Splattered colours on prints: MFP 178nw

[hejna]

Hi,

I have a year-old MFP 178nw printer and the prints lately have colours spread like above. It shows that cartridges are ~60%. What could be the issue here? I replaced the black cartridge as it was ~10%. 

Thanks

[Raj_05]

Hi @hejna,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like your HP Color Lazer MFP 178nw printer may be experiencing color misalignment or toner issues. Given that your cartridges still have a decent amount of toner left (~60%), but you're seeing color spread, there are a few things you can check.

• Toner Cartridge Alignment: Even if your cartridges are not completely empty, they may not be aligned properly. You can perform a print alignment from the printer's settings or using the HP Smart app to recalibrate the colors.
• Toner Cartridge Leakage or Malfunction: One or more of the color cartridges might be leaking or malfunctioning, which can lead to color spread or streaks. Try removing each cartridge, check for any visible toner leaks, and clean the cartridge contacts carefully.
• Transfer Belt or Drum Unit Issue: The issue could be with the printer's transfer belt or drum unit, which is responsible for transferring toner to the paper. If these parts are worn out or dirty, they can cause print quality problems like color spread.
• Print Head Cleaning: Running a print head cleaning process can help. If there’s any debris or dried toner on the print heads, it can cause smudging or uneven colors.
• Firmware/Driver Update: Ensure that your printer firmware and drivers are up to date. Sometimes, software issues can also affect print quality.

If you've checked all the above and the problem persists, it might be worth considering replacing the color cartridges even if they show ~60%, as the toner levels may not always be accurate.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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