LaserJet M477 prints some lines in italics and vertical lines that should be straight are wavy

[KevinTX]

Hi,

I just bought my LaserJet M477 a week ago, and I'm noticing some print quality issues:

• When I print text documents, some lines print incorrectly in italics, whereas the text is not italicized in the source document.  The problem isn't random -- I can print the same page twice, and it is incorrectly italicized in the same places.
• When I print graphics, long straight lines that are parallel to the direction of the paper path have regular, slight wavy aberrations in them.  The problem seems to occur at regular intervals down the page (as if there might be an irregularity in a cylindrical or circular part inside).  I'm even noticing the issue when I print the "Adjusting the Alignment" test page.  In comparison, all lines that are perpendicular to the paper path are sharp and straight.

Another post on this site suggested a "power reset" to solve a similar issue with italics, but this didn't solve the problem for me.

I've also updated firmware and drivers, and installed/reinstalled the printer, each to no avail.

The italics issue seems that it could be a software issue, but I'm concerned that the wavy vertical line issue could be a mechanical problem.

Could someone suggest any solutions?

Thanks,

Kevin

[droms]

I have the same issue with wavy vertical lines.

It's easy to see when 'Graph Paper' from quick forms is printed. Waves occur every ~31,5 mm and are identical across the width of the sheet.

Wave length is ~5mm. Although wave height seems to be not more then 0,3 mm it is very noticeable on any printed spreadsheet.

Looking at printed 'Diagnostics Page' it seems like these waves depend on color. In my case C, K, and M vertical stripes have waves in different positions (not aligned horizontaly) and Y seems to be perfect without any flaws.

I ran 'Color Alignment' many times with no improvement.

I wonder if this can be a cartridges defects (I currently use starter cartriges that were installed from the beginning)

[KevinTX]

droms,

The best measurement capability I have is a metric ruler, but what you are describing is EXACTLY what I'm seeing:

• Wave's reoccur right around every 31mm
• Wave length is approx. 5mm
• Though wave height is extremely small, it is very noticeable when printing things you know ought to be straight
• I haven't specifically tried testing this for the other toner colors; however, I have printed a picture in full color and seen a similar "wave" pattern but at a different frequency (most identifiable by striations in the body of the picture matching a "bump" along the endges of the picture

I have observed this problem when printing graphics and Excel spreadsheets in landscape mode (which I presume are printed as graphics).  I haven't seen the problem in pages printed as text (i.e., from Word), but that may just due to the amount of white space and absence of long vertical lines, meaning that the problem may yet be happening in that printing mode, too.

You have an interesting theory about the starter toner cartidges.  I, too, am still using starter cartridges.  I'd hate to go spend $400+ on replacement toner cartridges to find out that didn't fix the issue.

I'm hoping that someone from HP may be able to chime in here.  I'm considering exchanging the printer at my retailer for another M477, or calling HP for a warranty issue.

Kevin

[KevinTX · Accepted solution]

droms,

I chatted with HP product support online yesterday, sharing all that we've discussed here, and they concluded there is a hardware problem with the printer.  They recommended that I exchange the printer at my point of purchase for another unit.  Luckily, I'm still within 14-day the return window.  HP also instructed me to provide my Case ID to the retailer, presumably as HP's authorization for them to accept the return unit and perhaps to aid in diagnosing the unit once returned to HP's return logistics team.

BTW, HP reviewed our entire conversation thread here, and the thought of an issue with the starter toner cartridges never came up.

You may want to pursue a similar conversation with HP product support.  I'd hate to see you stuck with a faulty printer.

Thanks for your input, and I hope you are able to get to an acceptable resolution.

Kevin

[Liu_Leo]

Hi there, 

the "wavy Line" is probably not a Printer Hardware issue ,but the cartridge issue. I would suggest you reach to HP call support and be guided to have the cartridge exchanged.  

[KevinTX]

Liu_Leo,

Thanks, I will follow your suggestion.  As it turns out, I did exchange my original unit at the retailer for a replacement.  The replacement, too, has the "wavy line" issue.  Not sure what to make of that, but I will contact HP support again.

Kevin

[droms]

I have got M477 replaced too. Second device has 100% identical print quality issues.

I still can't see any problems with Yellow, but Cyan on second device is even worse. Black and Magenta are the same wavy as with the first printer.

I'm a bit confused now. I need a new printer and I chose HP because I was very pleased with a build and print quality of my HP CP1025 Color, but now I definitely don't want a third M477 and not sure if it is worth to try Pagewide 477. I've been trying to convince myself that these waves are not that big… but I can't accept this output quality from a laser printer. 

It seems like one of the reviews on Amazon was correct about the general design flaw of M477 rather than occasional manufacturing defect. 

[Liu_Leo]

Hi Kevin, 

sorry for your second units having the same issue.  there is a possibility that the units it batches has high exposure rate in this wavy line issue. 

one thing I would suggest is do not need to  replace the whole units, but contact HP support  to get the cartridges checked and find out which one is the culprit, usually it is the K (black cartridge), let them order for you another cartridge to replace.

[Liu_Leo]

Hello droms,

sorry to hear that your issue persist in some ways even after printer exhcnaged. 

I would suggest you reach to HP customer support, escalate for what you have experiense and ask for a special delivery of after countermeasure cartridges (now wiht Cyan?).

HP should definitely feeling obliged to help you resovle it throughly  and gurantee you the best quality and best service.

Leo

Best Regards 

[Mzvigna]

Your experience has me very discouraged. I decided to check the forums instead of HP support chat since I didn't want to register the unit if I wasn't going to keep it.

I bought this printer 3 weeks ago and was finally able to get it set up yesterday - required a rework of my home office to fit it in. Got it hooked up and found the wavy lines before even installing the software. I noticed it right away when I printed the"Print Information Page" described in the "Getting Started Guide."

Luckily the retailer I purchased this from has a 30 day policy so I can make the 100 mile drive to return it today - I was going to exchange it but after reading your experience I think a full return is in order. I was switching to HP from Brother but maybe I'll have to take another look at what Brother has to offer.