

[coolnezz]

---

So one morning last week as I was walking towards my car about six houses away, I saw this thing on the sidewalk next to my car. As I got closer I realized it was a multi-function printer. What quickly came to my mind was that apparently the neighbor discarded it because it stopped working. I briefly hesitated whether I should take it or not. I eventually loaded it into my car thinking, 'What the heck, I could probably fix this. I got nothing to lose and perhaps a cool printer to gain'. So it has been sitting in my car for about a week and decided last night to bring it inside and try to fix it since I have some time to spare.

This is what the printer looks like:




So the previous owner did not include the power cord and usb cable... lol. Good thing I have some spare power and usb cables. Plugged them in and turned the printer on. I can hear the printer making noises, which is normal while it's trying to initialize its rollers. But to my dismay but somewhat expected, there is no display on the function/menu screen.



Here is a video of it making noises but no display:





So I then fired up Professor Google and discovered that this printer is notorious for its defective/failing formatter board. I knew exactly what to do next. Pulled out my trusty heat gun (w/c by the way more than paid for itself and then some)!


Formatter board:





I started to reflow the board for about 10 minutes on the front side. let it cool off for about 10 minutes, then turned it over and reflowed the back side. Set aside and waited about an hour.





Reinstalled the board after it cooled off. Connected the 4 ribbon cables and 4 regular cables.
Fired the the printer and..... BAM!! The display turned on and started to initialize!
The computer was able to detect the printer and started to download the driver. Also able to connect it to the router and serve it with IP address via DHCP.





Video of it switched on and initializing:

[coolnezz]

Windows automatically detected it and download drivers:











Also proceeded to update its firmware since I'm already on a roll... lol!






Connected to the network with its own IP address



It works!





And as a bonus, it still has 50% left on the printer cartridge! Would come in very handy for next semester's homework and research papers! I don't have to use and spend money at the university library printers! lol.






Woohoo! Christmas in July for me!
Brand new this printer/scanner/copier/fax would cost around $400-$500 + new laser cartridge.
And a new Formatter Board would cost $250 from HP.
I've been wanting a multi-function printer for awhile now but kept putting off buying one.
Now I have one for free! It's quiet and fast, love it!

[simoko]

^^^ one man's junk...another man's treasure....

[strife18]

idola jud oi (y)

[Vino Kid]

nice find..

pero way molabay ana dri sa pinas... pero common sa abroad ijunk. pag di na mofunction ipang junk tua basorahan, bisan gamayng defect...

[archt_vin]

paytera nimo bos oi. You truly are a pinoy. hehehe