black marks on top of paper only when duplexing

[Mel_H]

Officejet 9010 and 9015. When I duplex print, I get black marks at top of page. Doesn't happen when I print one sided.

Cleaned printhead - didn't help.

Is there something else that needs cleaning and do you have photos/video on how to do it?

NOTE - this problem started after clearing a few paper jams of heavy glossy paper

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Mel_H,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

I’m sorry to hear about the printing issues you’re facing with your OfficeJet printers. I understand how frustrating it can be, especially when you’ve already tried cleaning the printhead. Let’s get to the root of the problem and resolve it.

• Have you checked if the black marks appear consistently in the same location on all duplex-printed pages, or do they vary?
• Did you notice any visible residue, scratches, or debris on the rollers or inside the paper path after the paper jams with heavy glossy paper?
• Are you using the same type and weight of paper now, or have you switched to a different paper type?

Let's try these steps. 

Inspect and Clean the Duplexing Path:

• The black marks may result from residue or ink smudges left behind in the duplexer (the part of the printer that flips the paper for double-sided printing).
• Open the rear access panel or duplexing unit, as described in your printer manual.
• Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water to wipe down the rollers and the interior of the duplexer. Avoid using harsh chemicals.

Clean the Rollers:

• Remove any visible paper dust or debris from the paper feed rollers. These rollers can sometimes accumulate residue, especially after jams with heavy or glossy paper.
• Rotate the rollers gently and clean them thoroughly with a damp, lint-free cloth.

Perform a Printer Cleaning Cycle:

• On the printer’s touchscreen, navigate to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Clean Smear or Clean Print Path.
• This built-in function can help remove smudges or marks by running a cleaning sheet through the printer.

Test with Plain Paper:

• Use plain, non-glossy paper to print a duplex test. Glossy or heavy paper can leave residue on rollers, so testing with plain paper helps determine if the problem persists.

Reset the Printer:

• Power off the printer and unplug it from the power source. Wait for 2-3 minutes, then plug it back in and power it on. Sometimes a reset clears internal errors.

Update the firmware. Click here

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, you may need to clean or replace additional parts like the transfer belt or fuser.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

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