Changed printer cartridge - patchy printing

[elliottjhurst]

I recently changed two of the printer ink cartridges on my HP LaserJet and now all pages printed are printed in a patchy manner.

I have been told that original HP Laserjet ink cartridges are pre-set to expire on a given future date, even if the supply has not been fully depleted – is this true?

[Raj_05]

Hi @elliottjhurst,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

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

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw uses toner cartridges instead of ink cartridges. Toner cartridges are filled with a powder that is fused to the paper using heat during the printing process. Ink cartridges are generally used in inkjet printers, and they contain liquid ink.

For your laser printer, if you are experiencing patchy prints after changing the toner cartridges, there could be a few reasons for this issue. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take.

• Shake the Toner Cartridges: Sometimes, the toner inside the cartridge can settle unevenly. Try gently shaking the toner cartridges to redistribute the toner evenly. Make sure to follow the printer's manual for proper handling instructions.
• Check for Protective Strips: Ensure that you have removed any protective strips or tabs from the new toner cartridges. These strips are often present to prevent the toner from leaking or the cartridge from drying out during shipping.
• Run a Cleaning Page: Many laser printers have a built-in cleaning function. Check your printer's manual for instructions on how to run a cleaning page or initiate a cleaning cycle. This can help clear any residual toner that might be causing the patchy prints.
• Inspect the Drum Unit: The drum unit in the printer can sometimes be a source of print quality issues. Check the printer's manual for instructions on how to inspect and clean the drum unit.
• Update Printer Firmware: Ensure that your printer's firmware is up to date. Manufacturers often release firmware updates that address various issues, including print quality problems.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4
HP Support 

[elliottjhurst]

No this has not helped at all - these are new HP original and previously unopened cartridges so how the hell can you go from a position where previously used and perfectly ok HP print cartridges are replaced by previously unopened and unused original HP cartridges and now there is barely anything being printed at all by the same printer? You didn’t answer my point about use by dates on HP original cartridges - is this the issue or not?

[Raj_05]

Hi @elliottjhurst,

Thank you for your response,

Due to limited support, I would request you contact our HP Support and our Support Engineers should be able to sort this out. HP Support can be reached by clicking on the following link.

https://www.hp.com/contacthp/

Please feel free to contact us here anytime you need any further assistance.

Have a great day!

Alden4
HP Support