HP LaserJet Pro M404dn - Resolving mono print quality problems

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn - Resolving mono print quality problems

Use the information below to troubleshoot print-quality and image-quality problems on mono (black and white) HP LaserJet Pro printers.

NOTE:

For color HP LaserJet Pro printers, see HP Color LaserJet Pro - Resolving color print quality problems.

The troubleshooting steps can help resolve the following defects:

  • Blank pages

  • Black pages

  • Curled paper

  • Dark or light bands

  • Dark or light streaks

  • Fuzzy print

  • Gray background or dark print

  • Light print

  • Loose toner

  • Missing toner

  • Scattered dots of toner

  • Skewed images

  • Smears

  • Streaks

Troubleshoot print quality

To resolve print-quality issues, try these steps in the order presented.

To troubleshoot specific image defects, refer to the Troubleshoot Image Defects section further down in this document.

Update the printer firmware

Try upgrading the printer firmware.

For instructions, go to HP LaserJet Pro - Update the printer firmware.

Print from a different software program

Try printing from a different software program. If the page prints correctly, the problem is with the software program from which you were printing.

Check the paper-type setting for the print job

Check the paper type setting if printing from a software program and the printed pages have smears, fuzzy or dark print, curled paper, scattered dots of toner, loose toner, or small areas of missing toner.

Check the paper-type setting on the printer

Check the paper-type setting on the printer control panel, and change the setting as needed.

  1. Open the tray.

  2. Verify that the tray is loaded with the correct type of paper.

  3. Close the tray.

  4. Follow the control panel instructions to confirm or modify the paper type settings for the tray.

Check the paper type setting (Windows)

Follow these steps to check the paper type setting in Windows.

NOTE:

The print driver settings will override any control panel settings.

  1. From the software program, select the Print option.

  2. Select the printer, and then click the Properties or Preferences button.

  3. Click the Paper/Quality tab.

  4. From the Paper Type drop-down list, click the More... option.

  5. Expand the list of Type is: options.

  6. Expand the category of paper types that best describes your paper.

  7. Select the option for the type of paper you are using, and click the OK button.

  8. Click the OK button to close the Document Properties dialog box.

  9. In the Print dialog box, click the OK button to print the job.

Check the paper type setting (macOS)

Follow these steps to check the paper type setting in macOS.

  1. Click the File menu, and then click the Print option.

  2. In the Printer menu, select the printer.

  3. By default, the print driver displays the Copies & Pages menu. Open the menu's drop-down list, and then click the Finishing menu.

  4. Select a type from the Media Type drop-down list.

  5. Click the Print button.

Check the toner cartridge status

Follow these steps to check the estimated life remaining in the toner cartridges, and if applicable, the status of other replaceable maintenance parts.

Step one: Print a Supplies Status Page

Follow these steps to print a Supplies Status Page from the printer control panel.

NOTE:

The steps vary according to the type of control panel.

TOUCHSCREEN WITH WHITE BACKGROUND

TOUCHSCREEN WITH BLACK BACKGROUND

2-LINE LCD WITH KEYPAD

Click the section below for your control-panel type and then follow the steps provided.

Touchscreen control panel with white background

Follow these steps if your printer has a touchscreen control panel with a white background.

TOUCHSCREEN WITH WHITE BACKGROUND

  1. From the Home screen on the printer control panel, swipe the tab at the top of the screen downward to open the Dashboard, and then touch the Setup icon  .

  2. Scroll to and touch Reports.

  3. Scroll to and touch Supplies Status Page to print the report.

Touchscreen control panel with black background

Follow these steps if your printer has a touchscreen control panel with a black background.

TOUCHSCREEN WITH BLACK BACKGROUND

  1. From the Home screen on the printer control panel, swipe until the Supplies menu displays.

  2. Touch the Supplies icon  to open the menu.

  3. Touch the Report button to print the Supplies Status Page.

2-line LCD control panel

Follow these steps for printers that have a 2-line LCD control panel with physical buttons to press.

2-LINE LCD WITH KEYPAD

  1. On the printer control panel, press the OK button to display the Home screen.

  2. Depending on the options displayed on the control panel, navigate to the Reports menu using the one of the two following steps.

