P2015 13 years old... Print quality is faint.

RobBear1 · ‎10-14-2020

I was given a new, unopened HP Laser Jet P2015 that had sat unopened on a shelf for 13 years.
The print quality is uniformly light/faded and without streaks, as though the font color had been changed to medium grey.
I had to install updated drivers as the original ones on the CD (remember CDs?) would not install.
I tried checking the print quality. It was not set on economy, and did not improve when set to professional.
Does the chip on the cartridge cause it to stop working properly? If so, is there a workaround?
If the problem is a severely outdated cartridge, is there any way to revive it?
Any guidance on aftermarket cartridges?
Is there any likelihood the problem is other than the cartridge?

Repairatrooper · ‎10-14-2020

If you print any of the reports built into the printer from the control panel of the printer, how do they look? It is entirely possible that the mag roller in the cartridge could be bunk. Also ensure you are connected directly to power and not using any multi-taps, surge protectors or UPS units to power the printer. A different cartridge is typically the starting point for any troubleshooting as roughly 85% of image formation and quality comes from the cartridge.

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