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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- CP3505 does not print color consistently

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
09-26-2024 12:26 PM
Hi @bburkett,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If your HP Color LaserJet CP3505 is not printing color consistently, it may be due to issues with the ETB (Electrostatic Transfer Belt) or other components. While replacing the ETB is one option, there are several adjustments and fixes you can try first:
1. Clean the ETB
- Turn Off the Printer: Power down the printer and disconnect it from the power source.
- Access the ETB: Open the printer to access the ETB. Carefully remove it following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Inspect and Clean: Check for any toner residue or dirt. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface of the ETB. Avoid using any liquid cleaners.
2. Check the Toner Cartridges
- Inspect Cartridges: Make sure the toner cartridges are properly installed and have sufficient toner.
- Shake Cartridges: Gently shake the toner cartridges from side to side to redistribute the toner evenly.
- Check for Damage: Look for any signs of damage or leaks in the cartridges.
3. Calibrate the Printer
- Calibration Process: Most HP printers have a calibration feature that helps ensure accurate color output.
- Access the printer's control panel.
- Navigate to the Settings or Tools menu.
- Look for an option to calibrate or adjust the color settings.
4. Adjust the ETB Pressure
If your model allows, check the adjustment for the ETB pressure. A loose or improperly adjusted ETB can lead to inconsistent color printing.
- Refer to the Service Manual: If available, consult the printer’s service manual for specific instructions on adjusting the ETB.
5. Check for Firmware Updates
- Ensure your printer's firmware is up to date. You can check HP’s support website for any available updates.
6. Print a Test Page
- After making adjustments or cleaning components, print a test page to check for improvement in color consistency.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.
Rachel571
HP Support
Sneha_01- HP support
09-27-2024 05:51 AM
Hi @bburkett,
Thank you for your response,
Please feel free to reply to us and we will be more than happy to help you.
Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.
Take care and have a great day ahead!
Rachel571
HP Support
Sneha_01- HP support
09-30-2024 02:28 PM
Hi @Rachel571,
I pulled the ERB and was only able to clean one side of the belt, as there was no way to rotate it.
I printed a PQ report form the priner menu, with these rusults:
-Cover page printed ok in B&W
-The 5 following color test pages print nicely, but only in B&W
-The configuration page printed very poorly with printed areas only on the top upper left of the page.
-The diagnostic page what looks like ok with color blocks on both sides and on the bottom of the page. Parameters in the center of the page print with alternating blocks of yellow highlighted text.
I then did a full calibrate from the printer menu with these results from another PQ report:
-Cover, configuration and Diagnostics pages printer in B&W
-The 5 color test pages appeared to prin correctly.
I then tried to print a color document from a Windows 10 application and it printed in B&W, not color!
A subsequent PQ report yielded the same bad results as the first one above.
Another try of the PQ report, after a few minutes, printed propery(?) with on the Diagnostics page(last page) printer faded with only partila image on top and left side of page.
This behavior is typical as the the printer will randomly print in color or B&W when trying to print a color document or when printing reports from the printer menu.
One additional thing I have noticed is that the printer makes a relatively loud clicking of clunking sound when initializing.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated, especially as cartridges are all new HP ones!
This is a CP3505dn
Model: CB443A
S/N: CNBC82V04H
Formetter Number: LC049MM
Firmware 20071214 03.019.2
Engine cycles: 211103
Color cycles: 3765
Thanks for your time!!!
~Bob
10-02-2024 07:11 AM
Hi @bburkett
I'm sending out a private message to assist you with the next course of action. In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name.
Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.
Rachel571
HP Support
Sneha_01- HP support