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Writer's pictureWilliam DeMuth

HP LaserJet M601 M602 M603 M604 M605 M606 Printer Repetitive Defects Ruler

Updated: Apr 18, 2019

Repetitive Image Defects Ruler for the HP LaserJet M601 M602 M603 M604 M605 M606 Printer

HP LaserJet M601 M602 M603 Printer Repetitive Defects Ruler
HP LaserJet M601 M602 M603 Printer Repetitive Defects Ruler

Metrofuser's repetitive defects rulers can help pinpoint the cause of repeating printer image defects. You simply measure the distance  between defects and look up the corresponding component.


Repetitive defects are almost always  caused by the toner cartridge or fusing assembly, and occasionally the  transfer roller. If you have an extra toner cartridge or fusing  assembly, swap them to see if the problem goes away. Otherwise you can  do a half-way test.


Troubleshooting Laser Printer Parts and Techniques With The Halfway Test Or Stop Test
Troubleshooting Laser Printer Parts and Techniques With The Halfway Test Or Stop Test

A half-way test is a method of determining where the print defect is occurring in the printer. Normally the paper travels through the printer by passing under the toner cartridge and then into the fusing assembly. The idea is to interrupt printing  before the paper gets in the fuser and it will tell you where the problem part is located.


While printing a page and open the toner access door when you think the paper is underneath the toner cartridge. This will stop printing and you can pull the toner cartridge out and look at the partially printed paper. It may take a few attempts to time when the paper stops under the toner but not completely into the fuser.


If the repetitive print defect is on the page before the paper reaches the fuser, then the fuser is not the problem. It’s probably your toner cartridge or maybe the transfer roller.

Another simple check is to remove the HP LaserJet M601 M602 M603 M604 M605 M606 Printer fuser and look at the long rollers in the fuser. If you see toner baked on the rollers or any other gunk then you need to replace the fuser. 


Newer HP laserjet printers with the instant on technology like the HP LaserJet M601 M602 M603 M604 M605 M606 fusers have polymer films, also called sleeves which can rip. This usually causes a smear of toner all the way down the page where the sleeve is ripped.


Special note: Bad toner cartridges are the most frequent cause of print defects. As you examine the defect ruler, please note that the following components are internal to the toner cartridge:

  • Primary Charging Roller

  • Developing cylinder or roller

  • Toner cartridge photosensitive drum

If these components are identified as the problem, you will need to replace the toner cartridge.


HP LaserJet M601 M602 M603 M604 M605 M606 Printer Components -- Distance between defects

  • Primary charging roller 37.7 mm (1.5 inches)

  • Transfer roller 47 mm (1.85 inches)

  • Developer roller 63 mm (2.5 inches)

  • Tray 1 pickup roller 63 mm (2.5 inches)

  • Tray 1 feed roller or Tray 1 separation roller 79 mm (3.1 inches)

  • Tray 2 feed roller, Tray 2 pickup roller or Tray 2 separation roller 79 mm (3.1 inches)

  • Printer Fuser sleeve unit or lower pressure roller 94 mm (3.75 inches)

  • Photosensitive drum 94 mm (3.75 inches)

Other Helpful Resources

Metrofuser is a leading global innovator, manufacturer of printer parts, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks. Products and services include hp printer parts, printers and printer repair training. Parts include hp printer parts such as printer fusers, printer maintenance kits and other hp printer replacement parts. The company's, customers include office equipment dealerships, online retailers, repair centers and MPS service providers nationwide. Metrofuser has been named to Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing companies five consecutive years.  Visit us at http://www.metrofuser.com

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