MFP M281fdw printing very light

[ChromeTiger]

Over the past year, the print quality has been printing lighter and lighter.  I have full genuine HP XL toners loaded now and am always printing on HP Premium 24 paper.  I print from two different Windows 11 computers, a Mac laptop, a Mac Mini, two iPhones and two iPads.  They all print poorly.

I have read the support document that suggests going through the economode settings on both Windows and Mac, I have checked print settings.  Everything is as it should be.

I have printed multiple test pages.  I have run through the cleaning cycle on the printer web interface.  I have inspected all four toner cartridges.

I have tried everything I have found in the support community.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @ChromeTiger,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you've covered most of the basic troubleshooting steps for addressing print quality issues on your HP MFP M281fdw printer. Here are a few additional steps you can try to resolve the problem of prints coming out lighter than expected:

Check Toner Distribution: Sometimes toner can settle if not used frequently, leading to uneven print quality. Try removing the toner cartridges and gently rocking them back and forth to distribute the toner evenly.

Inspect the Drum Unit: In laser printers like yours, each toner cartridge works with a drum unit which transfers the toner to the paper. If the drum unit is dirty or worn out, it can cause light prints. Check if your printer uses separate toner and drum units and inspect the drum for any signs of wear or damage.

Adjust Print Density Settings: You've already checked the economode settings, but sometimes adjusting the print density settings directly can help. This option can usually be found in the printer's own menu system or within the printer software on your computer.

Update Printer Firmware: Manufacturers often release updates to the firmware that can resolve unexpected issues. Check the HP website for any available updates for your printer model.

Check Printer Calibration: Calibration aligns the printer for precise color output and density. Look in the printer's manual or online resources on how to recalibrate it.

Consider Servicing: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, there might be an internal problem, such as a faulty laser unit or other hardware issues. It may require professional servicing.

Environmental Factors: Finally, consider if environmental factors like humidity and temperature are affecting the printer’s performance, especially if the printer is in an unusually hot, cold, or humid environment.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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

Rachel571 

HP Support