Print out has patches

[LiHUEY]

Print out has black patches at 2 sides, i am not sure what is the problem causing this, i am using genuine HP cartridge

[Raj_05]

Hi @LiHUEY,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

The black patches on both sides of the printouts from your HP Color Laser MFP 178nw could be caused by several factors, even though you're using genuine HP cartridges. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to diagnose and fix the issue.

Check the Toner Cartridges:

• Inspect the toner cartridges for leaks or damage. Sometimes, a defective or improperly seated cartridge can cause toner to spill, resulting in patches.
• Remove the cartridges and gently shake them to evenly distribute the toner. Reinstall them properly.

Clean the Imaging Drum:

• Your printer uses an imaging drum to transfer toner to paper. If the drum is dirty or damaged, it can cause patches on the prints.
• Check the drum for toner buildup or scratches, and clean it using a dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid touching the drum directly, as oils from your skin can cause issues.

Check the Fuser Unit:

• The fuser unit bonds the toner to the paper. If it is dirty or worn out, toner may not fuse properly, leading to smudges or patches.
• You can run a fuser cleaning cycle if the printer supports it, or check for signs of wear (e.g., smudging, uneven heating).

Paper Quality:

• Ensure that you're using the recommended type and quality of paper. Low-quality paper can sometimes cause print defects.

Check for Debris:

• Inspect the inside of the printer for any toner spills, paper fragments, or dust buildup. Clean the printer interior using a dry cloth or compressed air, ensuring no loose toner is left inside.

Run a Printer Calibration:

• Your printer may need to be recalibrated to align the colors and toner distribution properly. You can run a calibration through the printer's control panel or software settings.

Printer Settings:

• Double-check the print settings, such as print density and paper type. Incorrect settings might cause issues with toner distribution.

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 

[LiHUEY]

Regarding the patches, it's only happened when i do the "copying". It's perfectly fine when i performed the direct printing from my laptop. would you be able to guide me on the step for this? Thanks

[Raj_05]

Hi @LiHUEY,

Thank you for your response, 

It sounds like you're experiencing issues with patches on copies made by your HP Color Laser MFP 178nw, even though direct printing from your laptop works perfectly. Here are some additional troubleshooting steps specifically for the copying function.

Check the Scanner Glass

• Clean the Glass: The scanner glass can accumulate dust or smudges that affect the quality of copies. Use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to clean the glass thoroughly. Don't forget to clean the white strip (the glass strip next to the main glass).
• Check for Obstructions: Ensure there’s nothing obstructing the scanner mechanism, such as paper or foreign objects.

Inspect the Copy Settings

• Quality Settings: Check if there are any settings related to copy quality that might affect the output. Ensure it’s set to a high-quality copy mode.
• Copy Density: Adjust the copy density settings. If it’s set too high, it may result in patches.

Test Different Media

• Use Different Paper Types: Try copying on different types or brands of paper. Sometimes, specific papers may not work well with copying functions.

Perform a Printer Reset

• Power Cycle the Printer: Turn off the printer, unplug it for a few minutes, and then plug it back in and turn it on again.
• Reset to Factory Defaults: If the issue persists, consider resetting the printer to factory settings. This is typically done through the printer’s control panel.

Check for Firmware Updates

• Update the Firmware: Ensure that your printer's firmware is up-to-date. Check HP’s website for any available updates and follow their instructions for installation.

Try Different Copy Methods

• Different Copy Modes: If your printer has different copy modes (e.g., color, black & white, draft), try using those to see if the problem persists across all modes.

Perform a Printer Calibration

• As mentioned earlier, running a printer calibration can help align colors and ensure proper toner distribution. Follow the printer's manual for guidance on running a calibration. 

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