    • Printers with setup menu::

      1. Use the arrow buttons and the OK button to navigate to and open the Setup menu.

      2. Navigate to the Reports menu, and then press the OK button.

    • Other 2-line LCD models: Use the arrow buttons and the OK button to navigate to and open the Reports menu.

  3. On the Reports menu, select Supplies Status, or Supplies Status Page, and then press the OK button to print the report.

Step two: Check supplies status

The Supplies Status Page contains information about the cartridges and other replaceable maintenance parts.

  1. Look at the Supplies Status Page to check the percent of life remaining for the toner cartridge(s), and, if applicable, the status of other replaceable maintenance parts.

    • The supplies status page indicates when a supply level is very low. Print quality problems can occur when using a toner cartridge that is at its estimated end of life.

    • The toner cartridge does not need to be replaced now unless the print quality is no longer acceptable. Consider having a replacement available to install when print quality is no longer acceptable.

    • The Supplies Status Page, and the EWS, shows a message when HP's Premium Protection Warranty on this supply has ended.

    • If you determine that you need to replace a toner cartridge, or another replaceable maintenance part, the genuine HP part numbers are listed on the Supplies Status Page.

  2. Check to see if you are using a genuine HP cartridge.

    A genuine HP toner cartridge has the word "HP" on it, or it has the HP logo.

    For more information on identifying HP cartridges, go to www.hp.com/go/learnaboutsupplies.

Print a cleaning page

During the printing process, paper, toner, and dust particles can accumulate inside the printer and can cause print-quality issues, such as toner specks or spatter, smears, streaks, lines, or repeating marks.

Printing a cleaning page from the printer control panel might help resolve the print-quality issues.

NOTE:

The steps vary according to the type of control panel.

TOUCHSCREEN WITH WHITE BACKGROUND

TOUCHSCREEN WITH BLACK BACKGROUND

2-LINE LCD WITH KEYPAD

Click the section below for your control-panel type and then follow the steps provided.

Touchscreen control panel with white background

Follow these steps if your printer has a touchscreen control panel with a white background.

TOUCHSCREEN WITH WHITE BACKGROUND

  1. From the Home screen on the printer control panel, swipe the tab at the top of the screen downward to open the Dashboard, and then touch the Setup icon .

  2. Touch the Printer Maintenance menu, and then touch the Print Quality Tools menu.

  3. Touch Cleaning Page.

  4. When prompted, load plain letter or A4 paper in the paper tray, and then touch OK.

    A Cleaning message displays on the printer control panel. Wait until the process is complete. Discard the page that prints.

Touchscreen control panel with black background

Follow these steps if your printer has a touchscreen control panel with a black background.

TOUCHSCREEN WITH BLACK BACKGROUND

  1. From the Home screen on the printer control panel, touch the Setup icon  (or ).

  2. Scroll to and touch the Service menu, and then touch the Cleaning Page button.

  3. When prompted, load plain letter or A4 paper in the paper tray, and then touch OK.

    A Cleaning message displays on the printer control panel. Wait until the process is complete. Discard the page that prints.

2-line LCD control panel

Follow these steps for printers that have a 2-line LCD control panel with physical buttons to press.

2-LINE LCD WITH KEYPAD

  1. On the printer control panel, press the OK button to display the Home screen.

  2. Depending on the options displayed on the control panel, navigate to and open the Cleaning Page option using the following steps:

    • Printers with Setup menu:

      1. Use the arrow buttons and the OK button to navigate to and open the following menus:

        1. Setup

        2. Printer Maintenance

        3. Print Quality Tools

      2. Select the Cleaning Page option, and then press the OK button to print the page.

    • Other 2-line LCD models:

      1. Use the arrow buttons and the OK button to navigate to and open the Service menu.

      2. Navigate to and select Cleaning Page, and then press the OK button to print the page.

Visually inspect the toner cartridge(s)

Follow these steps to inspect each toner cartridge.

  1. Remove the toner cartridge from the printer, and verify that the sealing tape has been removed.

  2. Check the memory chip for damage.

  3. Examine the surface of the green imaging drum.

    CAUTION:

    Do not touch the imaging drum. Fingerprints on the imaging drum can cause print-quality problems.

