Print Quality Issues - HP LaserJet Pro M402dn
Image defects—regardless of the cause—can often be resolved by following a few basic steps. Use the guidelines below as a starting point to improve print quality.
BANDING
Sample
Description
Possible Solutions
Dark or light lines that repeat down the length of the page, appearing as wide-pitch or impulse bands. These lines may be sharp or faint and typically appear only in solid-filled areas, not in text or blank sections.
1. Reprint the document
2. Try printing from a different tray
3. Replace the toner cartridge if needed.
4. Use a different type of paper that meets printer specifications.
BLACK PAGE
Sample
Description
Possible Solutions
The printed page comes out completely black.
1. Visually inspect the toner cartridge for any signs of damage or leakage.
2. Ensure the cartridge is properly seated and securely installed in the printer.
3. If needed, replace the cartridge with a new one.
BLANK PAGE - NO PRINT
Sample
Description
Possible Solutions
The printed page comes out entirely blank with no visible text or images.
1. Make sure the cartridge is a genuine HP product.
2. Check that the cartridge is installed correctly and securely.
3. Try a different cartridge to rule out any defects.
4. Confirm the paper type in the tray and adjust printer settings to match. If needed, select a lighter paper.
CURLED OUTPUT
Sample
Description
Possible Solutions
Printed pages may have curled edges, either on the short or long side. There are two types:
Positive curl: Paper bends toward the printed side, often caused by dry conditions or heavy toner use.
Negative curl: Paper bends away from the printed side, usually due to high humidity or light toner coverage.
1. Reprint the document.
- For positive curl (paper bends toward the printed side), select a heavier paper type from the printer control panel. This increases the print temperature.
- For negative curl (paper bends away from the printer side), choose a lighter paper type. This lowers the print temperature.
2. Store paper in a dry place or use freshly opened sheets.
3. Try printing in duplex mode to reduce curl.
GRAY BACKGROUND OR DARK PRINT
Sample
Description
Possible Solutions
The print looks too dark, and the background may appear gray.
1. Check that the paper in the tray is fresh and hasn't been used before.
2. Try a different type of paper.
3. Reprint the document.
4. For mono models: Go to Adjust Toner Density on the printer's control panel and lower toner setting.
5. Make sure the printer is operating within the recommended temperature and humidity range.
6. Replace the toner cartridge if needed.
IMAGE PLACEMENT DEFECTS
Sample
Description
Possible Solutions
The print is off-center or slanted because the paper wasn’t loaded or fed correctly through the tray.
1. Reprint the document.
2. Remove and reload the paper, making sure all edges are aligned.
3. Keep the paper stack below the tray's fill line--don't overfill.
4. Adjust the paper guides to match the paper size. Don't press them too tightly against the stack.
LIGHT PRINT
Sample
Description
Possible Solutions
The print is faint or barely visible across the whole page.
1. Reprint the document.
2. Remove the toner cartridge, shake it gently to spread the toner, then reinstall it.
3. For mono models: Turn off EconoMode in both the printer setting and print driver.
4. Make sure the cartridge is properly installed.
5. Print a Supplies Status Page to check cartridge life and usage.
6. Replace cartridge if needed.
MISSING TONER ON EDGE
Sample
Description
Possible Solutions
Toner smudges or rubs off near the edges of the page. This often happens with light paper or heavy printing and is caused during the fusing process when toner is bonded to the paper.
1. Reprint the document.
2. Check the paper type in the tray and make sure printer settings match. If needed, choose a heavier paper.
REPEATED SHADOWS OR OFFSETS
Sample
Description
Possible Solutions
Faint shadows or repeated images appear down the page, gradually fading. This happens during the fusing process when toner is bonded to the paper.
1. Reprint the document.
2. Make sure the paper type matches the printer settings. If needed, choose a lighter paper.
STACKING DEFECTS
Sample
Description
Possible Solutions
The paper stack in the output tray may be uneven, misaligned, or fall out. This can happen due to:
- Excessive paper curl
- Wrinkled or bent sheets
- Non-standard paper types like envelopes
- An overfilled output tray
1. Reprint the document.
2. Pull out the output bin extension.
3. If the issue is due to curled paper, follow the steps under "Curled Output".
4. Try a different paper type or use freshly opened paper.
5. Clear the output tray before it gets too full.
STREAKS
Sample
Description
Possible Solutions
Faint vertical lines appear down the page, but only in areas with printed color or shading—not in text or blank sections.
1. Reprint the document.
2. Take out the toner cartridge, shake it gently to spread the toner, then put it back in and close the cover.
Note: Light or dark vertical streaks may appear if the room's temperature or humidity is outside the printer's recommended range. Check your printer's specs for proper conditions.
VERTICAL LINES
Sample
Description
Possible Solutions
Dark vertical lines run down the page and can appear in both printed and blank areas.
1. Reprint the document.
2. Take out the toner cartridge, shake it gently to spread the toner, then put it back in.
3. Print a cleaning page.
4. Check the toner level.
If you've tried the steps above and are still experiencing print quality issues, it may be time to replace the toner cartridge or check for hardware-related concerns. Always ensure you're using genuine HP supplies and that your printer is operating within the recommended environmental conditions.
For further assistance, you can:
- Visit the Support Center to report an issue or request service.
- Use the Live Chat button for real-time help from a Service Desk Specialist.
- Browse additional help articles for more troubleshooting tips.
We're here to help you get the best performance from your HP LaserJet Pro.