HP DeskJet 4652 Won't Power On: Brief Display Flash Then Dead (Power Module vs Mainboard Diagnosis)

Question

My HP 4652 printer will not power on. When I plug it in, the display flashes very briefly and then goes completely dead. I read online that this points to a faulty power module, so I installed a replacement power module from your company-but the exact same brief flash happens and then nothing. I saw many reviews about how helpful you are and I'm hoping you might have a trick I can try, or advise what action to take next. Do I need to return the module for a replacement?

Answer

Based on your symptom-a very brief flash on the display when plugged in, followed by total shutdown-you're correct that it often suggests a power-related problem. However, the key detail in your case is that the behavior did not change after replacing the power module. When a new, known-good power module produces the exact same "flash-then-dead" symptom, the most likely failure point moves downstream inside the printer-most commonly the mainboard (logic board).

Why a mainboard failure can look like a bad power module

Here's what typically happens electrically inside printers like the HP DeskJet 4652:

1. The external power adapter/power module provides a DC output to the printer.

2. That power goes to the mainboard, where it is converted and regulated into multiple internal power rails-commonly 5V, 3.3V, and other sub-volt or specialty rails depending on the design.

3. Those rails feed the processor, memory, display, sensors, and motor drivers.

If the mainboard has a short or a failed component, it can briefly allow power to "come up" (causing the display to flicker) and then immediately pull the voltage down or trigger protection-resulting in the exact symptom you described:
brief flicker → power rail collapse → shutdown.

The most common mainboard-level causes

When a printer flashes briefly and then dies-especially after the power module has already been replaced-these are the most frequent culprits on the mainboard:

• Shorted voltage regulator (one of the internal regulators fails and becomes a heavy load)

• Failed MOSFET or power management IC (a switching component shorts or can't regulate properly)

• Shorted capacitor on a power rail (a bad capacitor can pull the rail down instantly)

• Shorted USB protection diode / ESD array (this is surprisingly common; a surge through USB can short the line and collapse the board's power)

• Short in motor driver circuitry or other downstream load that the mainboard is trying to energize

• Processor or main controller failure (less common, but it happens)

Any one of these can cause a momentary "wake" and then immediate death-because the board detects an abnormal draw or simply can't hold the rail voltage.

What your results strongly indicate

Since:

• The replacement power module produces the same symptom

• There is no sustained display, no motor movement, no carriage motion, and no "stay-on" condition

• The unit dies instantly and consistently

...it strongly points to a mainboard failure, not the power module. It's very uncommon for two different power modules to produce the exact same failure behavior unless the true problem is inside the printer (downstream of the power input).

A few safe checks you can do without disassembling the printer

Without taking the unit apart, there are only a few basic, safe checks worth doing-mainly to rule out an external issue:

1. Different outlet / surge protector bypass
   Plug directly into a known-good wall outlet (skip power strips temporarily). A weak strip can sometimes "dip" voltage under load, but this usually causes more random behavior than a consistent flash.

2. Try powering with USB disconnected
   If you currently have a USB cable connected to a computer, disconnect it and try again. A shorted USB line or damaged USB port can sometimes contribute to instant shutdown behavior.

3. Hard reset attempt
   Unplug power, wait 2-5 minutes, hold the power button for ~15 seconds (while unplugged), then plug back in and try again. This won't fix hardware damage, but it can clear a stuck power state in rare cases.

If none of those change anything (and in most true "flash-then-dead" cases they won't), that reinforces the mainboard diagnosis.

About returning the power module

From what you described, a replacement power module is unlikely to change the outcome, because the symptom is consistent with a downstream short or power management failure on the mainboard. In many cases, the correct next step is mainboard replacement (or repair at component level), not another adapter/module.

If you're considering a return, it's best to treat it as a parts decision: the module may not be defective-your printer may simply not be able to stay on because the mainboard is collapsing the power rails immediately.

Error codes mentioned: You did not report any specific HP error code on-screen (the display only flashes briefly). With this symptom, the printer usually shuts down before it can generate a visible error code.

Addressing printer issues can be complicated because these problems are hands-on by nature and often require physical testing to confirm what's failing. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, step-by-step repair guidance, or remote support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we work on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can accept a printer for drop-off. Our services are set up to repair either an entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. That said, we understand our rates may not be the most economical, so we strongly recommend self-help through online research. You can start with YouTube or visit our channel homepage: BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). To locate relevant videos quickly, use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive many questions daily asking for specific videos, and after creating videos over the past nine years, it's difficult to remember every single topic offhand-so YouTube's search tool is the most efficient approach. Plus, YouTube may recommend helpful videos from other channels that can assist as well.

Thanks again for reaching out and for your support. I truly hope this explanation helps you avoid wasting time and money on repeat power modules, and points you toward the most likely root cause so you can decide the best next step for your HP 4652.