M281fdw clunking noise

[zenpicker]

At the outset of printing, every time now, the printer makes a loud CLUNK that is concerning me. It sounds to me like a sprocket inside is slipping, maybe connected with movement of the toner cartridge. After the first clunk, printing proceeds normally and quality is fine. I'm worried that some gear inside is getting stripped. This printer is less than a year old and has printed only occasional, low volume jobs...as an indication, I only recently exhausted the cartridges that came with it. No way should it be close to wearing out or having mechanical issues.

Help?

[KrazyToad]

@zenpicker

Welcome to HP Forums. This is a great place to get support, find answers and tips.

I have gone through your Post and I understand your concerns

I suggest we start with a printer reset

(1) Turn the printer on, if it is not already on.
(2) Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue.
(3) With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
(4) Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
(5) Wait at least 60 seconds.
(6) Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
 NOTE: HP recommends connecting the printer power cord directly to the wall outlet.
(7) Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
(8) Turn on the printer, if it does not automatically turn on.

The printer might go through a warm-up period. The printer lights might flash, and the carriage might move.
Wait until the warm-up period finishes and your printer is idle and silent before you proceed

Next update the Firmware from this Link: https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-color-laserjet-pro-m280-m281-multifunction-print...

If the issue persists, please follow the instructions I sent in the private message

Please check your private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Forums profile.

Next to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope

Thank you and have a great day 😊

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the "Solution Accepted" on this Post and it will also help other community members with similar issue.

[zenpicker]

Just to report back, the firmware update did not resolve the clunking sound. Didn't see how it would, as it sounds like a mechanical issue, but I did try it. I guess I'm doomed to call support now. ;(

[KrazyToad]

@zenpicker

Since the Firmware update did not fix the issue I recommend you contact our Phone Support for Service Options

Thank you

[billh913]

I am having the same issue.  Did you get this resolved?

[zenpicker]

It may have been third-party cartridges. After going through two brands (Arcon and LD) I sucked it up and bought HP at twice the price and the problem went away. Fortunately I got my money back from Amazon on the others, but still have an LD black high capacity that I'm going to try soon, just to see what happens.

The HP ink price is obscene, of course. Plenty of people seem to have success with the third party products, so I haven't quite given up on the idea of finding a viable one. Since my various return transactions with Amazon left me holding the LD black, I'm willing to continue the experiment...unless HP decides to lower its price. (Sorry, just couldn't resist the little joke there.) 😎