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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- M277 Suddenly Printing Too Light

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09-12-2023 06:26 PM
Hi!
I've been struggling with my M277 LaserJet Printer. Despite using HP, brand new cartridges, it continues to print faded and too light. I was able to adjust density settings a while ago and fixed the problem, but apparently only temporarily. What else can I do?
This is what it is supposed to look like.
And this is what it prints like:
09-17-2023 02:40 AM
Hi @DarkRose12,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It's frustrating when your printer keeps producing faded and light prints despite using new cartridges. There could be several reasons behind this issue, and it's important to troubleshoot systematically to identify the root cause. Here are some steps you can take to address the problem.
- Check Toner Levels: Ensure that the new cartridges have an adequate amount of toner. Most printers, including the HP LaserJet M277, provide a way to check toner levels through the control panel or the accompanying software.
- Shake the Cartridge: Sometimes, toner can settle at the bottom of the cartridge, causing light prints. Gently shake the cartridge to redistribute the toner evenly inside.
- Clean the Printer: Dirt or debris on the printer's internal components, especially the laser scanner or transfer roller, can affect print quality. Consult your printer's manual for instructions on how to clean these components.
- Check Print Settings: Verify that your print settings are appropriate for the document you're printing. Ensure that you haven't accidentally selected a draft or low-quality setting that could result in light prints.
- Update Printer Drivers: Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can lead to printing issues. Visit the HP website to download and install the latest drivers for your M277 printer.
- Calibrate Your Printer: Many printers have a calibration or color adjustment feature that can help improve print quality. Refer to your printer's manual for instructions on how to calibrate it.
- Check for Firmware Updates: Ensure that your printer's firmware is up to date. Sometimes, firmware updates include fixes for printing issues. You can usually find firmware updates on the HP website.
- Replace Imaging Drum: If the problem persists, it's possible that the imaging drum is worn out. The imaging drum is a separate component from the toner cartridge, and it may need to be replaced if it's reached the end of its life.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
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Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator