When I print from my Color Laser Jet Pro MFP 281cdw it put a shadow along the left side of the paper

[MDV7]

When I print from my Color Laser Jet Pro MFP 281cdw it put a shadow along the left side of the paper

[Raj2111]

Hi @MDV7 

Welcome to the HP support community.
 

I understand you're experiencing an issue with your HP device, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. I'm here to help you today.

Here are the most common causes and how you can address them:

1. Check for Toner Leaks or Spills

A common cause of shadowing on prints is toner leakage or toner build-up inside the printer. If toner has spilled on the drum or inside the machine, it can result in a shadow or smudge along one side of the paper.

Solution:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Open the printer to access the toner cartridges.
• Carefully remove the toner cartridges and check for any visible toner spills or smears.
• Use a soft cloth or a lint-free wipe to clean off any excess toner inside the printer, particularly around the drum unit.
• Reinstall the toner cartridges and run a test print to check if the issue is resolved.

2. Clean the Printer’s Imaging Drum

The imaging drum is a crucial component that transfers toner onto the paper. If the drum is dirty or damaged, it can leave a shadow or ghosting effect on the printout.

Solution:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it.
• Open the printer and carefully remove the toner cartridges.
• Locate the imaging drum (it may be integrated with the toner cartridge or be a separate piece, depending on your printer model).
• Clean the drum gently with a soft cloth. Be careful not to touch the drum’s surface with your fingers, as oils from your skin can damage it.
• If you notice scratches or damage on the drum, it may need to be replaced.

3. Check for Paper Type and Settings

Sometimes, certain types of paper can cause issues with print quality. If you are using heavy or glossy paper, it may not interact well with the printer's fuser, leading to a shadow or smudge along the side.

Solution:

• Ensure that the paper type you’re using is compatible with your printer.
• Go to your printer’s settings on the computer or printer control panel, and ensure that the correct paper type and size are selected.
• Try printing on standard paper (e.g., plain 20 lb paper) to see if the issue persists.

4. Update the Printer’s Firmware

In some cases, a firmware bug may cause print quality issues like shadows or streaks.

Solution:

• Visit the HP support website and check if there’s a firmware update available for your printer.
• If there is, follow the instructions on the website to update the printer's firmware.

5. Run Printer Diagnostics

The printer may have a built-in diagnostic tool that can help identify issues related to print quality, such as shadowing or ghosting.

Solution:

• Go to the printer control panel and navigate to Tools or Settings.
• Look for a Print Quality or Cleaning option, and run the diagnostic or cleaning process to see if that resolves the issue.

6. Replace the Toner Cartridges

If your toner cartridges are low or near the end of their life, they could be causing print quality issues, including shadowing along one side of the page.

Solution:

• Check the toner levels for each cartridge. If the toner is low or empty, replacing the affected cartridge could resolve the problem.
• If the toner cartridge is fairly new, inspect it for any defects or damage.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
 

-Regards
Raj-HP Support