clean LaserJet P1006

[Thieftaker]

My reliable HP LaserJet P1006 has started printing black smudges along the left edge of the paper, almost as if the paper were marked for a three-hole punch.  The cartridge is relatively new so I suspect the problem is in the printer itself.  How do I stop the smudges and/or clean the printer interior?

[Gemini02]

Hi @Thieftaker,

I see by your post that you are getting black smudges along the left edge of the paper. I would be happy to help you.

Please try the steps in this document to see if it will help resolve this issue. There are steps for running a cleaning page also included.

HP LaserJet P1005, P1006, P1007, P1008, and P1009 Printers - Resolving Print Quality Issues.

Are you using Genuine HP Toner?
What are the toner levels?

If you appreciate my efforts, please click the 'Thumbs up' button below. 

If there is anything else I can help you with, just let me know. Thank You.

[Thieftaker]

No "Cleaning Mode" appears in Windows 8.1 so there is no apparent way to produce a cleaning page.  I have blown out the paper dust and gently cleaned roller, but the left edge smudges still appear.  The printer is loaded with  a genuine HP Toner cartridge, but there is no meter or indication of the level of toner remaining. 

[Gemini02]

Hi Thieftaker,

Usually in the printer properties, you would have the option to print a cleaning page and print off a supplies status page to find out the level of toner, under the Configure tab. Do you have any options on the Configure tab for Windows 8? It may be under a different tab for Windows 8.

Remove the toner and redistribute it by gently rocking the print toner from front to back. Then reinsert it again and try printing.

You might be able to run the cleaning page from the Print and Scan Doctor. Download and save the Print and Scan Doctor to your desktop. Find and fix common printer problems using HP diagnostic tools for Windows?

Select your printer from the list, click next, then click on Printer Services across the top of the screen, select the feature you would like to do.

If you have another older computer available you could install the software and run the cleaning pages from that computer.

It could be the toner or a hardware issue. If you have another toner, give it a try to see if you have the same results.

Please let me know the outcome. Thank You.

[Thieftaker]

  The cleaning page in Windows 8.1 is located in Control Panel/Device Settings/LaserJet P1006/Customize Your Printer/Device Settings tab/Cleaning Page.

Unfortunately, two runs of the Cleaning Page, rocking the toner cart, and cleaning the pickup roller have not solved the problem of smudges along the left side of the page. 

This is a new, sudden problem, not something progressive.  It is possible that the genuine HP cartridge is faulty, but I'd hoped to find a solution before purchasing a new one.

[Gemini02]

Thanks for letting me know Thieftaker .

I would suggest to call our technical support at 800-474-6836 and inquire about a replacement toner. Just let them know you are calling in about a in warranty accessory. If you are still having the issue after replacing the toner, it would be a hardware issue with the printer.  If you live outside the US/Canada Region, please click the link below to get the support number for your region. http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/ww-phone-assist.html

Please let me know the outcome. Thank You.