Determining the printer version Two versions of the HP Color LaserJet 4500 series printers are available. To accurately perform removal and replacement procedures or determine the correct part for reordering, you will need to know the version of the printer that is being serviced. To identify the printer, check the serial number located at the rear of the printer. All printers will have US or JP in the first two positions of the serial number (e.g., US BB123456). Newer versions of the HP Color LaserJet 4500 printers will have an “H” or higher letter in the third position (e.g., US H B123456).
If the letter in the third position in the serial number is B, C, D, or F, then you have an older version. The HP Color Laserjet 4550 printer is equivalent to the newer version of the HP Color LaserJet 4500 printer, unless otherwise specified. Required tools The following tools are needed to service the printer: Phillips #2 magnetized screwdriver (152-mm [6-inch] shaft) Small flat-blade screwdriver Small needle-nose pliers ESD strap Penlight (optional) All components in the HP Color LaserJet 4500 printer and the HP Color LaserJet 4550 printer use Phillips-head screws that require a #2 Phillips screwdriver. Ensure that you have a Phillips screwdriver and not a Posidriv screwdriver.
Figure 6-1 (below) shows the difference between a Phillips and a Posidriv screwdriver. Note that the Phillips tip has more beveled surfaces. Posidriv Phillips Figure 6-1 Phillips and Posidriv screwdriver comparison 140 Removal and replacement C7085-90921