HP Color LaserJet Pro M154 Printers - Fixing Poor Print Quality

This document is for HP Color LaserJet Pro M154a and M154nw printers.

The quality of a printed document is not as expected. The procedures in this document should help with print quality problems such as smeared, fuzzy, dark, or faded print, and loose, partially missing, or scattered toner.

HP recommends that you use genuine HP ink or toner supplies. HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP or refilled cartridges. If you do not use genuine HP cartridges, the steps in this document might not resolve the issue. To check the authenticity of your cartridges, go to the HP anti-counterfeit webpage (in English).

Purchase replacement cartridges and other supplies from the HP Store or local retailers.

Print another page. If using genuine HP toner cartridges did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

The quality and type of paper can affect the print job. Follow these guidelines to make sure the paper is appropriate. If it is not, load an appropriate paper type.

• Use paper designed for HP LaserJet printers. Do not use paper designed only for inkjet printers.
• Do not use paper that is too rough. Smoother paper might result in better print quality.

After loading appropriate paper in the tray, print another page. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Check the estimated toner level in the printer software.

• If the toner cartridge is not low, skip to the step to check the EconoMode setting.
• If the toner cartridge is low, continue to the next step to replace the toner cartridge.

If the toner cartridge is critically low or empty, replace it.

1. Open the front door.
   Figure : Opening the front door

   
2. Grasp the blue handle on the toner cartridge drawer, and then pull out the drawer.
   Figure : Pulling out the toner cartridge drawer

   
3. Grasp the handle on the toner cartridge, and then pull the toner cartridge straight up to remove it.
   Figure : Removing the toner cartridge

   
4. Remove the new toner cartridge package from the box, and then pull the release tab on the packaging shell.
   Figure : Pulling the release tab on the packaging

   
5. Remove the toner cartridge.

     caution:

   Do not touch the green imaging drum on the bottom of the toner cartridge. Fingerprints on the imaging drum can cause print defects.

   Figure : Removing the toner cartridge

   
6. Grasp both ends of the toner cartridge, and then gently rock the toner cartridge back and forth to distribute the toner.
   Figure : Gently rocking the toner cartridge back and forth

   
7. Insert the new toner cartridge into the drawer. Make sure the color chip on the toner cartridge matches the color chip on the drawer.
   Figure : Inserting the toner cartridge into the printer

   
8. Repeat these steps for other toner cartridges.
9. Push the toner cartridge drawer into the printer.
   Figure : Pushing the toner cartridge drawer into the printer

   
10. Close the front door.

Print another page. If replacing the toner cartridge did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

EconoMode is a print setting that uses less toner. However, using EconoMode can reduce print quality. If the entire page is too dark or too light, the EconoMode setting might be enabled.

note:

HP does not recommend the full-time use of EconoMode. If EconoMode is used full time, the toner supply might outlast the mechanical parts in the toner cartridge.

Print another page. If turning off the EconoMode setting did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Sometimes the print settings can affect print quality. Check the print settings to make sure they are appropriate for your print job.

Print another page. If changing the print settings did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Cleaning the printing mechanism and printing path inside the printer might resolve issues like repeating dots, fuzzy print, or smeared toner.

Print another page. If printing a cleaning page did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.

Examine the toner cartridge imaging drums and memory chips for damage.

1. Open the front door.
   Figure : Opening the front door

   
2. Grasp the blue handle on the toner cartridge drawer, and then pull out the drawer.
   Figure : Pulling out the toner cartridge drawer

   
3. Grasp the handle on the toner cartridge, and then pull the toner cartridge straight up to remove it.
   Figure : Removing the toner cartridge

   
4. Examine the memory chip for damage.
   Figure : Location of the memory chip

   
   • If the memory chip is damaged, refer to the previous steps in this document to replace the toner cartridge.
   • If the memory chip is not damaged, continue with these steps.
5. Examine the surface of the imaging drum.

     caution:

   Do not touch the imaging drum. Fingerprints on the imaging drum can cause print quality problems.

   Figure : Location of the imaging drum

   
   • If you see any scratches, fingerprints, or other damage on the imaging drum, refer to the previous steps in this document to replace the toner cartridge.
   • If the imaging drum is not damaged, continue with these steps.
6. Insert the new toner cartridge into the drawer. Make sure that the color chip on the cartridge matches the color chip on the drawer.
   Figure : Inserting the toner cartridge

   
7. Repeat these steps for the other toner cartridges.
8. Push the toner cartridge drawer into the printer.
   Figure : Pushing the toner cartridge drawer into the printer

   
9. Close the front door.

Print another page. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Service or replace your HP product if the issue persists after completing all the preceding steps.

Go to Contact HP Customer Support to schedule a product repair or replacement. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.

To confirm your warranty status, go to HP Product Warranty Check. Repair fees might apply for out-of-warranty products.

note:

Keep a print sample that shows the problem. If the printer, imaging drum, or toner cartridges are replaced under warranty, the support agent might request the print sample.