HP Officejet 8600 Pro - Scanned documents printing too light ...

[CK897]

We are currently utilizing a HP Officejet 8600 Pro printer and in the past, we've had good results. However, as of yesterday, when we copy a document using the scanning bed or the feed tray on top, the document prints too lightly. It looks almost as if the ink is running low, but when we print directly to the printer, the prints come out fine and are of appropriate contrast for a black and white copy. We've tried adjusting the settings, but this happens regardless of whether the contrast is normal or higher/lower, and have tried cleaning off the scan bed and the scanner for the feed tray. Nothing seems to be working. Does anyone know why the printer would print correctly when you print directly from a computer, but offer such poor results when trying to scan/copy a document? Thanks!

[garytech1]

Hi CK897,

I understand that you're having a scan quality issue.  I would try the steps below.  

 Let me know how it goes.

1. Press the Power button ( ) to turn on the product.
2. With the product turned on , disconnect the power cord from the rear of the product.
3. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
4. Wait at least 15 seconds.
5. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
6. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the product.
7. If the product does not turn on by itself, press the Power button ( ) to turn it on.
8. Try to copy or scan again.

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[AbsoluteCDC]

We have started having the same issues all of a sudden.  I have tried unplugging as you suggested, but it did not work.  I noticed when I scan, the scan is like the original while it is scanning, but dramatically lightens when it finishes.  It drastically lightens whatever we are copying as well.

[MikeLiddicoat]

I was having the same issue.  ONLY when scanning using the feeder would the scans come out too light, could hardly read them.  This also happened when making copies using the feeder.  i called HP and THEY WERE HELPFUL.  They claim that having it plugged into a surge protector can cause issues with the power supply.  I unplugged from the protector and went directly to the wall outlet.  Problem solved.  They also say there is a surge protector built into the maching so no need to plug into one.

Seems a little weird to me but I don't care. It works now.

[pjwgordon]

Thanks for your help! This was driving me crazy and your fix worked.

[Tom41]

Read your post and within 90 seconds my issue was solved.  Thanks.