Wide Black lines on paper

[AI52]

I installed a new cartridge and it now prints wide black lines and smudges on the paper. Almost like it is getting too much ink, cannot really explain it. There was not a tab/tape to pull off this cartridge as there used to be. I updated software/drivers, cleaned everything I could reach and still get that messy black lines on the paper. I did a test page and same thing. It is the correct toner for my machine 26A. Have never had this problem before. What could be wrong? Bad toner cartridge? I have had it for several months but do not print as much and just ran out of the old one. Any ideas? Thank you

HP Laser Jet Pro M402n printer

[M_Salman]

Hi @AI52,

If you’re noticing wide black lines or smudges on your printed pages after installing a new toner cartridge in your HP LaserJet Pro M402n, you can try the following steps to help identify and fix the issue:

1. Check the Toner Cartridge:

   • Proper Installation: Ensure that the toner cartridge is properly seated in the printer. Remove it and reinstall it to confirm it is inserted correctly.
   • Shake the Cartridge: Gently shake the toner cartridge side to side to ensure the toner powder is evenly distributed.

2. Inspect for Residue or Damage:

   • Examine the Drum: The drum may have residue or might be damaged. Check the cartridge and drum for any visible specks of residue or scratches.
   • Clean the Drum: Using a soft, lint-free cloth, gently clean any visible residue from the drum. Be careful not to scratch the drum surface.

3. Printer’s Internal Cleaning:

   • Run a Cleaning Page: Many HP printers include a cleaning page feature. This process usually involves running a special cleaning sheet through the printer to remove toner residue and dust particles.
   • Manual Cleaning: Power off the printer and clean the internal rollers and areas where toner may accumulate with a clean cloth.

4. Adjust Print Settings:

   • Reduce Toner Darkness: If the printer settings are applying too much toner, adjust the print settings to reduce the toner usage. This can often be found in the printer settings menu under "Print Quality" or "Toner Density."

5. Replace the Toner Cartridge:

   • If there's still no improvement, consider replacing the toner cartridge with a new one. It's possible the cartridge is defective.

6. Printer Maintenance:

   • Firmware Updates: Verify that the printer’s firmware is updated to the latest version, which can often alleviate such printing issues.
   • Full Reset: If issues persist, try resetting the printer to factory settings to rule out software errors.