MFP179 gives identical ghost images 19.5cm below main image

[AllotmentJohn]

I am getting ghost images further down the page. 19.5 from the top. 
The printer is new, but because I was waiting for my old hp laser printer to use up the toner, before I installed the new one, it is now out of warranty. Why don’t hp use the installation date (which is in the memory) not the purchase date, for warranty claims?

Anyway, the printer has produced just 128 pages, according to the report function. 
I have removed, shaken and checked over the 4 toner cartridges. Removed the drum behind them and checked it and lightly dusted it with a lint free cloth (as per instructions). And cleaned the inside as per instructions too. 
I’ve opened the rear door and checked the roller thing in there. I’m no computer wizard, so don’t know what that is. 
remember it’s only 128 pages old. 
On my old printer, there was a drum clean option on the system settings. There’s nothing on this one. 
I copied a black page, to see if that cleaned the drum. But no. 
I really don’t know what to do next. The HP help pages are useless and the chat thing doesnt understand simple statements like print quality or ghost images. 

[Raj_05]

Hi @AllotmentJohn,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you’re experiencing ghosting issues with your HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw printer. Ghost images appearing on printed pages can be caused by a few different factors, even in a new printer. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.

Check the Drum and Toner Cartridges:

• Drum: Even though you've lightly dusted the drum, it might still need a more thorough cleaning. Use a lint-free cloth and gently wipe the surface of the drum. Avoid touching the drum with your fingers, as oils from your skin can cause issues.
• Toner Cartridges: Make sure that all toner cartridges are properly seated and that there’s no toner spillage inside the printer.

Inspect the Fuser:

• The fuser is the component that melts the toner onto the paper. If it’s malfunctioning, it might cause ghosting. Check the fuser for any signs of damage or wear. If you're unsure what it looks like, consult the printer’s manual or HP support.

Perform a Printer Calibration:

• Some printers have a calibration or alignment option that can help resolve print quality issues. While you mentioned there isn’t a drum clean option, check the settings for any calibration or alignment tools.

Check for Firmware Updates:

• Sometimes, updating the printer’s firmware can resolve print quality issues. Visit the HP website and check if there’s a firmware update available for your printer model.

Reset the Printer:

• As a last resort, you might try performing a factory reset on the printer. This can sometimes resolve issues that are difficult to diagnose. Be aware that this will reset all settings to their default values.

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!

Alden4

HP Support 

[AllotmentJohn]

Thanks for your suggestions, but I have done most of that already. But this printer Mfp179 does not have any calibration or alignment options in its menu. Unless they’re extremely well hidden in a sub menu.
The firmware is up to date. The drum was wiped with a lint free cloth. If the toner cartridges weren’t seated correctly, the door wouldn’t shut. 
I cannot find any user manual online for this model, so have no idea what or where the fuser is. If you are an hp employee, do you know where the online manual is? Can you post a link to an actual user manual? All I can find is setup instructions. Most of the hp online support just goes round in circles, you click on something that looks helpful regarding support and you return to the page where you started? Some of the information, when I type in the model number, tells you about menu functions that don’t even exist on that model. I wish I could have a printed manual, like the good old days. Or even an option to print a manual. 
Remember, this is virtually a brand new printer. It has only had 128 pages through it. And the last 30+ of those were trying to resolve the ghosting issue. When it first occurred, the page count was 90something. 

[Raj_05]

Hi @AllotmentJohn,

Thank you for your response, 

It can be frustrating to find the right documentation. HP's website can be tricky to navigate sometimes. You can try these steps to locate the user manual.

HP Support Website:

• Go to HP Support.
• Enter "HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw" in the search box.
• Navigate to the "Manuals" section. Sometimes this can be found under the "Documentation" or "Drivers & Downloads" tab. 

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!

Alden4

HP Support

[AllotmentJohn]

Many thanks, I’ve now found (and downloaded) the manual. That was really useful. But in terms of help, it’s not. I have looked at and read every 209 pages. There is a brief reference to the fuser unit, but doesn’t tell where it is or what to do with it, in terms of maintenance. This was in a trouble shooting section about print quality. But the symptoms were about spots etc. on the pages, there is nothing about ghosting or double images further down the page, which is what I have. It also states for some image issues, contact the supplier for assistance (Amazon in my case, so no chance) or your local hp service representative. But how do I do that? There’s no telephone numbers listed. I’m in UK.

I have looked at every menu option in the user guide, there is nothing about maintenance that would help my situation. 
I just feel let down by hp, essentially a brand new machine has lasted a few months. It’s probably printed about 20-30 perfect pages, then it started showing a pink tinge on some, but I was living with that. Then after a period of inactivity (I don’t use it every day or even every week, I’m a home user) it starts giving ghost images. 
this printer is a much use as a one legged man at a bum kicking party. I’ve wasted £260 ($350).