My HP LaserJet 4L printer just makes a grinding sound-won't print

Empty cartridge maybe?
Otherwise it's simple: selt-test page(by printer button) printed ok - it's outer problem. Self-page is blank - it's inner problem. And so on... use Golden Section method

That is a very common problem with the Laserjet 4L and 4P printers. The sound you hear is caused by a broken motor drive gear. This is a small plastic gear on the drive motor shaft. They can develop a small crack which prevents the motor from turning the gears for paper pickup and toner movement. When the motor tries to turn the broken gear can not turn the other gears and makes the popping or grinding sound when the gear teeth slip. You will need to replace the motor gear, it is available here:

http://www.ccl-la.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24_41_49&products_id=61

I hope this helps,
BuddyMc

Remove the tonner and reinstall it, check the papers parth with a torch as the tiny bit of paper will cause a jam. Check for obstructions.

damnor01

The grinding noise is caused by a cracked motor gear. This is a very common issue on the Laserjet 4L and 4P units. It is a fairly easy repair but you will need to disassemble the printer to get to the drive motor. The gear is available here:

http://www.ccl-la.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24_41_49&products_id=61

This is mostly caused by a defective or worn fuserunit. Replacing it is to expensive for this type of machine.

Common issue with these older 4L printers. The problem is a small plastic gear on the main drive motor has cracked. This is what causes the noise and since the machine is not "running" there is no paper feed and thus the paper jam light. Basically there is no drive to any of the printers components. May be hard to find a replacement motor these days but that is what you would need to fix the printer.
wheatlandsvcs

yes, using ONLY your finfers

You need the pick up rollers replaced. Call your service centre to replace pick rollers as these are feeding the pages crocked

Check the paper size setting in the software and print driver. Sounds like a non-standard paper size setting.

You have a broken gear main motor. I had the same problem, bought $5 part and after the replacement of the gear,it runs like new