Visual chart of HP LaserJet print defects about:reader?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metrofuser.com%2Fpost%2...

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Visual chart of HP LaserJet print

defects
18-23 minutes

Visual chart of HP LaserJet print defects

This is a useful reference chart of images, showing a picture of

each of the most common print defects found in laser printers.
Use this guide to identify your print defect, and read more about
the print defect with potential causes and solutions.

Below is a chart of common print defects found in laser printers.

It is not a complete list but should cover 90% or more of the
most common image defects. Click on the defect for more info
on potential causes and solutions:

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Background scatter

Possible Cause -Solution

Toner cartridge is defective - Install a new toner cartridge

Fuser assembly is bad - Do a half-way test to determine if it is

the fuser

Transfer Roller is dirty or worn. A worn Transfer Roller can

cause background scatter due to improper bias voltages. -
Replace the transfer roller.

Black lines - parallel or perpendicular

Possible Cause -Solution

parallel or perpendicular If the lines are repeated at a consistent

interval down the page, this is a repetitive defect.--See the
Repetitive Image Defect Ruler in the service manual to measure
and determine source of lines.

Black page

Possible Cause -Solution

Defective toner cartridge --Install a new toner cartridgeblack

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pages

High voltage power supply circuit is defective (not supplying the

correct negative voltage)--Replace the High Voltage Power
Supply PCA

DC controller PCA is defective. If the DC Controller turns on the

laser beam continuously, the entire surface of the
Photosensitive drum is neutralized causing a completely black
page.--Replace the DC Controller PCA

Blank page

Possible Cause -Solution

Occasional Pages

Multiple feeds--The printer may be feeding two or more pages at

once because the paper is difficult to separate. Flex the paper a
bit to help separate before installing in printer.

Software configuration ,. network configuration--Re-install printer

driver. Check paper size settings in software. Check any
software/network settings related to printing a blank separator
page between jobs.

Malfunctioning paper pickup assembly--The paper pickup

solenoids can misfire and intermittently cause the pickup rollers
to rotate an extra revolution. This will cause a blank page.
Replace or repair paper pickup solenoids.

All Pages

No toner is available for print--Remove sealing tape on toner

cartridge, or replace the toner cartridge if necessary.

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Malfunctioning laser shutter--Perform a half-way test and see if

there is an image on the imaging drum. If there is no image on
the drum, check the laser shutter for correct operation when
inserting the toner cartridge

No transfer roller voltage--Perform a half-way test and see if

there is an image on the imaging drum. If there is an image on
the drum, make sure the transfer roller is installed. Without
transfer roller voltage, toner cannot be attracted from the
surface of the drum to the print media. Replace the transfer
roller if necessary.

No developing bias--Perform a half-way test and see if there is

an image on the imaging drum. If there is no image on the drum,
clean the high-voltage power supply contacts. With no
developing bias charge, toner is not attracted to the drum.
Replace the engine controller board if necessary.

Defective laser scanner cable--Perform a half-way test and see

if there is an image on the imaging drum. If there is no image on
the drum, low-level signals exchanged between the
laser/scanner assembly and the engine controller board could
theoretically affect laser output. Replace the laser/scanner cable
assembly if necessary.

Blank spots

Possible Cause -Solution

Defective toner cartridge--Replace the toner cartridge.

Dirty laser scanner mirrors--Clean the laser scanner mirrors. On

some models, this is an advanced procedure; consult the

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service manual for instructions on accessing the laser scanner

assembly.

Contaminated or deformed transfer roller--Replace the transfer

roller.

Bubble print

Possible Cause -Solution

Defective toner cartridge--Replace the toner cartridge.

Defective High Voltage Power Supply--Replace the High Voltage

Power Supply

Photosensitive drum inside toner cartridge is not grounded--

Check for proper mounting of the High Voltage Power Supply,
and the HVPS ground contact on the toner cartridge. Check for
proper seating of toner cartridge. Replace toner cartridge.

Paper does not meet specifications -- moisture content,

conductivity, or surface finish may not work correctly with the
electrophotographic process.--Try a different paper type

Compressed print

Possible Cause -Solution

Drive gear is broken or worn--Inspect and replace the worn gear

of assembly

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Toner cartridge bushings are too tight--Replace the toner

cartridge

Contamination on back

Possible Cause -Solution

Contamination inside printer--1. Print at least 10 pages to see if

the problem goes away on its own. 2. Print a cleaning page
(consult User's Guide/ Service Manual.) 3. Identify and clean the
contaminated part, or better yet, replace the contaminated part if
replacements are orderable. 4. If contamination continues,
check toner cartridge for leaks. Replace cartridge.

