faint vertical gaps

[lylestangmusic]

PrinterHP color laser jet pro mfp 3201 sdw

Bought November 7th  2024

Printing a vertical faint space 2 inches up the whole left side of the paper

I sell and publish sheet music , the  faint line is visible going up the entire left side of the page

It breaks the music staff and notes it goes thru. It is faint but I need perfection

My original HP F380 still works (10 years old) and does not have any print quality issues

1st contact HP support  Tues November 12th    1 and ½ hour long session and video facetime

Performing every task possible

HP agreed to send a black cartridge providing I FAX them the invoice

To this number  1 800 563-4860

 The number they gave did not answer or was busy always

Tried over three days

I called back  on November 16th  and had another video session

½ hour long

He agreed to send the cartridge 

Cartridge came in  the wrong color

I called HP support again  on Nov 16th another video facetime

Almost and 1 hour long

 All the same procedure asking for numbers removing cartridges, restart unplug etc..

They send the black cartridge

That came in yesterday

Printing faint gaps still exist

 What’s next  I need this to work perfectly , it’s my business

Thank you

Lyle Stang

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @lylestangmusic ,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand you are facing an issue with your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw. For your business, it's understandable that this problem is urgent and frustrating. Here's a step-by-step plan to address the faint vertical gap issue:

1. Verify the Issue

• Print a Test Page: Print a diagnostic or quality test page from the printer settings. This helps determine if the issue is with the printer hardware or a specific file.
• Check for Consistency: Observe if the faint vertical gap appears in the same location on all prints, regardless of content.

2. Inspect the Printer

• Drum Unit or Imaging Drum:
  • A faint line can be caused by dirt, scratches, or a defect in the drum unit.
  • Remove the imaging drum and inspect it for any visible marks or damage.
  • Clean it gently with a lint-free cloth if there’s visible toner residue. Do not use liquid cleaners.
• Toner Cartridge:
  • Ensure the black toner cartridge is correctly seated.
  • Shake the cartridge gently from side to side to redistribute the toner evenly.

3. Calibrate the Printer

• Use the printer's menu to perform a calibration or alignment process. This ensures proper alignment of toner and drum components.

4. Check Paper and Environment

• Paper Quality:
  • Ensure you're using the recommended paper type and size for your printer.
  • Low-quality paper can sometimes contribute to print inconsistencies.
• Environment:
  • Ensure the printer is in a clean, dust-free environment. Dust can accumulate on internal components and affect print quality.

5. Advanced Troubleshooting

• Clean the Transfer Belt:
  • The transfer belt might have toner or dust buildup. Refer to the user manual for instructions on cleaning or removing it for maintenance.
• Firmware Update:
  • Check for and install the latest firmware update for your printer. Sometimes, software fixes can address underlying issues.
• Reset Printer Settings:
  • Perform a factory reset to ensure no incorrect settings are causing the issue. Remember to back up any custom settings first.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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