my black toner level is at 40% however it is not printing out well for images in black colour.

[Cheong7]

My printer does not print images with black well despite the toner level for black is still at 40%. Drivers are already updated to the latest.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Cheong7 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

 Since you're using an HP Color Laser MFP 178nw, let’s troubleshoot the issue of black images not printing well even with the toner level at 40%.

1. Check Toner Cartridge

• Toner Distribution: Even though the toner is at 40%, it could be unevenly distributed inside the cartridge. Try gently shaking the black toner cartridge side-to-side (without removing it from the printer) to help redistribute the toner powder inside. This can sometimes resolve print quality issues.
• Toner Quality: If shaking the cartridge doesn't help, it's possible that the toner may be defective or may not be dispensing properly. Consider replacing the cartridge with a new one to see if that resolves the issue.

2. Perform a Printer Cleaning Cycle

The HP Color Laser MFP 178nw has a manual cleaning feature that can help resolve print quality issues, especially with toner distribution.

• Go to the printer settings or use the printer’s control panel to initiate a cleaning cycle. This may help if there are any toner particles clogging the print mechanism.

To manually clean the printer:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Open the front cover and remove the toner cartridges.
• Gently clean the interior of the printer with a lint-free cloth to remove any toner dust or debris.
• Reinsert the toner cartridges and power the printer back on.

3. Check the Paper Type and Quality

• Sometimes print quality issues arise from the type of paper being used. Make sure you’re using laser printer-compatible paper that is designed for high-quality prints. Low-quality or unsuitable paper can cause issues with toner adhesion, especially for black images.
• Ensure that in your printer settings (both on your PC and from the printer’s control panel), you select the correct paper type (such as “plain paper,” “glossy,” or “photo paper”) depending on what you’re printing.

4. Run a Print Quality Diagnostic

HP printers often have a built-in diagnostic tool that helps identify and fix print quality issues.

• Run a Print Quality Test: From the printer's control panel, navigate to the Tools or Settings section, and look for the Print Quality Diagnostic or Print Quality Troubleshooter option.
• The test will provide a report that can help identify any issues related to the toner or print head.

5. Adjust Print Settings

• Print Quality Settings: Sometimes, the default setting for printing images may not be optimal. In your print settings (before you print from Windows):
  • Go to Printer Properties and select the Best or High Quality print mode.
  • If you're printing a photo or image, make sure that the print mode is set to Photo or Image for the best results.
• Toner Density Settings: You can also try adjusting the toner density settings if your printer allows it. This can help enhance the black toner output.

6. Inspect the Drum and Imaging Unit

• If your printer has a separate imaging drum (distinct from the toner cartridge), make sure it is in good condition. A damaged or worn drum can affect print quality, especially for black images.
• Clean the Drum: If accessible, gently clean the drum with a soft, lint-free cloth. Be cautious to not scratch the surface of the drum.

7. Reinstall Printer Drivers

• Even though your drivers are updated, sometimes issues can arise from corrupted printer driver files. Try uninstalling the current driver and reinstalling the latest version of the driver from the HP Support website. This can resolve potential driver-related print quality issues.

I hope this helps.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Cheong7]

Thanks, Sneha. 

I changed the toner and it’s working fine again. Looks like I have a faulty toner. 

this time round I have two black-red dots on the left edge of the document. It appears on every doc I printed. Do you have any idea what that is?

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Cheong7,

It sounds like you're describing an issue with a document or printout from an HP printer, where there are two black-red dots appearing along the left edge of the page. This could be caused by a variety of factors. Here are a few things you can try to resolve the issue:

1. Check for Ink or Toner Spills

• If you're using an inkjet printer, check if any ink is leaking or spilled inside the printer, especially near the printhead area.
• For a laser printer, toner can sometimes spill and create marks on the page. Clean around the toner cartridge and drum.

2. Inspect the Print Head or Cartridge

• For inkjet printers: The printhead might be clogged or dirty. Run a cleaning cycle through your printer's settings to try to clear any blockages.
• For laser printers: Check the toner cartridge to make sure it’s seated correctly and hasn’t been damaged.

3. Paper Issues

• Ensure the paper you're using is free of defects, wrinkles, or debris. Sometimes, paper can have marks from manufacturing or moisture that could transfer onto the printout.
• Use a different type of paper or replace the paper to rule out this as the cause.

4. Check the Printer Settings

• Sometimes the settings in the printer driver might be misconfigured. Ensure that the paper size and type match what you're using, and reset the printer settings to defaults to eliminate potential software issues.

5. Run a Printer Diagnostics

• Many HP printers have built-in diagnostic tools that can help identify problems. You can usually access this from the printer settings or by visiting the HP website for troubleshooting guides specific to your printer model.

It sounds like you're describing an issue with a document or printout from an HP printer, where there are two black-red dots appearing along the left edge of the page. This could be caused by a variety of factors. Here are a few things you can try to resolve the issue:

1. Check for Ink or Toner Spills

• If you're using an inkjet printer, check if any ink is leaking or spilled inside the printer, especially near the printhead area.
• For a laser printer, toner can sometimes spill and create marks on the page. Clean around the toner cartridge and drum.

2. Inspect the Print Head or Cartridge

• For inkjet printers: The printhead might be clogged or dirty. Run a cleaning cycle through your printer's settings to try to clear any blockages.
• For laser printers: Check the toner cartridge to make sure it’s seated correctly and hasn’t been damaged.

3. Paper Issues

• Ensure the paper you're using is free of defects, wrinkles, or debris. Sometimes, paper can have marks from manufacturing or moisture that could transfer onto the printout.
• Use a different type of paper or replace the paper to rule out this as the cause.

4. Check the Printer Settings

• Sometimes the settings in the printer driver might be misconfigured. Ensure that the paper size and type match what you're using, and reset the printer settings to defaults to eliminate potential software issues.

5. Run a Printer Diagnostics

• Many HP printers have built-in diagnostic tools that can help identify problems. You can usually access this from the printer settings or by visiting the HP website for troubleshooting guides specific to your printer model.

Take care and have a good day. 

Sneha_01

HP Support