HP Officejet Pro X576dw prints blank streak stripe down the middle of the page

[pscadrian]

So, we brought this very large printer to our office from one of our clients who obtained this a month or so ago, because it's started printing a thick blank stripe down the middle of every page.  We've tried all the solutions found on the console of the printer including the 3rd stage of the printhead cleaning utility.  Nothing seems to make a difference.  We've taken a look at the printer, but it doesn't immediately appear user serviceable unless there's some rubik's cube-esque method of performing some kind of repair.  We've started a case on the HP case manager, 5 hours ago, but figured I might get some more advice while i wait.

[Charles001 · Accepted solution]

Does the same blank streak also show on the "clean printhead" page? If so, the printer needs serviced, you did the right thing to open a case.

[pscadrian]

I ended up calling support; I provided the case number and we went through the rigmarole of troubleshooting and am now anticipating a call from a service technican to schedule service

[SHThompson]

I work for a reseller and we have sold some of these printer so I am very curious as to how reliable they are turning out to be.

If the technician repairs the machine would you please post and say what they did.

As far as I can determine it seems like in most cases the whole machine ends up being replaced.

[pscadrian]

Well, we had a very good HP Technician come out.  She admitted this isn't exactly a favorite of theirs when it comes to repairs and in most cases, they do just end up replacing the whole unit.  This technician did, however, proceed to take the thing apart and about 30 minutes into the process had it taken apart enough to where she believes to have identified the source of the problem, a tiny piece of paper jammed near the 'print bar', etc.  it was soaked in ink.  she continued on and replaced the whole 'print mechanism', though.  about an hour and 20 minutes into the process, it was now time for me to go and she was just putting it back together enough to begin testing.

There are many proprietary tools involved with performing even the most basic repairs, as most of it has to be disassembled just to access things like the feed roller.

The technician advised looking into the 'refurb program' HP established for this family of 'X' printers for all of the reasons above.  Do not expect to be performing service of any kind on this machine yourself.

[SHThompson]

Actually I might be performing service because I am certified on this machine.

At this point we have referred calls to HP rather than service the equipment due to their locations, the company I work for sells all across a couple of states.