HP LaserJet 200 color M251 prints totally black pages only

[JackAndDianeAda]

While in the middle of printing a 24 page document, the printed pages went from perfectly legible to totally black (Coal Mine Black).  The cartridge is only about 2 months old and has plenty of toner.   I removed and reinstalled the printer, but the problem remains.  To me this looks like a hardware (circuitry) problem at this point.  Thanks in advance for any tips on further diagnosis.

[rb011]

Hi @JackAndDiane,

Thanks for reaching out to the HP Support Forums for a solution to your printing issue.

I understand that you are using an HP LaserJet Pro 200 color Printer M251 with a Windows 7 PC and it was printing fine until it started printing completely black pages. I would like to help with that.

Here is the support document intended for use with this type of issue - Troubleshooting Print Quality Issues.

It may help to check the printer's firmware to make sure it is up to date. Page 77 of the HP LASERJET PRO 200 COLOR User Guide show how to check and update the printer's firmware.

Please let me know if this resolves the issue, or if you require further assistance.

In fact, if this helps you to reach a solution, please click the "Accept as Solution", and the "thumbs up" buttons down below in this message. 🙂

Thanks!

[JackAndDianeAda · Accepted solution]

Thanks rb11, I have done those things (support page, etc.) and the problem persists.  I might add the image of the first page that turned totally black while printing.  Hopefully, I can attach a jpeg file illustrating how quickly the page went to total black. 

[rb011]

Hi @JackAndDiane,

Thanks for getting back to me. Thank for including the JPEG. I can see exactly what you are talking about.

If you have gotten through all the steps in the support document, I suggest contacting HP Tech Support by phone as they may have some additional resources available that may help lead to a solution for this issue.

What you can do, is use the following link to create yourself a case number, then call and it may help speed up the call process:

Step 1. Open link:  www.hp.com/contacthp/

Step 2. Enter Product number or select to auto detect

Step 3. Scroll down to "Still need help? Complete the form to select your contact options"

Step 4. Scroll down and click on: HP contact options - click on Get phone number

Case number and phone number appear.

If this helps you to reach a solution, please click the "Accept as Solution", and the "thumbs up" buttons down below in this message. 🙂

Thanks!

[JackAndDianeAda]

There is good news and bad news to report on this issue.  The good news is that the LaserJet 200 is now working correctly.  The bad news is that a 2 month old toner cartridge failed causing the problem.  Purchased through Amazon, the failed cartridge was just outside (by 2 weeks) their refund/replacement window!  On a whim, I thought what the heck, let's try a fresh new (HP of course) toner cartrdige and voila, problem localized to the old cartridge itself.  It would be nice if HP would be interested in doing some failure analysis on the failed toner cartridge.  It would be even nicer if they compensated me for what probably was a manufacturing defect. (At least I can dream    !)

[rb011]

Hi @JackAndDianeAda,

Thanks for getting back to me with the good new about your printer issue being resolved.

You mentioned that the HP Toner Cartridge was purchase through Amazon but was just outside the buyer's remorse return period. Even though the cartridge was outside the return period, it may likely still carry the HP Manufacturer's Warranty.

If the toner cartridge is in warranty and found to be defective by HP Tech Support, they would likely replace it.

What you can do, is use the following link to create yourself a case number, then call and it may help speed up the call process:

Step 1. Open link:  www.hp.com/contacthp/

Step 2. Enter Product number or select to auto detect

Step 3. Scroll down to "Still need help? Complete the form to select your contact options"

Step 4. Scroll down and click on: HP contact options - click on Get phone number

Case number and phone number appear.

Please click the "Accept as Solution", and the "thumbs up" buttons up on my initial reply above so others with similar issues can find the solution easier.

Thanks!