HP LaserJet Pro MFP 281fdw suddenly producing faded prints in black and color

[jamies1]

My HP Laserjet Pro MFP 281fdw has suddenly started printing in a draft quality or something. All printouts are faded in both black and white or color. However, I can run Windows Printer Test Page from HP Smart app and quality is deep blues and deep blacks. I have run support checks, diagnostics, etc and no improvement. Supply status is good and cartridge colors are vivid in this print out page although headings and text are somewhat faded as though they are Grayscale. I have tried everything that I have found thru support archives to no avail. I feel like something in the Windows 11 controls are interfering with the print quality, but I have checked and rechecked the settings many times. I am not running in Econo mode! Or at least I do not think that I am in any way in draft nor Econo modes.

[Irfan_06]

Hi @jamies1,

Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to assist you.

I understand you are facing an issue with print quality on your printer. Not to worry I will help you to resolve the issue.

I suggest you follow the steps below to fix the issue.

A) Make a copy of an original image to confirm the printer hardare is working fine. (Check the copy quality)

B) Perform a power drain on the printer.

1) Take out the cartridges

2) Unplug the power cord from the printer & wall.

3) Press and hold the power button down for 15 seconds and release the power button, wait for about 30 seconds.

4) Plug the power cord back into the printer and wall, ensure the printer is plugged into the wall & not into a surge protector.

5) Insert the cartridges back into the printer.

Remove the cartridges > Unplug the power cord > Wait for 30 seconds > Plug the power cord back in > Insert the cartridges

C) Update the printer firmware by clicking on the link.
 

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!

[jamies1]

I followed your advice. I copied and original image and quality was poor. I followed the steps that you advised and then ran update to update firmware. Firmware stayed the same date stamped "20221207". I then recopied the same image. Quality improved very slightly, but just barely noticeably better. I also printed the demo page from the setup menu and quality is still poor. Do you think that I have a hardware issue? I figured my next move was to take it to a service center. I have not been successful at finding a service center with 50 miles of my location in Louisiana 70454. Any service centers that you could recommend?

[jamies1]

Let me add this to my other reply. The printer will print straight black and white text with perfect quality. It will also print deep colors in the "Supply Status" report. All the grayscale type print in the report is wash out looking while the colors are deep and the black text in the cartridge description is clear and dark. This just make me more puzzled.

[Irfan_06]

Hi @jamies1,

Am sorry to hear that the above document did not help.

Please click on the link to further troubleshoot the issue to fix it.

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!

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Irwin6

HP Support