Laserjet M254dw light vertical streak -- yellow -- how to get rid of it?

[mikeasmel69]

HP LaserJet Pro M254w printing wirelessly from Mac running Sonoma 14.6.1:

Have been getting a vertical yellow streak when printing. Have tried shaking ink cartridge and cleaning print head but nothing clears it. 

Thoughts? 

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @mikeasmel69 ,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand you are getting a vertical streak in your prints, particularly yellow, which often indicates an issue with the toner cartridge or the imaging drum. Here's a step-by-step troubleshooting guide:

1. Check the Yellow Toner Cartridge

• Inspect for damage: Remove the yellow toner cartridge and look for visible damage, such as scratches or leaks.
• Clean the roller: Wipe the toner cartridge roller gently with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any toner buildup.
• Shake the cartridge: Shake it gently to redistribute the toner evenly.
• Replace if necessary: If the cartridge is low on toner or damaged, replace it with a genuine HP cartridge.

2. Run the Printer's Cleaning Process

• Access the cleaning utility in your printer menu:
  1. On the printer's touchscreen, go to Setup > Service > Cleaning Mode.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to clean the print mechanisms.
• This process removes excess toner or debris from the internal components.

3. Check the Imaging Drum

• The imaging drum is a part of the toner cartridge or separate, depending on your model. Inspect it for streaks or marks.
• If the drum is worn or damaged, it may need replacement.

4. Verify Printer Settings

• Ensure you're using the correct print settings for the paper type.
• For glossy or specialty paper, confirm that the printer settings match the paper being used.

5. Clean the Transfer Belt and Rollers

• Turn off the printer and open it carefully.
• Locate the transfer belt and rollers and clean them gently with a dry, lint-free cloth.
• Be cautious not to touch the belt or rollers with bare hands to avoid oil transfer.

6. Test Another Cartridge

• If possible, replace the yellow cartridge with a new or known-good cartridge to rule out cartridge issues.

7. Perform a Factory Reset

• If all else fails, a factory reset can resolve persistent software or configuration problems:
  1. On the printer's control panel, go to Setup > Service > Restore Defaults.
  2. Confirm the reset and reconfigure the printer.

Refer to this document: Fix poor print quality on HP Color LaserJet Pro M254 printers

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!

[mikeasmel69]

This is very helpful and I will proceed as you recommended. If you have any images or photos of where to find all of these items in my printer, it would help a great deal. 

I'll keep an eye out. 

Many thanks!

Michael G

[A_Gayathri]

Hi mikeasmel69,

Thank you for getting back to us!

I hope you have gone through the troubleshooting steps that I previously sent out regarding your issue and at the end of the message, there is a link that you can go through containing detailed troubleshooting steps with images for your reference regarding the print quality issue on your printer.

Attaching the link below for your reference again,

Link: Fix poor print quality on HP Color LaserJet Pro M254 printers

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!

[mikeasmel69]

Please send images or video of where to find/clean the  Transfer Belt and Rollers

[Garp_senchau]

Hi @mikeasmel69,

Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you so much for posting your query! My colleague is currently out, but don't worry – I’ll be taking over and making sure we get this sorted for you.

I’m here to help, and together, we’ll work through this!

I recommend checking the user manual of your printer, as well as searching for cleaning process videos on YouTube that are specific to your model. This should give you clear guidance on how to clean it properly. 😊

Also, you can refer these guides:

Fix poor print quality on HP Color LaserJet Pro M254 printers | HP® Support

I truly hope these steps help get things back on track. If you have any questions or need any further clarification, just let me know – I’m happy to guide you through it and make sure everything works perfectly.

Take care, and I hope you have an amazing day ahead! 😊

Problem solved? 🎉 That’s fantastic! If you could mark this as the Accepted Solution, it would help others find their way here faster. And if you found this helpful, a simple ‘yes’ would mean a lot – it makes my day and gives this reply a little street cred! 🏅

Regards,