HP Envy 5540 prints blank streaks across pages. Inconsistent, unreliable printing.

[RH68]

This Envy 5540 is practically brand new (occasional use), but I can't seem to get a proper print out of it now.  It used to print okay with the starter ink cartridges that came with the printer.  Now it prints blank streaks across most pages, seemingly same spots every time.  Sometimes the first page out is mostly fine, then everything after that is streaky or missing info.  I've done all levels of cartridge cleaning.  Ink levels are more than adequate.  Alignment is fine.  Wi-fi signal is strong.  No paper jams or roller trouble.  No smudges.  Plenty of paper.  I use the power button to turn off the printer when not in use (to seal the ink).  Every sheet I've printed/wasted recently was a test page, and it's also wasting a lot of ink.  I'm beginning to think the new genuine HP ink cartridges are defective.  The printer is out of warranty, and I have no idea how to claim defective cartridges.  Any assistance would be appreciated.

[sandytechy20]

@RH68

Welcome to HP forums.

I see that you are getting print quality issues.

Clean the ink cartridges.

1. Make sure you have loaded plain white U.S. letter or A4-sized paper into the paper tray.

2. On the printer control panel, swipe the display to the left, and then touch Setup.

   The Setup menu displays.

3. Touch Tools, and then touch Clean Cartridges.

   The printer cleans the ink cartridges, then prints a Print Quality Diagnostic report.

   Figure : Example of the Print Quality Diagnostic report

4. 

5. Examine the Print Quality Diagnostic report.

   • If the print quality is not acceptable, touch Yes to continue the next level of cleaning. Repeat these steps for the third cleaning stage, if necessary.

You can refer to this HP document for more assistance:- Click here

If the issue persists,  I request you to talk to HP support.

They might have multiple options to help you with this.

1) Click on this link - www.hp.com/contacthp/

2) Click on "Continue as guest".

3) Enter the serial of your device.

4) Select the country from the drop-down.

5) Click on "Show Options".

Fill the web-form. A case number and phone number will now populate for you.

To thank me for my efforts to help you, please mark my post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.

[RH68]

Thank you for the reply.  I set up a case number and tried to call Customer Service, but was put on hold indefinitely.  I guess I will keep trying.  In the meantime, here is an example of what the printer is doing to practically every sheet.  Let me reiterate that I have already done all levels of cartridge cleaning and other troubleshooting.

[sandytechy20]

@RH68

This could be a hardware issue.

You can talk to HP support as mentioned in the above post for further assistance.

To thank me for my efforts to help you, please mark my post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.