HP color laser MFP 178nw ghost image after 500 prints

[manzarek]

Hello after 3,5 years and 500 pages printed I my printer starts showing ghost image. Distance between is 19 cm and I am not sure if the image drum needs to be replaced   after only 500 prints.

Is there any other problem that can cause this or can i clean the drum ?

Thank you

[Sneha_01]

Hi @manzarek 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It's not unusual to experience ghosting or faint duplicate images after a certain amount of printing, but 500 prints is relatively low for a drum to be worn out, especially on a HP Color Laser MFP 178nw. Ghost images usually appear as faint, unwanted copies of an image or text printed elsewhere on the page. This issue is commonly related to the drum unit, but it could also be caused by other factors like toner, paper, or even settings.

Here are some things you can check and do to resolve the issue:

1. Check for Toner Problems

Sometimes ghost images can be caused by issues with the toner cartridge, not just the drum. Here’s how to check:

Toner Cartridge: Remove the toner cartridges and check if any toner is spilled inside the printer. Toner spills can affect print quality and cause ghosting. Also, check if the toner cartridge is damaged or leaking.

Toner Level: Make sure the toner levels are adequate. Low toner levels can sometimes cause faint or ghosted prints.

2. Inspect the Drum Unit

The drum unit is a key part of the laser printing process and can wear out over time. While 500 prints may be too early for the drum to be entirely worn out, it could still develop issues if it’s defective or dirty. Here’s what to do:

Check the Drum for Damage: Remove the drum unit and carefully inspect it for any scratches, visible damage, or excess toner buildup. If the drum is damaged or scratched, it may need to be replaced.

Clean the Drum: If the drum appears dirty but not damaged, you can gently clean it. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe it down. Be very gentle and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives. Do not touch the drum surface with your fingers as oils from your skin can damage it.

Check for Toner Residue: Ghosting can be caused by excess toner on the drum. If this is the case, you can clean it, but be very careful not to damage the drum’s sensitive surface.

3. Perform a Printer Reset

Resetting the printer can sometimes clear any temporary software glitches that may be affecting print quality.

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Wait about 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
3. Try printing again to see if the ghost image issue persists.

4. Update Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can sometimes cause print quality issues, including ghosting. Check for any available firmware updates for your printer on the HP website:

1. Go to the HP Support website.
2. Enter your printer model (HP Color Laser MFP 178nw).
3. Download and install the latest firmware for your printer.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support