Poor print quality

[KingTim]

When printing black/white it always comes out sort of grey, with not enough black. We've printed less than 400 pages in total, so it's rather fast it's starting to perform poorly.

Printer: MFP 178

OS: Win10 / Android / iOS

Tried:

- Cleaning inside printer

- Inspecting drum

- Changing paper type and quality

- Eco mode disabled / Save toner disabled

- Increased darkness in settings

- Printer reports plenty toner left

Nothing has helped so far. Any ideas before this POS ends up in a dumpster?

[Raj_05]

Hi @KingTim,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you've already tried several troubleshooting steps, but here are a few more things you could attempt before considering disposing of the printer.

• Update Firmware/Drivers: Ensure that your printer's firmware and drivers are up-to-date. Sometimes, updating the software can resolve performance issues.
• Reset Printer Settings: Try resetting the printer to its factory default settings. This might help if there's a configuration issue causing the problem.
• Check Toner Cartridge: Even if the printer reports plenty of toner left, the toner cartridge could be faulty or nearing the end of its life. Try replacing the toner cartridge with a new one to see if that resolves the issue.
• Check Printer Settings: Double-check all printer settings to ensure that they are optimized for black-and-white printing. Make sure there are no settings conflicting with the desired output.
• Calibration: Some printers have a calibration process that can improve print quality. Check your printer's manual to see if it offers this feature and follow the instructions to calibrate the printer.

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 

[KingTim]

All firmware and drivers are up to date.

I've tried resetting the printer.

The printer can do less than 400 pages counting from brand new or even faulty? I really hope HP's quality is better than that. Dumping close to $100 on just the black toner is a bit much, if it fixes nothing.

All settings have been checked 10 times.

There is no calibration setting as far as I can see.

[Raj_05]

Hi @KingTim,

Thank you for your response, 

Despite having updated firmware and drivers, as well as performing a reset. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue further.

• Check Toner Levels: Ensure that your toner cartridges have an adequate amount of toner. Low toner levels can result in poor print quality. If the toner levels are low, consider replacing the toner cartridges.
• Clean the Printer: Dust and debris inside the printer can affect print quality. Open the printer and carefully clean any visible dust or debris using a soft, lint-free cloth. Be careful not to touch the internal components with your bare hands.
• Inspect the Drum Unit: The drum unit may be dirty or damaged, leading to poor print quality. Carefully remove the drum unit according to the printer's instructions and inspect it for any signs of damage or contamination. If necessary, clean or replace the drum unit.
• Check Paper Quality: Low-quality or damaged paper can result in poor print quality. Ensure that you are using high-quality, suitable paper for your printer. Also, check for any paper jams or obstructions in the paper path.
• Calibrate the Printer: While you mentioned that you couldn't find a calibration setting, some printers have an automatic calibration feature that can help improve print quality. Refer to the printer's manual for guidance on how to calibrate your specific model.
• Update Printer Settings: Ensure that the printer settings, such as print resolution and media type, are configured correctly for the type of document you are printing. Experiment with different settings to see if there is any improvement in print quality.

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the poor print quality issue with your HP MFP 178 printer.

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