HP Printer Error Code 58 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 58 is a temperature sensor error on HP LaserJet printers. The printer detected that the fuser assembly is too hot or has a faulty temperature sensor. This is a safety mechanism — the printer shuts down to prevent overheating damage.

Affected Models

HP LaserJet 4000 Series
HP LaserJet 4050 Series
HP LaserJet 8000 Series
HP LaserJet 8100 Series
HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 Series

Common Causes

The fuser's thermistor (temperature sensor) has failed or is reading incorrect temperatures
The fuser assembly is genuinely overheating due to heavy print loads
The printer is installed in a room that is too hot or poorly ventilated
The power supply is delivering incorrect voltage to the fuser
The DC controller board has failed and is misreading sensor data

How to Fix It

Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall. Let it cool down for at least 20 minutes.

Do not skip this step — the fuser operates at very high temperatures and is a burn hazard when hot.
Check the location of the printer. Make sure it has at least 6 inches of clear space on all sides for airflow.

Printers placed in enclosed cabinets or tight corners overheat far more often.
Plug the printer back in and power it on. Watch to see if the error returns immediately or only after printing.

If the error is gone after cooling, the issue may be ventilation or duty cycle (printing too many pages at once).
Open the printer and inspect the fuser assembly. Look for any visible damage, scorch marks, or melted plastic.

Wear heat-resistant gloves when handling the fuser even after it has cooled — residual heat can linger.
If the fuser looks intact, try resetting the printer to factory defaults and check for a firmware update on HP's support site.

In rare cases, a firmware bug can cause false temperature readings that trigger the 58 error.

When to Call a Professional

If the error returns after cooling down and power cycling, the fuser or DC controller board likely needs replacement. Fuser replacements typically cost $50 to $150 depending on the model. A technician can diagnose whether it is the thermistor, fuser, or controller board.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the fuser do in a laser printer?

The fuser is the part that melts the toner powder onto the paper using heat and pressure. It runs at extremely high temperatures — often over 200°C. Because of this, HP printers constantly monitor fuser temperature to prevent fires or damage.

Can a 58 error damage my printer permanently?

If caught early by the safety system, usually no. The printer shuts itself down before real damage occurs. However, if a failing fuser is used repeatedly and the error is bypassed, it can damage the printer permanently.

How do I know if it is the fuser or the sensor that is bad?

This is difficult to determine without a multimeter and technical knowledge. If the printer is cool but still shows error 58 on startup, a faulty sensor is more likely. If the error only appears after printing many pages, the fuser is more likely genuinely overheating.