HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw - Margins smudged when printing on margins only

[JustinIntegrity]

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw - 

Cleaned all rollers and found ink still appearing in margins of pages

Determined issue only happens when printing on the actual margin of the page

A standard word document has no smudges - because nothing is printed in the margin

Anything that extends into the margins will cause smudging

Do I need to replace a part? The printer is a 80k prints and is 3 years old at the moment

Attached are photo examples

[Raj_05]

Hi @JustinIntegrity,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

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

If you're experiencing smudging when printing on the margins only with your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw, there are a few potential causes and solutions to consider.

• Toner Issues: Ensure that your toner cartridges are properly installed and not leaking. If the toner cartridges are damaged or not seated correctly, they could be causing smudging.
• Paper Quality: Use high-quality paper that is recommended for laser printers. Low-quality or incompatible paper can cause smudging, especially in the margins where toner coverage might be uneven.
• Fuser Unit: The fuser unit is responsible for melting the toner onto the paper. If the fuser is not functioning properly, it can cause smudging. Check if there are any visible issues with the fuser unit or if it needs replacement.
• Printer Settings: Make sure that you have selected the correct paper size and type in the printer settings. Incorrect settings can lead to alignment issues, which may result in smudging along the margins.
• Paper Handling: Ensure that the paper is properly loaded into the paper tray. Make sure it is aligned and not too tightly packed, as this can cause misalignment and smudging.
• Cleaning: Regularly clean the printer's interior using a soft, lint-free cloth. Remove any accumulated toner or dust that might be affecting the print quality.
• Print Density Settings: If the print density is set too high, it can lead to excessive toner deposition, causing smudging. Adjust the print density settings to a lower value.
• Maintenance Kit: Some printers might require periodic maintenance kits that include replacement parts like rollers and other components. Check your printer's documentation to see if a maintenance kit is recommended at this stage.
• Firmware Update: Ensure that your printer's firmware is up to date. Sometimes, firmware updates include fixes for print quality issues.

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!

Alden4
HP Support 

[JustinIntegrity]

Bumping this thread , pictures show a clear specific issue, I need to know if someone has seen this specific issue with the margins only smearing. Thank you

[Raj_05]

Hi @JustinIntegrity,

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