Print media does not meet printer specifications, or is stored

improperly. 1. Print a few more pages to see if the problem
corrects itself. 2. Turn over the stack of media in the tray. Also
try rotating the media 180 degrees. 3. If the print media does
not meet HP specifications, replace the paper, and advise the
customer to use the recommended print media and store it
properly.

Creases

Possible Cause -Solution

Paper is loaded incorrectly.--Make sure print media is loaded

into tray correctly, and that the tray guides are adjusted properly
to fit against the paper stack.

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Determine the cause by performing a half-way test to isolate the

defective component.--Replace defective component. Common
possibilities include slipping paper pickup assembly, slipping
feed assembly, slipping fuser assembly.

Curl

Print media does not meet printer specifications or is stored

improperly.--1. Print a few more pages to see if the problem
corrects itself. 2. Turn over the stack of media in the tray. Also
try rotating the media 180 degrees. 3. I the print media does not
meet HP specs, replace the paper.

Wrong fuser setting for print media type--From the paper-

handling menu on the control panel, change the fuser mode
setting or choose another paper type from the printer driver.

Wrong output bin--Print to a different output bin (top or rear

output bin).

Distorted image

Possible Cause -Solution

Defective engine controller board--Replace the engine controller

board

Defective laser scanner--Replace the laser scanner

Poor connection of cables to the engine controller board--

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Reseat the cables connected to the engine controller board

Print media does not meet printer specifications or is stored

improperly--1. Print a few more pages to see if the problem
corrects itself. 2. Turn over the stack of media in the tray. Also
try rotating the media 180°. 3. If the print media does not meet
HP specifications, replace the paper, and advise the customer to
use the recommended print media and store it properly

Dropouts

Possible Cause -Solution

Failing toner cartridge, or wrong toner density setting--Replace

toner cartridge, or wrong toner density setting

Failing upper fuser roller in fuser--Replace fuser

DC Controller is defective (low primary voltage)--Replace the

DC controller

High Voltage Power Supply is defective--Replace the high

voltage power supply

Transfer roller is defective--Replace the Transfer Roller

Faded print w. bubbles

Possible Cause -Solution

Toner cartridge drum not grounded properly--With no ground

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path, the drum cannot discharge. The negative charge on the

drum repels toner and leaves a white page with bubble print. 1.
Replace toner cartridge. 2. Check the drum ground spring and
reconnect it, if necessary. 2. Replace the engine controller board

Fading print

Possible Cause -Solution

Toner supply is low , failing--Shake the cartridge gently to

redistribute the toner, or replace the cartridge

Transfer roller is defective or incorrectly installed. If the Transfer

roller loses conductivity, it cannot effectively pull toner from the
drum to the paper--Inspect the Transfer Roller for proper
installation and contact. If the Transfer Roller is damaged,
replace it

Laser mirror is dirty or shutter is not functioning--Clean the

scanner mirror. Check the Laser/Scanner shutter door for
proper operation. If defective, replace the Laser/Scanner
Assembly.

Print density is set incorrectly--Change to a darker setting and

retry printing

EconoMode is on. (EconoMode saves toner by reducing the dot

density. This may appear to be a print quality problem in some
cases.)--Turn EconoMode off. EconoMode settings are stored in
either the printer driver or the job application.

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Faulty Registration

Possible Cause -Solution

Paper guide on the paper tray is incorrectly adjusted.--If the

guide is pushing too tightly against the paper, it may be delayed
in being pulled into the printer. If the guide is too loose, it may
cause image skewing. Make sure that the paper guide is
adjusted for the correct paper size and is locked into position.

Paper is being picked up skewed; worn pickup , feed, or

registration rollers.-- Inspect all paper path rollers, looking for
wear, cracks, or glazing. Replace worn rollers.

Paper tray is overloaded. If the tray is overloaded, the Pickup

Rollers may not pick correctly.--Reload proper amount of paper
squarely in the tray. Review paper loading with the customer.

