Repetitive toner marks

[jeanlaoshi]

HP Color LaserJet CP1215; I have suddenly been getting repetitive toner marks when printing; they are in bands spaced 3" apart and don't quite cross the page. I have cleaned every place I can find. Any suggestions?

[VisionAiry]

Sorry you have lines printing out on your paper.  Hopefully the link below will outline all the troubleshooting steps you can take to fix this problem.

--Resolving Print Quality Issues--

If the above document does not help you, I will need to know a few things.

1. How is the printer connected to the computer?
2. What is the operating system of the computer you use the most?
3. Is the printer plugged into a surge protector or a wall outlet?

Answer those questions for me please and verify none of the suggested steps in the link helped you and I will do my best.

[Doug_A]

I am having repetitive toner marks with a very new HP 200 color laser printer M251nw.  I have used the diagnostics and it seems alright, but the marks still occur.  They are about an inch and a half from the right side of the paper, and repeat about every inch.  They are about 1/8 of an inch long, parallel to the short side of the paper, and black.  

The printer is about a couple of months old.  The problem didn't occur right away, but now is pervasive.  I have a scan of it that I can send, but I don't see where to post a .pdf of the printed page.

Thanks.

Doug

[VisionAiry]

Hello Doug,

I hope I can help you. I deal with this quite a bit at my work however I am not totally familiar with this model so I will do my best to describe, generally, where the issue may be.  If you open the back (if you can, that is) you could see a roller or a fuser back here with a black mark on it, described in the exact location you have explained to me.  Sometimes these can be cleaned, other times they may need replaced.  If it looks like something you can't wipe off, then call 1-800-474-6836 because you should be entitled to at least a one year warranty to walk you through some steps towards a replacement.  

Also, it looks like you can remove the toner and look underneath that space for perhaps a roller (long bar) that may have some toner on it.  Often I see it burnt into the fuser or on what is called a transfer roller or secondary transfer belt which is caused by doing duplex print jobs sometimes.  I suggest cleaning it thoroughly but do be careful as some types of cleaning (like with rubbing alcohol) because that could cost you that free warranty.

I hope this helps!  Let me know if I can be of any more assistance.  Keep me posted!

Cass

[Doug_A]

Hello Again --

This printer is new to me, and so I am not familiar with the guts of it.  I have tried cleaning it using the cleaning utility.  If you open the front, you can only access the toner cartridges, and I don't see any rollers that you can clean by opening the back.  Any other suggestions other than calling the toll-free number?  I can send someone a scanned copy of one of the pages, if that would help.

Thanks.

Doug

[VisionAiry]

I will see if I can find a manual for you or at least some pictures to post here.  You can post pictures by clicking the box with the tree in it up above if the images are saved to your computer already but I am fairly certain I know exactly what you are talking about.  

When you take the cartridge out, there is this sliding protector over the drum (most likely - I am guessing you will see that so let me know if not).  Carefully pull that protective cover back and look closesly under that for any smudges in the metallic flakes, or even scratches.  If you see a little gear on the side sometimes you can turn it to check the whole rod for smudges.  That would be a good place to start.  If you see a smudge here, take a dry lint-free cloth and softly swipe outwards until the smudge goes away.  

Don't worry I won't refer you to the tech support line because it won't be as helpful as posting a link to a possible parts store instead.  I will gladly do my best to help!

[Doug_A]

Hi One more time!

I did the "Cleaning Page" on this printer, and, after a couple of times, the problem was resolved.

Thanks for your help.

I'll put a "Kudo" for you after this shows up  (Guess I can't do the Kudo from here).

Doug

[VisionAiry]

You don't have to kudos because you did it all yourself. I am glad that cleaning utility worked for you. I had times in the past where that had made it worse for me so I am surprised that fixed it for you.  Great job!