  4. If you see any scratches, fingerprints, or other damage on the imaging drum, replace the toner cartridge.

  5. Reinstall the toner cartridge. Repeat these steps for additional toner cartridges (if applicable).

  6. Print a few pages to see if the problem has resolved.

Check the paper and the printing environment

Follow these steps to make sure that you are using paper that meets HP's specifications, and that the printer is in a proper printing environment.

Step one: Use paper that meets HP specifications

Some print-quality problems arise from using paper that does not meet HP specifications.

  • Always use a paper type and weight that this printer supports.

  • Use paper that is of good quality and free of cuts, nicks, tears, spots, loose particles, dust, wrinkles, voids, staples, and curled or bent edges.

  • Use paper that has not been previously printed on.

  • Use paper that does not contain metallic material, such as glitter.

  • Use paper that is designed for use in laser printers. Do not use paper that is designed for use in Inkjet printers only.

  • Use paper that is not too rough. Using smoother paper generally results in better print quality.

Step two: Check the environment

The environment can directly affect print quality and is a common cause for print-quality or paper-feeding issues.

Try the following solutions:

  • Move the printer away from drafty locations, such as open windows or doors, or air-conditioning vents.

  • Make sure the printer is not exposed to temperatures or humidity outside of printer specifications.

  • Do not place the printer in a confined space, such as a cabinet.

  • Place the printer on a sturdy, level surface.

  • Remove anything that is blocking the vents on the printer. The printer requires good air flow on all sides, including the top.

  • Protect the printer from airborne debris, dust, steam, grease, or other elements that can leave residue inside the printer.

Set the individual tray alignment

If text or images are not centered or aligned correctly on the printed page when printing from a specific tray, you might need to adjust the tray alignment.

NOTE:

The steps vary according to the type of control panel.

TOUCHSCREEN WITH WHITE BACKGROUND

TOUCHSCREEN WITH BLACK BACKGROUND

2-LINE LCD WITH KEYPAD

Click the section below for your control-panel type and then follow the steps provided.

Touchscreen control panel with white background

Follow these steps if your printer has a touchscreen control panel with a white background.

  1. From the Home screen on the printer control panel, swipe the tab at the top of the screen downward to open the Dashboard, and then touch the Setup icon .

  2. Scroll to and open the Tray Management menu, and then the Image Adjust menu.

  3. Select the tray to adjust, and then touch Print Test Page to print the report.

  4. Follow the instructions on the printed pages.

  5. Touch Print Test Page again to verify the results, and then make further adjustments if necessary.

Touchscreen control panel with black background

Follow these steps if your printer has a touchscreen control panel with a black background.

  1. From the Home screen on the printer control panel, touch the Setup icon  (or ).

  2. Open the following menus:

    1. System Setup

    2. Print Quality

    3. Adjust Alignment

  3. Touch Print Test Page to print the report.

  4. Select the tray to adjust, and then follow the instructions on the printed pages.

  5. Touch Print Test Page again to verify the results, and then make further adjustments if necessary.

  6. Touch OK to save the new settings.

2-line LCD control panel

Follow these steps for printers that have a 2-line LCD control panel with physical buttons to press.

2-LINE LCD WITH KEYPAD

Depending on the options displayed on the control panel, perform one of the following tasks:

Printers with Setup menus

Follow these steps to restore the factory-set defaults on LaserJet Pro printer models.

  1. On the printer control panel, press the OK button to display the Home screen.

  2. Use the arrow buttons and the OK button to navigate to and open the following menus:

    1. Setup

    2. Tray Management

    3. Image Adjust

  3. Select the tray to adjust, and then select Print Test Page to print the report.

  4. Follow the instructions on the printed pages.

  5. Select Print Test Page again to verify the results, and then make further adjustments if necessary.

All other 2-line LCD control panels

Follow these steps to adjust the tray alignment on LaserJet Pro printers that have a 2-line LCD control panel (excluding the M304, M305, M404, M405, M454dn, and M454nw models).