Gray background

Possible Cause -Solution

Faulty toner cartridge--Replace the toner cartridge

High voltage power supply failure--Replace high voltage power

supply

Formatter failure--Replace formatter

Wrong toner density setting--From the print-quality menu on the

control panel, adjust the toner density setting.

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Horizontal black lines

Possible Cause -Solution

Defective laser scanner assembly or engine controller board--1.

See the “Repetitive defect ruler” 2. Reseat connectors on the
laser scanner and engine controller board. 3. Replace the
laser/scanner assembly followed by the engine controller board,
if necessary

Horizontal smudges

Possible Cause -Solution

Paper path contamination or damage--1. See the Repetitive

defect ruler. 2. Check the toner cartridge and replace it if
necessary. 3. Check the fuser and replace it, if necessary

Horizontal white lines

Possible Cause -Solution

Defective toner cartridge--Replace the toner cartridge

Dirty / defective laser scanner assembly--Clean laser scanner

mirrors. Replace scanner assembly if necessary.

Defective DC controller--Replace DC controller

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Image skew Possible Cause -Solution

Pickup roller are worn. Paper is being fed at a skewed angle.--

Inspect all paper path rollers, looking for wear, cracks or glazing.
Replace worn rollers.

Paper size adjustment levers are not in correct position--Verify

position of paper size adjustment levers, and correct

Paper is loaded incorrectly. If paper is not installed flush and

tight in the paper tray, a skewing problem will result.--Remove
paper from the tray, and install paper correctly. Position the
paper guide correctly for the paper size being used.

Failing registration assembly--Replace registration assembly.

Light print, dark print, or fade

Possible Cause -Solution

Toner cartridge is low or failing--Replace the toner cartridge

Transfer roller was not installed correctly, or is defective--

Reinstall transfer roller, making sure it is fully seated. Replace
transfer roller if necessary.

Dirty laser scanner, or defective laser scanner--Clean laser

scanner mirrors. Replace laser scanner if necessary.

Poor contact from toner cartridge to engine controller board, or

failing engine controller board, or failing high voltage power
supply--1. Ensure that the drum ground spring is connected to

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the engine controller board correctly. 2. Clean the contacts if

they are contaminated. If the problem remains after cleaning, or
parts are damaged or deformed, replace them. 3. Replace the
engine controller board. 4. Replace the high voltage power
supply.

Wrong toner density setting, or EconoMode setting--From the

Print Quality menu, adjust the toner density setting. Make sure
EconoMode is off

Loose toner

Possible Cause -Solution

Defective , failing fuser--Replace the fuser

Toner cartridge is defective--Replace the toner cartridge

Wrong fuser setting for paper type--Paper type settings control

the heat of the fuser and bonding of the toner. From the paper-
handling menu on the control panel, change the fuser mode
setting or choose a different paper type from the printer driver

Toner spill contamination inside the printer--Print a few more

pages to see if the problem corrects itself. Clean the inside of
the printer or use the printer's cleaning page.

Paper type might be unusable (too thick, too smooth, etc).--Try

an alternate paper type

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Misshapen characters

Possible Cause -Solution

Defective , failing fuser assembly--Replace the fuser

Laser scanner assembly is defective--Replace the laser scanner

assembly

Failing drive gears causing fuser rollers to "slip" when bonding--

Listen for excessive drive gear noise; examine drive gears for
wear. Replace if necessary.

Failing transfer roller--Clean or replace transfer roller

Paper surface is too smooth for proper toner adhesion--Try an

alternate paper type with different surface

Paper surface is too rough; toner migrates to low spots and

leaves higher areas void--Try an alternate paper type with
different surface

Partial blank page

Possible Cause -Solution

Toner cartridge is failing--Replace the toner cartridge

Unseated transfer roller--Check transfer roller to ensure proper

installation

Dirty laser scanner, or defective laser scanner--Clean laser

scanner mirrors. Checker shutters for correct operation.
Replace laser scanner if necessary.

Failing engine controller board, failing high voltage power

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supply--1. Ensure that the drum ground spring is connected to

the engine controller board correctly. 2. Clean the contacts if
they are contaminated. If the problem remains after cleaning, or
parts are damaged or deformed, replace them. 3. Replace the
engine controller board. 4. Replace the high voltage power
supply.

Page is too complex or not enough memory--Memory overflow

error should occur, or "page too complex" error. Try an alternate
print driver. Add printer memory if necessary.

