I. Introduction
Summary of Assumptions of This Document
II. Monochrome Image Quality Problems
Blank Print ...................................................................................... 1
Light Print ......................................................................................... 2
Backgrounding ................................................................................ 3
Black Print (edge to edge) ............................................................... 4
Fine Vertical (black) Lines ............................................................... 5
Irregular Dark Vertical Lines ............................................................ 6
Dark Fuzzy Vertical Streaks ............................................................. 7
Fine Vertical (white) Lines .............................................................. 8
White Streaks ................................................................................... 9
Horizontal Lines ............................................................................ 10
Repeating Defects .......................................................................... 11
Random Spots or Sprinkles ........................................................... 12
Ghosting Image ............................................................................. 13
Backside Marking ........................................................................... 14
Bubbly or Grape-Like Pattern ...................................................... 15
Blurred Print ................................................................................... 16
Banding ......................................................................................... 17
Lead or Trailing Edge Backgrounding ......................................... 18
Character Voids ............................................................................. 19
Toner Blasting ................................................................................ 20
Cartridge Related Error Messages ............................................... 21
III. Color Laser Printer Image Quality Problems
Blank Prints (No Error Code) ......................................................... 22
Blank Print (With Error Code) ....................................................... 23
Color Density Problems ................................................................. 24
Colors Misregistered (Color Plane Registration, CPR) ................. 25
Faded Lines, Streaks, Areas Down Page ...................................... 26
Random Spots or Sprinkles ........................................................... 27
Heavy Background or Banding ..................................................... 28
Toner Leaks, Smears (Front or Back of Page) ............................... 29
Repeating Defects or Ghosting ..................................................... 30
Color Cartridge Related Error Messages ..................................... 31
IV. Procedures
Handling Toner Cartridges ............................................................ 32
Cleaning a Laser Printer ................................................................ 33
Printing a Configuration (Diagnostics) Page ............................... 34
Adjusting Color Print Densities ..................................................... 35
Printing a PQ Troubleshooting Test .............................................. 36
Calibrating a Color Laser Printer ................................................... 37
V. Associated Printing Issues
Environmental Specifications ....................................................... 38
More About Cartridge Chips ......................................................... 39
I. Introduction
This guide assumes the following:
• You can open the printer and change a toner cartridge.
CAUTION: Cartridges are delicate mechanisms requiring
gentle handling. Never shake a cartridge—toner can leak
out after seals have been removed.
• You use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
approved, letter size, plain bond paper.
CAUTION: Non-approved media can cause imaging
problems or damage the printer.
• The printer is used under the environmental conditions for
which it was intended. See Section 38 for details.
• You can operate the control panel for menu test prints.
• Paper feeds lengthwise through the printer.
NOTE: Some HP models feed letter pages sideways so
print defects repeat across the page rather than down
the page. Examples include LaserJets 5000/5100, 5200,
5500/5550, 5Si, 8000, 8100/8150 and 9000 Series.
• You have another cartridge to cross check against.
Locate the brief description or go directly to the illustration
which best fits your print defect and solution.
II. Monochrome Image Quality Problems
1. Blank Print
Without error message
•
Toner seal still installed
u
Remove Seal
•
Cartridge empty
u
Replace toner cartridge
•
Laser shutter not opening
u
Replace toner cartridge
•
HP LaserJet 1160/1320, P2015 only
u
Check print cartridge door for
broken laser beam shutter tab*
u
Check for dislodged laser
beam shutter
•
Printer problem
u
Get printer service
With error message
•
Error code displayed with blank page
u
Interpret error code and troubleshoot
accordingly
•
Printer problem
u
Get printer service
2. Light Print
•
“Economode” set to ON
u
Turn Economode OFF*
•
Print density set too low
u
Adjust print density darker
•
Cartridge malfunction or out of
toner
u
Replace toner cartridge
•
Bad paper
u
Install approved paper
•
Transfer roller mounted incorrectly
u
Correctly install transfer roller
•
Internal printer problem
u
Get printer service
3. Backgrounding
•
Incorrect print density setting
u
Adjust print density
•
Cartridge malfunction
u
Replace toner cartridge
4. Black Print (edge to edge)
•
Primary charge to cartridge
interrupted or missing
u
Get printer service cleaning
•
Cartridge malfunction
u
Replace toner cartridge
* More information available on request
To Next Page
Loading...
