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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- Hp m452dw printing uneven

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07-22-2024 06:54 AM
Hi @MJOtoo,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If your HP M452dw printer is printing unevenly, with some areas of the printout being lighter than others, there could be several potential causes. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:
Step 1: Check the Toner Cartridges
Inspect Toner Levels:
- Check the toner levels for all cartridges. If any cartridge is low on toner, replace it.
- You can check the toner levels from the printer's control panel or through the HP Smart app.
Reinstall Toner Cartridges:
- Remove the toner cartridges and gently rock them back and forth to evenly distribute the toner.Reinstall the cartridges securely and ensure they are properly seated.
Use Genuine HP Toner:
- Make sure you are using genuine HP toner cartridges. Third-party or refilled cartridges may cause print quality issues.
Step 2: Clean the Printer
Clean the Printer Internals:
- Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.Open the printer and remove any visible dust or debris with a lint-free cloth.
- Pay particular attention to the toner cartridge area and the transfer roller.
Run a Cleaning Page:
- From the printer's control panel, navigate to Setup > Service > Cleaning Page.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to print a cleaning page. This can help remove any residual toner or debris that may be affecting print quality.
Step 3: Check Print Settings
Adjust Print Quality Settings:
- From the printer's control panel or through the printer driver on your computer, navigate to the print settings.
- Ensure the print quality is set to the appropriate level (e.g., Normal or Best).Avoid using Draft mode, as it may result in lighter printouts.
Perform a Calibration:
- From the printer's control panel, navigate to Setup > System Setup > Print Quality > Calibrate Color.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to perform a calibration. This can help improve print quality and even out the print.
Step 4: Check for Software and Firmware Updates
Update Printer Firmware:
- Visit the HP Support website and check for any available firmware updates for your printer model.Download and install the latest firmware to ensure optimal performance.
Update Printer Drivers:
- Ensure you have the latest printer drivers installed on your computer. You can download the latest drivers from the HP Support website.
Step 5: Advanced Troubleshooting
Inspect the Imaging Drum:
- If your printer has a separate imaging drum, inspect it for wear and tear.Replace the imaging drum if it shows signs of damage or if it has reached the end of its life.
Check Transfer Belt and Rollers:
- Inspect the transfer belt and rollers for any signs of damage or contamination.Clean or replace these components if necessary.
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
Sneha_01- HP support