Super bad printing problem

[Frustratedguy7]

Printer was working fine, then it started leaving a residue on the pages so i did a belt clean cycle then a cleaning page cycle, now the printed only prints a complete block on the entire page.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Frustratedguy7,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I can feel how stressful this moment is. You went from a small residue issue… to performing all the right cleaning steps…and suddenly your printer is covering the entire page with a solid block of toner. That sinking feeling, like the printer has gone from sick to “critical”, is real, and you’re not alone. But we can diagnose this, and I’ll walk you through it.

1. Power Reset (important first step)

This forces the printer to discharge its high‑voltage system.

1. Leave the printer ON. Unplug the power from the back > Wait 60 seconds > Plug directly into a wall outlet > Turn ON and print a test page

If the page is still solid black (or cyan/magenta / yellow block), go to the next step.

2. Remove the toner cartridges and inspect the imaging drum

When an HP printer prints a solid block across the entire page, the drum or developer unit is often being overcharged or flooded with toner.

Look for:

• Toner caked on the drum
• The drum is fully coated in one solid color
• Drum scratches or cloudy areas
• Toner leaks around the cartridge

If you see ANY of this, that cartridge is faulty or damaged and needs replacement.

👉 Tip: Gently rotate the drum using the small gear on the cartridge; do not touch the drum surface with fingers.

3. Check the Transfer Belt (for LaserJets / PageWide / Color models)

Since you ran a “belt cleaning cycle,” it’s possible:

• The transfer belt is now contaminated
• The belt isn't seated correctly
• The belt cleaning wiper smeared toner across the surface

Remove the belt (if your model allows it) and check for:

• A layer of toner covering it > Tears or wrinkles
• Sticky residue or streaks

If the belt is coated, the printer will lay down a full-page block every time.

4. Try Printing a “Blank Page” from the Printer Panel

If the printer prints another full black/solid page when asked to print BLANK, then:

✔ The problem is inside the printer
❌ Not your computer or drivers

This confirms a component failure (drum, toner, transfer belt, fuser).

5. DO NOT run more cleaning cycles

I know it feels tempting, but:

• Cleaning cycles can force more toner onto the belt. This can make the problem worse. You risk coating the printer’s interior completely

Stop running cleans until parts are checked.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Frustratedguy7,
 

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat