multi-color spots and smears on printed paper

[Paul-WoT]

My unit has just started to print pagers with color spots (several different colors) and smears. No recent change of cartridges, which on inspection all look OK. Oddly, when printing a black and white document the result is less pronounced it I set it to color rather than black and white. Any ideas?

[KrazyToad]

@Paul-WoT

Welcome to HP Support Community

I would like to help

Please follow the instructions in this Link: https://support.hp.com/in-en/product/hp-color-laserjet-pro-m280-m281-multifunction-printer-series/14...

Thank you

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the "Solution Accepted" on this Post and it will also help other community members with similar issue.

[Paul-WoT]

Thanks but despite carefully following the procedures the problem persists. Strangely it is far more pronounced when using the black & white (rather than the colour setting), whether printing or copying.

Examining the cartridges, it appears that 'red' ink is visible on the 'yellow' imaging drum and despite carefully cleaning the problem returns. The cartridges (which are far from empty) have been operating satisfactorily until a few days ago and no change accounts for the development of the fault.

Red, blue and yellow dots/smears appear on printing but the red is by far the greater.

Any further ideas would be appreciated.

[KrazyToad]

@Paul-WoT

Thanks for keeping me posted

At this point I suggest you contact HP Support in your region for service options

1) Click on this link - www.hp.com/contacthp/ 
2) Select your product type below.
3) Enter the serial of your device. 
4) Select the country from the drop-down. 
5) Select the chat or get phone number options based on your preferences. 
6) Fill the web-form and proceed further.

Thank you

[Paul-WoT]

Thanks, but the reality is that any repair will probably cost in excess of £100 and I may be better off buying a current unit. Do you know what the minimum repair charge is likely to be in the UK?

[KrazyToad]

Unfortunately we do not have that information 😌