HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M476nw - dirty in background/ lines note running top to bottom (portrait)

[kurgan813]

When printing and holding the paper portrait, the background is dirty with lines running from top to bottom. I have tried the self cleaning - no luck.

It looks like toner is getting dragged across paper as it is going though printer.

When I print the Usage Report, the lines are extremely less noticeable (more prominent at left and right sides).

When I print the Demo Page, it is more pronounced and noticeable.

When I print an PDF in grayscale, it is very bad (which is most of my printing).

I check all the toner cartridges and they are clean. The toner cartridges are 3/4 full.

The number of total impressions is 16,709 at the moment (not sure if that is useful info).

This printer has been awesome and I am not sure what to do or how to proceed.

I appreciate any pictures as help If I need to open the printer.

Thanks.

[davidzuts]

What you do not tell us is if the defect is in one color like black only or multiple colors. If only black then most times the issue is the toner cartridge and it will need to be replaced.

[kurgan813]

I stated that the lines were seen when printing the demo page from the printer menu. Since the demo page prints in color, I thought that was disclosing it happens printing in Color and Black&white.

Since the post, i noticed when i ran the clean page through several times, the severity of the lines went down in the center but the left and right sides are better but not as dark.

I am thinking i need to clean the printer but not sure where to attack that would cause the lines.

[davidzuts]

You still did not answer the questions. Are the lines in one color or multiple colors. If one color then the toner for that color is probably bad. If multiple colors then there are two things which can cause the issue. The first is the transfer belt but most times but not always the defect will occur every other page. The other item is the fuser. To check on the transfer belt just open the rear and look at the black belt strip in the middle. If you see lines on it, then that is the issue. It has a wiper blade on the other side which if it goes bad does not remove residual toner and causes lines. If it is the fuser or transfer belt you will need the service manual to replace. Suggest you do a google search for the service manual not the troubleshooting manual.

[kurgan813]

They are black lines and along the sides instead of lines they are 1/4" bar.

Sorry I misunderstood the color question earlier.

If it is the black toner that is bad, than how does the cleaning page being done a few times improve printing (lines are not as pronounced although still present).

I am just want to follow the troubleshooting logic (it may come down to not understanding what the cleaning page interacts with when going through).

Thanks Again.

[davidzuts]

Please post a sample of the defect. My gut and years of experience tells me the black toner needs to be replaced. When you run the cleaning page no toner is used from the toner cartridges so any excess toner on the drum is removed at that time so the lines seem to get lighter until the toner cartridge starts using toner again. If the lines on the side (edges) look like tread marks that is a very common sign of a toner cartridge that is just about exhaused of toner. Seen it 100's of times.

[kurgan813]

[kurgan813]

Sorry for the delay. i just posted a sample. In the meantime, i ordered a new black toner (just in case it is bad - it says 50% full on HP tool).

[davidzuts · Accepted solution]

Your black toner cartridge is defective. When you replace it the image problem will be gone.

[kurgan813]

i like your answer. when the toner gets here, i will update. Thanks again for your help and patience.