Print Quality Issue - HP Laserjet MFP M281fdw - Diagnostics page interpretation?

[DrConny]

Hi, 

Does anyone know what is wrong? The issue seems to be mostly with the black color. Cartridge should have 1000 pages left. I'm using a 203X that is 1/3 full.

[DrConny]

I have tried calibrating and printing a cleaning page. I took the cartridge out, shaked it and put it back in. It did not help.

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @DrConny,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand you're experiencing print quality issues with your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw, specifically with problems related to black color printing. Here are some steps and suggestions to further diagnose and possibly resolve the issue:

Interpretation of Diagnostics Page:

The diagnostics page from your printer can provide valuable information to help diagnose print quality issues. Here’s how you can interpret it:

Check Toner Levels: Confirm that all toner cartridges, especially the black one (203X in your case), have sufficient toner remaining. You mentioned it's 1/3 full, which should be adequate, but ensure there are no other warnings or indicators suggesting low toner.

Inspect Print Quality: Look closely at the diagnostics page for any specific patterns or anomalies. Check if there are streaks, smudges, or faded areas, particularly in the black color sections.

Color Registration: Ensure that the colors are properly aligned (registration). Misalignment can cause color fringing or blurriness.

Calibration and Cleaning: Since you've already tried calibration and cleaning, verify if there's any improvement after these processes. Sometimes, running multiple cleaning cycles might be necessary.

Steps to Resolve Print Quality Issues:

Clean the Printer: Ensure that the inside of the printer, especially around the toner cartridge area, is clean and free from toner dust or debris. Use a lint-free cloth or compressed air to gently clean.

Check Toner Cartridge: Remove the black toner cartridge and inspect it:

• Shake it gently to redistribute the toner.
• Check if there are any protective tapes or seals that might still be attached (these can hinder proper printing).
• Reinstall the cartridge securely into the printer.

Update Firmware: Ensure your printer’s firmware is up to date. Sometimes, firmware updates can address print quality issues and improve overall performance. Update the firmware on an HP printer

Replace Toner Cartridge: If the problem persists and you suspect the toner cartridge might be defective or nearing the end of its usable life, consider replacing it with a new, genuine HP cartridge.

Check Paper Quality: Use high-quality paper that is suitable for laser printers. Low-quality or incompatible paper can affect print quality.

Print a Supplies Status Page: This page will give you detailed information about the status of all consumables (toner, drum, etc.) and any warnings or errors related to them.

Refer to this document: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw User manual 

HP Color LaserJet Pro M280 Printers - Fixing Poor Print Quality

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. 

[DrConny]

I completed all the recommendations including getting a new cartridge (all HP original). It did not resolve the issue but it changed. 

it can print excellent quality when I select print on both pages, but when I print normally it is very poor. 

 

in one place the quality changes in the middle of the page

 

there is a smear in one location. When I print the page again it appears in the same place again. 

 

[DrConny]

I did also reset all the printer settings but it did not help. Both the old cartridge and the new cartridge produce the same error.