  1. On the printer control panel, press the OK button to display the Home screen.

  2. Use the arrow buttons and the OK button to navigate to and open the following menus:

    1. System Setup

    2. Print Quality

    3. Adjust Alignment

  3. Scroll to and select the tray to adjust and then press the OK button.

  4. Scroll to and select one of the following options:

    • X1 shift

    • X2 shift

    • Y shift

  5. Use the arrow keys and the OK button to adjust the alignment.

  6. Repeat the previous two steps as necessary to adjust the alignment settings.

  7. Press the Back button  to return to the Adjust Alignment menu.

  8. Scroll to and select Print Test Page.

  9. Scroll to and select the tray from which to print.

  10. Follow the instructions on the printed pages.

  11. Scroll to and select Print Test Page again to verify the results. Make further adjustments, if necessary.

Try a different print driver

Try a different print driver when printing from a software program and the printed pages have unexpected lines in graphics, missing text, missing graphics, incorrect formatting, or substituted fonts.

Download any of the drivers (listed in the table below) from HP's Customer Support website using the following steps:

  1. Go to www.hp.com/go/support, type the printer model in the text field, and then click Submit.

  2. On the HP product support page, scroll to and click Software, Drivers, and Firmware.

    A list of drivers available for the printer will display.

  3. Select a driver from the list, and then click Download.

    Follow the on-screen prompts to download the driver and install it.

DESCRIPTIONS OF HP PRINT DRIVERS

Print driver

Description

HP PCL.6 driver

If available, this printer-specific print driver supports older operating systems like Windows® XP and Windows Vista®. For a list of supported operating systems, go to www.hp.com/go/support.

HP PCL 6 driver

This printer-specific print driver supports Windows 7 and newer operating systems that support version 3 drivers. For a list of supported operating systems, go to www.hp.com/go/support.

HP PCL-6 driver

This printer-specific print driver supports Windows 8 and newer operating systems that support version 4 drivers. For a list of supported operating systems, go to www.hp.com/go/support.

HP UPD PS driver

  • Recommended for printing with Adobe® software programs or with other highly graphics-intensive software programs

  • Provides support for printing from postscript emulation needs, or for postscript flash font support

HP UPD PCL 6

  • Recommended for printing in all Windows environments

  • Provides the overall best speed, print quality, and printer feature support for most users

  • Developed to align with Windows Graphic Device Interface (GDI) for best speed in Windows environments

  • Might not be fully compatible with third-party and custom software programs that are based on PCL 5

Check the EconoMode settings

HP does not recommend the full-time use of EconoMode. If EconoMode is used full-time, the toner supply might outlast the mechanical parts in the toner cartridge. If print quality begins to degrade and is no longer acceptable, consider replacing the toner cartridge.

NOTE:

This feature is available with the PCL 6 print driver for Windows. If you are not using that driver, you can enable the feature by using the HP Embedded Web Server.

Follow these steps if the entire page is too dark or too light.

  1. From the software program, select the Print option.

  2. Select the printer, and then click the Properties or Preferences button.

  3. Click the Paper/Quality tab, and locate the Print Quality area.

  4. If the entire page is too dark, use these settings:

    • Select the 600 dpi option, if available.

    • Select the EconoMode check box to enable it.

    If the entire page is too light, use these settings:

    • Select the FastRes 1200 option, if available.

    • Clear the EconoMode check box to disable it.

  5. Click the OK button to close the Document Properties dialog box.

  6. In the Print dialog, click the OK button to print the job.

Adjust print density

Adjust the print density when your printing results are too dense or too light in color.

The print density can be adjusted using the printer's Embedded Web Server (EWS) or by using the printers control panel on some models.

The steps to adjust the print density vary by printer model.

Click the section below that references how the printer is connected or if adjusting print density from the control panel.

Adjust print density while connected with a USB cable.

Print density is adjusted in the printer's Embedded Web Server (EWS).

Depending on the printer model being used, either HP Printer Assistant or HP Device Toolbox software was installed if a complete and full installation for a USB connection was performed.

Click the section below for your printer's software, and then follow the steps provided.

  • HP Printer Assistant

  • HP Device Toolbox

HP Printer Assistant software with USB connection

Use this method to open the EWS from the HP Printer Assistant software on your computer. The HP Printer Assistant is available if you completed a full software installation for a USB connection.

  1. Open the HP Printer Assistant:

    • Windows 11: Double-click the printer icon on the desktop to open Printer Assistant.

      OR

      Search Windows for your printer model name, and then click your printer in the list of results to open Printer Assistant.

    • Windows 10: From the Start menu, click All Apps, click HP, and then select the printer name.

    • Windows 8.1: Click the down arrow in lower left corner of the Start screen, and then select the printer name.

