Dirty prints

[Susan4735]

I keep getting dirty prints with vertical lines that get worse with use. I have replaced the transfer belt. I have cleaned the inside of the printer. I even replaced the black toner cartridge. It seems to be due to the imaging unit because when I take it out and wipe it off it prints clean and then gets dirtier with each print again. It seems that there is a build up of toner in the imaging unit. I appreciate any advice. Thank you.

Susan

[Max3Aj]

Hi @Susan4735, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
It definitely sounds like your imaging drum is the culprit. Since wiping it off temporarily resolves the issue but the prints get dirtier over time, toner is likely accumulating on the drum, which shouldn't happen if it's in good condition. Here are a few things you can try:

Check the Imaging Drum for Wear or Damage

• Look for scratches, smudges, or streaks on the drum. Any damage can cause repeated buildup and dirty prints.
• If the drum is old or has exceeded its lifespan, it may need to be replaced.

Verify the Toner Cartridge Quality

• Even though you replaced the black toner, a leaky cartridge (color or black) can cause excess toner to spill onto the drum.
• Check if the old toner cartridge had signs of leakage. If the issue started after replacing the black toner, try reinstalling the old one to test.

Run a Drum Cleaning Cycle

• Many HP laser printers have an option in the settings for automatic drum cleaning. Run this from the printer menu.
• You can also try printing several blank pages to help remove excess toner.

Ensure Proper Environmental Conditions

• High humidity can cause toner to clump and accumulate on the imaging unit.
• Store toner cartridges in a cool, dry place before installation.

Consider Replacing the Imaging Drum

• If the problem persists despite cleaning, the drum might be permanently contaminated or worn out. Replacing it would be the best long-term fix.
   

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[Susan4735]

Thank you Max3Aj. I have ordered a new drum and it should arrive today. I will update my post after I replace the drum. I appreciate your information.

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome, @Susan4735! That sounds like the right move—hopefully, the new drum will fix the issue for good. 😊 Once you replace it, be sure to run a few test prints to check for any lingering problems.
I'll be here if you need any further help. Looking forward to your update! 📄✨

Take care and have a good day. 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[Susan4735]

The new drum solved the problem. Thank you for your help.

[Susan4735]

Hi Max3Aj,

The new drum did solve the dirty print issue but now there is a squeal or screeching sound when it starts to print. That started after the printer came on by itself with a display message that read "calibrating image density".  I would appreciate your thoughts and advice on this. Thank you.

[Garp_senchau]

@Susan4735,

Thank you for your response! My colleague is currently out, but don't worry – I’ll be taking over and making sure we get this sorted for you

I’m here to help, and together, we’ll work through this!

Please follow these troubleshooting steps:

Restart the Printer 

• Turn off the printer. Unplug the power cord from the printer and the wall outlet.
• Wait for at least 60 seconds. Plug the power cord back in and turn on the printer.

Update Printer Firmware

• Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page. Enter your printer model number and search for the latest firmware update. Follow the instructions to download and install the firmware update

Here is the user manual for your reference: Click here

I truly hope these steps help get things back on track. If you have any questions or need any further clarification, just let me know – I’m happy to guide you through it and make sure everything works perfectly.

Take care, and I hope you have an amazing day ahead! 😊

Problem solved? 🎉 That’s fantastic! If you could mark this as the Accepted Solution, it would help others find their way here faster. And if you found this helpful, a simple ‘yes’ would mean a lot – it makes my day and gives this reply a little street cred! 🏅

Regards,