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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- First page prints okay, from second page onwards toner marks

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04-26-2024 01:33 PM
Hi, printer is M281fdw
It prints fine the first page, but after second and onwards it leave some toner marks on the paper.
If I print 5 pages, 1 page after 1 it will be okay, but if I print 5 in one go, the first page will be fine but the remaining four will be with markings
What the problem could be?
04-28-2024 12:16 PM
Hi @Roderos,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It sounds like you're experiencing a common issue with laser printers like your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw. Toner marks appearing on pages after the first one typically points to several possible causes. Here’s what might be causing the issue and some steps you can take to troubleshoot:
Fuser Unit Problems: The fuser unit heats up to bond the toner powder to the paper. If it's not heating properly or uniformly after the first page, it might not fix the toner correctly, leading to smears or marks on subsequent pages. If your printer is still under warranty, or if it’s a serious issue, you might need professional service to replace or repair the fuser.
Toner Cartridge Issue: Sometimes, defects in a toner cartridge or a near-empty cartridge can cause inconsistent print quality. Try removing the toner cartridge and gently shaking it from side to side. This redistributes the toner powder evenly and might temporarily resolve the issue. If the problem persists, consider replacing the cartridge.
Dirty or Damaged Rollers: Over time, rollers can accumulate dust and toner residue that can cause print defects. Inspect the rollers for dirt or damage. Clean them with a soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water. Be sure to let them dry completely before returning them to service.
Print Settings: Check your printer settings via your computer. Sometimes, setting the print quality to a higher mode can cause slower printing but may help with print consistency. Additionally, ensure that the paper type and size in the printer settings match what you are actually using.
Internal Cleaning: Most laser printers have a cleaning mode that can be run to clear out excess toner from the internal mechanisms. Refer to your printer’s manual for how to run this cleaning mode.
Environmental Factors: Temperature and humidity can also affect print quality. Make sure your printer isn’t located next to a heat source or in a very humid area.
Printer Calibration: Calibrating the printer can also help improve print quality. This is usually done through the printer's menu on the device itself or through its software on your computer.
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
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