    • Windows 8: Right-click an empty area on the Start screen, click All Apps on the app bar, and then select the printer name.

    • Windows 7: From the computer desktop, click Start, select All Programs, click HP, click the folder for the printer, and then select the printer name.

  2. In the HP Printer Assistant, click Print, and then click Printer Home Page (EWS).

  3. On the EWS Home page, click the Settings tab.

  4. In the left navigation pane, click Preferences to expand the options, and then click General Printer Settings.

  5. Under Print Density, use the drop-down list to select the desired setting.

  6. Click Apply to save the changes.

HP Device Toolbox software with USB connection

Use this method to open the EWS from the HP Device Toolbox software on your computer. The HP Device Toolbox (Windows) or HP Utility (macOS) is available if you completed a full software installation for a USB connection.

Open the HP Device Toolbox (Windows) or HP Utility (macOS) software on your computer to access the EWS and navigate to the area to adjust print density.

Adjust print density while connected to a wired or wireless network.

Print density is adjusted in the printer's Embedded Web Server (EWS).

Use the following procedure to adjust the print density over a network connection.

Network connection

Use this method to open the EWS from a web browser if your printer is connected to a wired or wireless network.

  1. Depending on the printer model in use, there a 4 different ways to get the printer's IP address from the printer control panel. Use one of the following:

    • From the Home screen on the printer control panel, touch the Wireless icon , or the Ethernet icon , to view the printer's IP address or host name.

    • On the printer control panel, touch the Connection Information icon  to view the printer's IP address or host name.

      1. On the printer control panel, press the OK button to display the Home screen.

      2. Open the Network Setup menu, and then select Show IP Address to display the IP address or host name.

      1. On the printer control panel, press the OK button to display the Home screen.

      2. Use the arrow buttons and the OK button to navigate to and open the following menus:

        1. Setup

        2. Network Setup

        3. General Settings

      3. On the General Settings menu, select Show the IP Address, and then select Yes to display the printer's IP address or host name.

  2. Open the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS):

    1. On your computer, open a Web browser, and in the address bar, type the IP address or host name exactly as it displayed on the printer control panel.

      EXAMPLE OF AN IP ADDRESS IN THE BROWSER ADDRESS BAR

    2. Press Enter on the computer keyboard.

      NOTE:

      If the browser displays a message indicating that accessing the website might not be safe, select the option to continue to the website. Accessing the website will not harm the computer.

      The EWS opens.

      NOTE:

      After the Embedded web server (EWS) opens, you might be prompted to enter a PIN to access the printer settings.

      The PIN is a secure feature designed for HP LaserJet Pro printers available from Fall 2022 onward. This feature prevents unauthorized users to access and modify the printer settings.

      The default PIN can only be changed by an administrator.

      Go to the following document for steps to access the printer settings using the factory default PIN: HP LaserJet Pro – Use a PIN to access the HP Embedded Web Server printer settings

  3. Depending on the options available in the EWS for the specific printer in use,:adjust the print density using one of the following

      1. On the EWS Home page, click the Settings tab.

      2. In the left navigation pane, click Preferences to expand the options, and then click General Printer Settings.

      3. Under Print Density, use the drop-down list to select the desired setting.

      4. Click Apply to save the changes.

      1. On the EWS Home page, click the System tab.

      2. Under Print Density, select the desired settings.

      3. Click Apply to save the changes.

Adjust the print density using the printer control panel

How to adjust the print density using the printer control panel.

Depending on the printer model in use, the print density can be adjusted through the control panel if available

  1. From the Home screen on the printer control panel, select the Setup menu.

  2. Open the following menus:

    1. System Setup

    2. Print Density

  3. Select the desired print density setting:

    • 1: lightest

    • 2: lighter

    • 3: default

    • 4: darker

    • 5: darkest

Troubleshoot image defects

Check the following table for the image defect that you are experiencing. Then click the link to learn more and find solutions.

IMAGE DEFECTS TABLE QUICK REFERENCE

Sample defect

Sample defect

Sample defect

Light print

Gray background or dark print

Blank page – No print

Black page

Banding

Streaks

Table 14

Repeated shadows or offsets

Table 10

Image placement defects

Curled output

Table 12

Image defects, no matter the cause, can often be resolved using the same steps. Use the following steps as a starting point for solving image defect issues.

