Light print or fade

A vertical streak or an incorrect or faded color area appears on the page.

●The paper might not meet HP’s paper specifications (for example, the paper is too moist or too rough). See “Print media specifications” on page 123.

●One or more print cartridges are low. If you are using non-HP print cartridges, no messages appear on the printer control panel or in the embedded Web server.

●The imaging drum might be low or empty. Print the Supplies Status page to check remaining life. Replace the imaging drum if it is low or empty.

●If none of the print cartridges or the imaging drum is low or empty, remove the print cartridges one at a time and inspect the toner roller in each to see if the roller is damaged. If so, replace the print cartridge.

●If the problem is not resolved, see “If the problem is not resolved” on page 86.

Toner specks

●The paper might not meet specifications. For example, the paper is too moist or too rough. See “Print media specifications” on page 123.

●The paper path might need cleaning. See “Cleaning the printer” on page 99.

●If the problem is not resolved, see “If the problem is not resolved” on page 86.

Dropouts

Faded areas, generally rounded, occur randomly on the page.

●A single sheet of paper might be defective. Try reprinting the job.

●The moisture content of the paper is uneven or the paper has moist spots on its surface. Try different paper, such as high-quality paper intended for laser printers. See “Print media specifications” on page 123.

●The paper lot is flawed. The manufacturing processes can cause some areas to reject toner. Try a different brand of paper, such as high-quality paper intended for laser printers. See “Print media specifications” on page 123.

●The imaging drum might be defective. See “Repetitive defects on the front” on page 84.

●If these steps do not correct the problem, contact HP Customer Care. See “HP Customer Care” on page 3 or the support flyer that came in the printer box.

●If the problem is not resolved, see “If the problem is not resolved” on page 86.

Vertical lines

Vertical streaks or bands appear on the page.

●One or more print cartridges are low or defective. Print the Supplies Status page to check remaining life. If you are using non-HP print cartridges, no messages appear on the printer control panel or in the embedded Web server.

●Clean the printer using a cleaning page. See “Cleaning the printer” on page 99.

●Use the tools on the Troubleshooting tab of the HP Color LaserJet Toolbox to correct the problem.

●If the problem is not resolved, see “If the problem is not resolved” on page 86.

82 Problem solving and maintenance

ENWW