Black Bars across the page on HP Laser Jet 200 printer

[usatraveler]

I have a friend that is getting this on her LaserJet printer. She is using OEM cartridges and wondering if there is another component that is failing. It is from a iMac. Wanted to see what the possibilities were before going out and buying another toner cartridge.

[Dragora]

Hi usatraveler

If your friend is experiencing print quality issues with her HP LaserJet printer while using OEM cartridges on macOS X 10.10 Yosemite, follow these steps to diagnose and resolve the problem before purchasing a new toner cartridge.

Step 1: Check Cartridge Installation

1. Verify Proper Installation:

   • Open the printer’s access cover and check if the toner cartridge is properly seated.
   • Ensure that any protective tape or packaging has been removed from the cartridge.

2. Check for Damage:

   • Inspect the toner cartridge for any visible signs of damage or leaks.

Step 2: Run Printer Diagnostic Tests

1. Print a Supplies Status Page:

   • Most HP LaserJet printers can print a Supplies Status page that provides information about the toner cartridge's condition.
   • Refer to the printer’s manual or control panel for instructions on printing this report.

2. Print Quality Report:

   • Navigate through the printer’s control panel to print a Print Quality Report.
   • This report can help identify if the issue is with the cartridge or another component.

Step 3: Clean Printer Components

1. Clean the Toner Cartridge Area:

   • Open the printer and carefully clean around the toner cartridge area to remove any loose toner or debris.

2. Check Transfer Roller:

   • If accessible, inspect the transfer roller for signs of wear or damage.
   • Use a lint-free cloth to gently clean the roller, ensuring it is free from excess toner.

Step 4: Update Printer Firmware and Drivers

1. Download Latest Drivers:

   • Visit the HP Support website and check for driver updates compatible with macOS X 10.10 Yosemite.

2. Update Printer Firmware:

   • Download and install the latest firmware for your printer model from the HP Support website.

Step 5: Check Printer Settings

1. Adjust Print Quality Settings:
   • On the iMac, open System Preferences and navigate to Print & Fax.
   • Select your HP LaserJet printer, click Options & Supplies, and check the print quality settings.
   • Adjust settings like resolution and toner density to see if it improves the print quality.

Step 6: Perform Printer Maintenance

1. Maintenance Kit:

   • Some LaserJet printers have maintenance kits that include replacement parts like rollers and fusers.
   • Check if your printer requires a maintenance kit replacement.

2. Replace the Toner Cartridge (if necessary):

   • If all the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider replacing the toner cartridge as a last resort.

Additional Troubleshooting

If the problem persists after trying these solutions, it may be indicative of a failing component such as the fuser or drum unit. Contacting HP Support for further diagnostics and potential service may be necessary.

I hope the above is helpful

[usatraveler]

Dragora,

Thank You for this information. I will work with them to check this out and see if we can find a solution. She did say it started when they changed the toner cartridge which makes me think its a bad cartridge. I will let you know what we figure out.

[usatraveler]

I wanted to give an update on this printing issues. I found out that my friend gets the black bars on the first 1 or 2 pages that are printed after that it prints fine. So if she goes back and reprints the first two pages the will be print correctly without the black bars. Its almost like the cartridge is not getting charged correctly at startup. I do not know exactly how things function. I wanted to pass this information along to see if that gives the experts insight into what might be going on.