Laser Jet Pro M203dw dark print

[Hewitt169]

Laser Jet Pro M203dw prints a darkened page from Windows 10 PC. I have gone through all but one of the HP recommended steps.

1. Print from a different software program.  They all print a darkened page.
2. Check the paper type.  It's the same standard paper that used to print just fine.
3. Check the toner-cartridge status.  They have plenty of life left.
4. Print a cleaning page.  I have printed several.  It makes no difference.
5. Visually inspect the toner cartridge and imaging drum.  All is fine.
6. Take off EconoMode setting.  It was never on.
7. Replace the toner cartridge, even if it has plenty of toner.  Replaced, but no change.
8. Replace the imaging drum.  That I have not done.  It's expensive.

Is there any solution here or do I go ahead a replace the printer?

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Hewitt16

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you’ve already gone through many of the troubleshooting steps for your HP LaserJet Pro M203dw, but the issue of darkened print persists. Since you’ve replaced the toner and checked many of the basic settings, here are a few additional steps you can try before considering replacing the printer.

1. Adjust Print Density Settings

• Even though you've checked the EconoMode setting, there might be a print density or darkness setting that could be adjusted.
  • Windows 10: Go to Devices and Printers, right-click your printer, and choose Printing Preferences.
  • Look for any settings related to Print Density or Darkness. If there is an option, try lowering the print density to see if it improves the print quality.

2. Check Printer's Default Settings

• Ensure that the default print settings are not set to a dark or high-density mode.
• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Right-click on your printer and select Printing Preferences. Look for options like Quality or Print Mode and make sure they're set to Normal rather than any high-density or draft settings.

3. Reset Printer to Factory Defaults

• Since the problem persists despite toner changes, performing a factory reset may help resolve any lingering software or hardware configuration issues.
  • To reset the printer to default settings, navigate to the printer’s menu using the control panel. Look for a reset or restore factory defaults option. If unsure, refer to the user manual for specific steps.

If  this does not help. It might be a hardware issue

I hope this helps.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Hewitt169]

I appreciate the suggestions, but none of them work.

1.  Print density is set to the lowest density level possible.

2. Printer default setting are set to the lowest density level possible.

3. There are no menu items or manual instructions on performing a factory reset. A web search reveals one method.

• Turn on the printer

• Unplug the power cord from the printer and the power source

• Wait 60 seconds

• Plug the power cord back into the printer and a wall outlet

• The printer will automatically turn on and reset

Maybe it reset, but it still prints dark.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Hewitt169,

Thank you for your response,I'm sorry to hear that the issue with the LaserJet Pro M203dw still persists even after trying the suggested steps. It sounds like you've done most of the basic troubleshooting steps already. Let's dive a bit deeper into the possible causes and more advanced solutions.

Potential Causes and Additional Troubleshooting:

Toner Cartridge Issues

• Toner Quality: If you're using a third-party or refilled toner cartridge, sometimes they don’t provide consistent or high-quality results. Try replacing the toner cartridge with an original HP toner to see if that resolves the dark printing issue.
• Toner Leakage: Even with genuine HP toner, if the cartridge has been shaken too much or is nearing its end of life, it could cause issues. Gently shake the toner cartridge to redistribute the toner powder inside and see if that helps.

Print Quality Settings in Printer Software (Driver)

• Sometimes, settings in the printer driver or software on your computer can override the printer's manual settings.
• Open the printer properties from your computer, and under the Print Quality or Advanced settings (depending on your printer model and software), make sure it's set to Normal or Auto (rather than High Quality or Maximum Density). Check for any other settings like "Print Density" and reduce them.
  • To do this, open the Control Panel, go to Devices and Printers, right-click on your LaserJet Pro M203dw, select Printing Preferences, and adjust settings such as Print Quality and Toner Save Mode.

Firmware Update

• It's worth checking if there’s a firmware update available for the printer. Manufacturers sometimes release updates that fix printing issues, and it's possible a firmware update could resolve the dark printing problem.
  • Visit the HP support website, enter your printer model, and check if there's a new firmware version available. If there is, follow the instructions to update the firmware.

Check for Environmental Factors

• Humidity and Temperature: Extreme conditions can affect print quality. If your printer is in a very humid or very hot environment, it may cause the toner to be applied incorrectly.
• Make sure the printer is in a relatively controlled environment, and check that no paper or toner residue has built up inside.

Reset Printer Settings Using Web Interface

• Since the printer has a built-in web interface, you can access and reset settings more effectively:
  • Find the printer's IP address by printing a configuration page from the printer's control panel.
  • Open a browser and type in the IP address to access the printer’s web interface.
  • From here, you can try resetting various settings back to factory defaults or perform a hard reset of all settings (depending on your printer model’s web interface features).

Check for Drum Issues (if applicable)

• While this model doesn't have a separate drum, certain HP laser printers use a combined toner and drum cartridge. If you're experiencing persistent dark printing, the drum could be malfunctioning. In this case, replacing the toner drum assembly could help.

Performing a Hard Reset via Web Interface

1. Find the printer’s IP address: Print the configuration page from the printer.
2. Open the web browser and type the printer’s IP address in the address bar.
3. Log in to the printer’s web interface (usually no password or default login credentials are available in the manual).
4. Look for a Reset or Restore Factory Defaults option in the settings and perform it.
5. Reboot the printer, and then reconfigure the printer’s settings as needed.

I hope this helps.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.