Printer prints documents, PDF's, etc. with a grey shading

[Thetfw]

My Laserjet 200 colorMFP M276nw has started printing documents, PDF's, etc. with a grey background shading. Originally problems started cropping up when printing - especially PDF's - with the colors washed out and any black text coming out a very dull grey. I tried adjusting the settings making sure grey scale wasn't enabled,  Auto Color OPtions and HP Easy color off. In Advanced tried all combinations listed regarding the printing settings and while it improved the text printing, the grey shading starting to show up.

I uninstalled the printer and the drivers, updated the firmware to 20190401 and installed the latest drivers from the HP site and still no joy. I would sure appreciate it if someone could give me some clue on ehat to do to eliminate the grey shading and restore text back to normal, especially for PDF's.

Thanks!

[Repairatrooper]

Do you get the gray shading if you print a report from the control panel? If yes, take out the black cartridge and look at the blue green drum on the bottom to see if here is toner on it. Your issue sounds like a bad black cartridge.

[Thetfw]

Repairatrooper, thanks for the suggestion. Haven't had time since my post to get back to my printer problem but with the long weekend coming up hope to "relax" by looking onto your suggestion. I'll let you know how it comes out. Again, Thanks!

[Thetfw]

Repairatrooper,

Sorry for the late reply. I printed a report as you suggested and still got the gray shading. Took out the black cartridge and the drum did not have any toner on it. However, I received some money I wasn't expecting and didn't have anything that I needed to take care of so went and brought a new printer. A Friend who loves to tinker took the HP LJ 200 off my hands and will work it over and let me know what he found.

Thanks for taking the time to offer your suggestions!