HP LaserJet CP1525nw Prints black to gray 3/4” wide lines every 2-2.5” across page.

[Edro1971]

My LaserJet CP1525nw was working fine before I moved it from the office to home.  But, it’s been a year since using it.  Upon hooking it back up today it is printing a black to gray 3/4” wide line across the page every couple inches.  

I tried running the cleaner twenty some times but that didn’t help.  

I’m pretty sure the cartridges all have toner.  

It looks like there could be something on the clear looking screen that looks to run in a circular fashion around some rollers, that I can see when opening the end opposite from the toner door.  But I’m not sure how I might get in to clean it without breaking something?

Please someone provide me a little guidance so I don’t have to just throw this thing out as I have several extra toners.  

Thanks So Much!

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Edro1971,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

It sounds like your HP LaserJet Cp1525nw picked up some issues while sitting idle, which is quite common with laser printers. That ¾” black/grey line repeating down the page points to something inside the paper path or imaging system.

 1. Print a Supplies Status Page

• On the printer control panel, press the OK button.
• Use the arrow keys to select Reports, and press OK.
• Select Supplies Status and press OK.
• This will help confirm cartridge levels and whether one of them may be leaking or faulty.

2. Check and Clean the Transfer Belt

That clear circular-looking screen you mentioned is likely the transfer belt — it transfers toner from the cartridges to the paper.

👉 To safely clean it:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Open the toner access door and gently remove all toner cartridges.
• Now, carefully remove the transfer belt unit (refer to the service manual or see if it’s held by latches or release handles — don’t force it).
• Wipe the surface very gently using a soft, lint-free, dry cloth.
  Avoid any liquids — just dust and toner residue removal.
• Look for toner buildup, scratches, or damage.

3. Inspect the Toner Cartridges

• Check each toner cartridge carefully.
• Look for toner leaks or buildup on the drum surface (if visible).
  You can gently clean the visible areas with a soft, dry cloth.

4. Run a Cleaning Page

If you haven’t already tried this fully:

• From the printer’s control panel, select System Setup.
• Choose Service, then Cleaning Page, and confirm.

This process cleans the transfer belt and internal components using a blank page.

5. Check the Fuser Unit

• Open the rear output tray and inspect the fuser rollers.
• Look for any toner smudges, wear, or damage.
• If there’s toner baked onto the rollers or lines visible, the fuser could be causing the problem.
• Gently wipe any visible toner using a clean, dry cloth.
  (The fuser can be hot — be cautious if recently powered on.)

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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VikramTheGreat

HP Support