Repetitive defects Possible Cause -Solution

Defective toner--Replace the fuser if necessary.

There are a variety of causes for repetitive defects. --Check the

repetitive defects ruler.--See repetitive defect ruler.

Skew

Possible Cause -Solution

Print media is not loaded correctly, or trays are not adjusted

properly.--1. Make sure paper is loaded straight/neatly/correctly.
2. Make sure paper tray is not filled past capacity. 3. Ensure the
paper guides in the tray fit properly against the paper.

Paper pickup / feed rollers are worn and feeding paper at a

skewed angle--Check pickup / feed rollers for wear. If possible,

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print from a different tray / paper path to verify that only rollers in
that path are failing. Replace worn rollers.

Registration assembly is failing--Replace registration assembly

if necessary

Object blocking paper path---Check the paper path for

obstruction

Laser scanner assembly is failing.--Replace laser scanner

assembly if necessary

Tire tracks

Possible Cause -Solution

Failing toner cartridge--Replace toner cartridge

Contamination on paper pickup / feed rollers--Clean or replace

rollers.

Toner smear

Possible Cause -Solution

Failing toner cartridge--Do halfway test to isolate the problem.

Replace toner cartridge

Fuser assembly has toner buildup, or is failing.--Do halfway test

to isolate the problem. Run some more pages to try to clear the
toner buildup. If needed, replace fuser

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Toner spill contamination in the printer--1. Print a few pages to

see if the problem corrects itself. Clean the inside of the printer
or use the printer's cleaning page.

Wrong fuser setting for paper type--From the paper-handling

menu on the Control Panel, change the fuser mode setting or
choose another paper type from the printer driver.

Defective DC controller. (DC controller regulates fuser

temperature).--If a replacement fuser doesn't solve the problem,
replace DC controller PCA.

Paper type may be unusable (too smooth, too thick, too rough)--
Try a different paper type

Toner specks

Possible Cause -Solution

Failing toner cartridge--Replace toner cartridge

Toner spill contamination in the printer--1. Print a few pages to

see if the problem corrects itself. 2. Clean the inside of the
printer or use the printer's cleaning page.

Fuser assembly has toner buildup, or is failing.--Do halfway test

to isolate the problem. Run some more pages to try to clear the
toner buildup. If needed, replace fuser

Vertical black lines

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Possible Cause -Solution

Defective toner cartridge--Very probably-- Install another toner

cartridge or perform a halfway test to isolate the problem.
Replace toner cartridge if necessary.

Worn , failing fuser film--Somewhat probably-- Perform a

halfway test to isolate the problem. Check fuser film for tearing
or wear. Replace the fuser if necessary.

Defective formatter generating a "video line"--Unlikely Replace

formatter if necessary

Faulty DC controller or high voltage power supply-- Less

Unlikely Replace DC controller , high voltage if necessary

Vertical dots

Possible Cause -Solution

Defective toner cartridge--Replace toner cartridge

Defective engine controller board--Replace engine controller

board

Deformed or deteriorated transfer roller--Replace the transfer

roller

Faulty DC controller or high voltage power supply--Replace DC

controller , high voltage if necessary

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Vertical white lines

Possible Cause -Solution

Failing toner cartridge--Very probable Try gently shaking the

cartridge to redistribute the toner. If the problem continues,
replace the toner cartridge.

Contamination in the laser path--Somewhat probable 1. Clean

the laser scanner mirrors and lens. 2. Replace the laser /
scanner assembly.

White spots on black

Possible Cause -Solution

Defective toner cartridge--Replace the toner cartridge

Defective high voltage power supply (HVPS) or fuser.--1. Print a

few more pages to see if the problem corrects itself. 2. Make
sure that print media type and quality meet HP specifications. 3.
Make sure that the environmental specifications for the printer
are being met. 4. Replace the toner cartridge, HVPS, or fuser.

White stripes parallel to path

Possible Cause -Solution

Failing toner cartridge--Replace the toner cartridge

Failing transfer roller--Replace the transfer roller

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Developing a Critical HP Printer Parts Stocking Strategy

Metrofuser is a leading global innovator, manufacturer of printer

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systems solutions for professional users performing critical
tasks. Products and services include hp printer parts, printers
and printer repair training. Parts include hp printer parts such as
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Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing companies five consecutive
years.

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