My b/w LaserJet Pro MFP M227 suddenly prints in pale gray only

[Rainey0]

My b/w laserjet pro mfp m227, purchased in 2017, suddenly began printing in pale gray. (I run Mac OS High Sierra, v 10.13.4.) Photocopies come out fine. It's just printouts that are pale gray, from pdf's and word docs.

I have tried several solutions:

1. ordered new toner directly from HP, even though there was no low-toner warning, and installed it.

2. Reinstalled printer software twice.

3. Run the printer through a cleaning cycle.

4. Opened the printer driver and tried to change print quality from Normal to Best, to no avail; Best is grayed out.

Any suggestions most gratefully received. Thank you!

[The_Fossette]

@Rainey0,

Welcome to the HP Forums!

Thank you for posting your query on this forum, it's a great place to find answers.

I reviewed your post and I understand that you are facing print quality issues.

Don’t worry, I assure you I will try my best to get this sorted.

In order that I may provide you with an accurate solution, I will need a few more details.

• When was the last time the time was working fine?
• Have you made any software or hardware changes on the computer?

Meanwhile, follow the steps in the below article and check if it helps.

https://hp.care/2rGZMlX

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

[Rainey0]

Thank you, The_Fossette. To answer your questions, the pale gray print began abruptly in mid-March, when I was leaving town and could do nothing to fix it. I had changed nothing in my hardware or software. Returning in May, I ordered a new toner cartridge directly from HP and installed it, followed all the steps I mentioned--no change--and have tried all the steps in the article you kindly sent except one: I cannot open HP Print Utility, so I cannot see if the printer or the software is in "Economode."

I don't know how it would have suddenly been set that way.

HP gave me a case number; if they find an answer I will post it. Any thoughts most appreciated.

[The_Fossette · Accepted solution]

@Rainey0,

It is great to have you back and your patience is greatly appreciated.

I am sending you a private message with instructions. Please perform the steps to reset the printer and check.

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!