  1. Reprint the document. Print quality defects can be intermittent in nature or can go away completely with continued printing.

  2. Check the condition of the cartridge or cartridges. If a cartridge is in a Very Low state (it has passed the rated life), replace the cartridge.

  3. Make sure that the driver and tray print mode settings match the media that is loaded in the tray. Try using a different ream of media or a different tray. Try using a different print mode.

  4. Make sure that the printer is within the supported operating temperature/humidity range.

  5. Make sure that the paper type, size, and weight are supported by the printer. Supported paper types and sizes vary by printer model. To find the paper that is compatible with the printer, use these steps to navigate to the HP product support page for the printer and view the Product Information section.

    1. Go to support.hp.com, type the printer model in the text field, and then click Submit.

    2. Scroll to and click Product Information.

    3. In the Select a topic drop-down menu, click Compatibility, and then click Supported paper sizes and types.

The following examples depict letter-size paper that has passed through the printer short-edge first.

BANDING

Sample

Description

Possible solutions

Dark or light lines which repeat down the length of the page, and are wide-pitch and/or impulse bands.

They might be sharp or soft in nature. The defect displays only in areas of fill, not in text or sections with no printed content.

  1. Reprint the document.

  2. Try printing from another tray.

  3. Replace the cartridge.

  4. Use a different paper type.

  5. If the issue persists, refer to the Additional information section below for instructions on how to contact HP Customer Support.
BLACK PAGE

Sample

Description

Possible solutions

The entire printed page is black.

  1. Visually inspect the cartridge to check for damage.

  2. Make sure that the cartridge is installed correctly.

  3. Replace the cartridge.

  4. If the issue persists, refer to the Additional information section below for instructions on how to contact HP Customer Support.
BLANK PAGE – NO PRINT

Sample

Description

Possible solutions

The page is completely blank and contains no printed content.

  1. Make sure that the cartridges are genuine HP cartridges.

  2. Make sure that the cartridge is installed correctly.

  3. Print with a different cartridge.

  4. Check the paper type in the paper tray and adjust the printer settings to match. If necessary, select a lighter paper type.

  5. If the issue persists, refer to the Additional information section below for instructions on how to contact HP Customer Support.
CURLED OUTPUT

Sample

Description

Possible solutions

Printed pages have curled edges. The curled edge can be along the short or long side of the paper. Two types of curl are possible:

  • Positive curl: The paper curls toward the printed side. The defect occurs in dry environments or when printing high-coverage pages.

  • Negative curl: The paper curls away from the printed side. The defect occurs in high-humidity environments or when printing low-coverage pages.

  1. Reprint the document.

  2. Positive curl: From the printer control panel, select a heavier paper type. The heavier paper type creates a higher temperature for printing.

    Negative curl: From the printer control panel, select a lighter paper type. The lighter paper type creates a lower temperature for printing. Try storing the paper in a dry environment prior to use, or use freshly opened paper.

  3. Print in duplex mode.

  4. If the issue persists, refer to the Additional information section below for instructions on how to contact HP Customer Support.
GRAY BACKGROUND OR DARK PRINT

Sample

Description

Possible solutions

The image or text is darker than expected and/or the background is gray.

  1. Make sure that the paper in the trays has not already been run through the printer.

  2. Use a different paper type.

  3. Reprint the document.

  4. Mono models only: From the Home screen on the printer control panel, go to the Adjust Toner Density menu, and then adjust the toner density to a lower level.

  5. Make sure that the printer is within the supported operating temperature and humidity range.

  6. Replace the cartridge.

  7. If the issue persists, refer to the Additional information section below for instructions on how to contact HP Customer Support.
IMAGE PLACEMENT DEFECTS

Sample

Description

Possible solutions

The image is not centered, or is skewed on the page.

This defect occurs when the paper is not positioned properly as it is pulled from the tray and moves through the paper path.

  1. Reprint the document.

  2. Remove the paper and then reload the tray. Make sure that all the paper edges are even on all sides.

  3. Make sure that the top of the paper stack is below the tray-full indicator. Do not overfill the tray.

  4. Make sure that the paper guides are adjusted to the correct size for the paper. Do not adjust the paper guides tightly against the paper stack. Adjust them to the indentations or markings in the tray.

