-
1
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
1
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- issues with image drum?

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
04-17-2024 08:05 AM
Hi HP Community!
A little over 2 years ago, I ordered an original HP toner with 9000 pages for my LaserJet MFP M426fdn. It cost me around €250.
3 months ago - Toner particles sporadically in the middle of the page. Doesn't bother me much.
1 month ago - Light streaks on the left side of the paper. Gap approximately 4 cm.
Both issues are worsening exponentially.
According to the printer, there's still 80% toner left. Do you happen to know any tips for resolving this issue? Or is the image drum done?
Thanks in advance!
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
04-19-2024 09:22 AM
Hi @ProfFlamingo,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It sounds like your toner cartridge might be nearing the end of its usable life, especially considering the worsening quality of the prints despite the printer indicating there's still 80% toner left. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try before determining if the cartridge needs replacement.
- Shake the Toner Cartridge: Sometimes toner particles can settle unevenly inside the cartridge, leading to streaks and uneven printing. Carefully remove the toner cartridge from the printer and gently shake it side to side to redistribute the toner evenly. Be cautious not to spill any toner.
- Clean the Printer: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the inside of the printer, especially around the area where the toner cartridge sits. Dust and toner particles can accumulate over time and affect print quality.
- Check for Toner Build-up: Inspect the printer for any toner build-up, particularly around the rollers and the toner cartridge area. If you find any, carefully clean it using a dry, lint-free cloth or a vacuum designed for electronics.
- Replace the Drum: If the issues persist after performing the above steps, it's possible that the image drum inside the toner cartridge is reaching the end of its life. Image drums can degrade over time with use, leading to print quality issues. In this case, replacing the toner cartridge, which includes a new drum, should resolve the problem.
- Update Printer Firmware: Sometimes, printer firmware updates can address issues related to print quality. Check if there are any updates available for your printer model and install them if necessary.
By following these steps, you can hopefully resolve the print quality issues with your HP LaserJet 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
HP Support Community Moderator
04-19-2024 09:22 AM
Hi @ProfFlamingo,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It sounds like your toner cartridge might be nearing the end of its usable life, especially considering the worsening quality of the prints despite the printer indicating there's still 80% toner left. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try before determining if the cartridge needs replacement.
- Shake the Toner Cartridge: Sometimes toner particles can settle unevenly inside the cartridge, leading to streaks and uneven printing. Carefully remove the toner cartridge from the printer and gently shake it side to side to redistribute the toner evenly. Be cautious not to spill any toner.
- Clean the Printer: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the inside of the printer, especially around the area where the toner cartridge sits. Dust and toner particles can accumulate over time and affect print quality.
- Check for Toner Build-up: Inspect the printer for any toner build-up, particularly around the rollers and the toner cartridge area. If you find any, carefully clean it using a dry, lint-free cloth or a vacuum designed for electronics.
- Replace the Drum: If the issues persist after performing the above steps, it's possible that the image drum inside the toner cartridge is reaching the end of its life. Image drums can degrade over time with use, leading to print quality issues. In this case, replacing the toner cartridge, which includes a new drum, should resolve the problem.
- Update Printer Firmware: Sometimes, printer firmware updates can address issues related to print quality. Check if there are any updates available for your printer model and install them if necessary.
By following these steps, you can hopefully resolve the print quality issues with your HP LaserJet 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
HP Support Community Moderator