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Solving Image Problems on HP Laser Printers

By Bill Tucker

There are several image related problems that can occur. If you want to save money and repair it yourself this article is for you. Read about the most common image related problems that HP Laser Printers have and how to resolve them.

Here are a few examples of image related problems:

Blank, Solid Black, Streaks, Double Images, Specks, Lines, Light Print, Dark Print, Blurred Image, Flaking / Rubs off

Cartridges: Most of these problems are related to the toner cartridge. If you don’t have another cartridge to test it you can diagnose the problem another way. Put a sheet of paper in tray 1. Run a configuration page with your hand on the power switch. When the page reaches midway, turn the power off. You may have to do this a couple more times to get the timing correct.

Now that you have stopped the paper midway, carefully remove the cartridge and the paper from the machine. Inspect it to see if the problem exists before it reached the fuser. If it does then it is in the cartridge, or possibly it could be in the Laser or scanner assembly. If it does not, then you have a bad fuser assembly. Remove the fuser and inspect it.

Cartridge problems are the most common cause of image related problems. I find more problems with remanufactured cartridges because the manufacturer is not replacing certain major components that cause the defects. Make sure they replace the drum. Also, look for companies that are ISO 9002/14001 certified and STMC certified. This will help weed out the undesirable cartridges. To be honest, I have seen a lot of OEM cartridges fail.

Cartridges fail for several reasons, such as foreign objects getting up into the cartridge causing lines, streaks and leaking. This can be resolved by being careful not to remove staple or paper clips in and around machine. You should also have your machine cleaned. Vacuuming all of the paper and toner dust can help decrease this. Remember to only use a service vacuum that can handle the tiny particle size of toner.

Printing a Configuration page: You will always need to print a configuration page, and here are some reasons.

Image quality test, Page count, Serial number of machine, Configuration of printer, The last few errors, Jet Direct print server card is installed, Many others ...

Here are a few directions on how to print out a configuration page. If you don’t see your model scroll through the menu on your printer and it should be easy to find.

HP LJ-4000/4050/4100
1 Press [Menu] until INFORMATION MENU appears.
2 Press [Item] until PRINT CONFIGURATION appears.
3 Press [Select] to print the Configuration Page.