  5. If the issue persists, refer to the Additional information section below for instructions on how to contact HP Customer Support.
LIGHT PRINT

Sample

Description

Possible solutions

The printed content is light or faded on the entire page.

  1. Reprint the document.

  2. Remove the cartridge, and then shake it to redistribute the toner. Reinsert the toner cartridge into the printer and close the cover.

  3. Mono models only: Make sure that the EconoMode setting is disabled, both at the printer control panel and in the print driver.

  4. Make sure that the cartridge is installed correctly.

  5. Print a Supplies Status Page and check the life and usage of the cartridge.

  6. Replace the cartridge.

  7. If the issue persists, refer to the Additional information section below for instructions on how to contact HP Customer Support.
MISSING TONER ON EDGE

Sample

Description

Possible solutions

Toner rubs off along either edge of the page.

This defect is more common at the edges of high-coverage jobs, and on light media types, but can occur anywhere on the page.

This issue occurs during the "fixing" or "fusing" part of the printing process where toner is affixed to the paper.

  1. Reprint the document.

  2. Check the paper type in the paper tray and adjust the printer settings to match. If necessary, select a heavier paper type.

  3. If the issue persists, refer to the Additional information section below for instructions on how to contact HP Customer Support.
REPEATED SHADOWS OR OFFSETS

Sample

Description

Possible solutions

Slight shadows or offsets of the image are repeated down the page. The repeated image might fade with each recurrence.

This issue occurs during the "fixing" or "fusing" part of the printing process where toner is affixed to the paper.

  1. Reprint the document.

  2. Check the paper type in the paper tray and adjust the printer settings to match. If necessary, select a lighter paper type.

  3. If the issue persists, refer to the Additional information section below for instructions on how to contact HP Customer Support.
STACKING DEFECTS

Sample

Description

Possible solutions

The paper does not stack well in the output tray. The stack might be uneven, skewed, or the pages might be pushed out of the tray and onto the floor.

Any of the following conditions can cause this defect:

  • Extreme paper curl

  • The paper in the tray is wrinkled or deformed

  • The paper is a non-standard paper type, such as envelopes

  • The output tray is too full

  1. Reprint the document.

  2. Extend the output bin extension.

  3. If the defect is caused by extreme paper curl, refer to the troubleshooting steps for "Curled output."

  4. Use a different paper type.

  5. Use freshly opened paper.

  6. Remove the paper from the output tray before the tray gets too full.

  7. If the issue persists, refer to the Additional information section below for instructions on how to contact HP Customer Support.
STREAKS

Sample

Description

Possible solutions

Light vertical streaks that usually span the length of the page. The defect displays only in areas of fill, not in text or sections with no printed content.

  1. Reprint the document.

  2. Remove the cartridge, and then shake it to redistribute the toner. Reinsert the toner cartridge into the printer and close the cover.

  3. If the issue persists, refer to the Additional information section below for instructions on how to contact HP Customer Support.

NOTE:

Both light and dark vertical streaks can occur when the printing environment is outside the specified range for temperature or humidity. Refer to your printer's environmental specifications for allowable temperature and humidity levels.
VERTICAL LINES

Sample

Description

Possible solutions

Dark vertical lines which occur down the length of the page. The defect might occur anywhere on the page, in areas of fill or in sections with no printed content.

  1. Reprint the document.

  2. Remove the cartridge, and then shake it to redistribute the toner. Reinsert the toner cartridge into the printer and close the cover.

  3. Print a cleaning page.

  4. Check the toner level in the cartridge.

  5. If the issue persists, refer to the Additional information section below for instructions on how to contact HP Customer Support.

Additional information

To find additional support and troubleshooting information for the printer, use the following steps to go to the HP product support page for the specific printer model.

  1. Go to support.hp.com, enter the printer model in the text field, and then click Submit.

    The product support page displays.

  2. Click a category (such as Troubleshooting, How to, or Product Information), and then use the drop-down menus to further narrow down the search to find support content on various topics.

If the information in this document did not help to resolve the issue, go to HP Customer Support to view the support options that are available, including a link to check the warranty status of the printer, or an option to sign-in if you have already registered for an HP account.

To contact customer support, start by clicking Printer in the list of product types, and then enter the printer's serial number for a list of contact options.

https://support.hp.com/

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