HP LJ3030

[Guest]

first few pages after printer not used have shaded background

copies clear up after a few pages both when using copy and print modes.

help needed

[Rob Sandberg]

Is it a new or recycled cartridge?
How old is the cartridge?
Have you changed the cartridge?

Rob S

[CanonHPTech]

That is usually a clear sign of a defective cartridge. Outside of that, machine is pretty simple.

[mabawser]

99% sure if you replace your toner/drum cartridge then you will solve your problem

[prntrfxr]

HP LJ3030

Additionally, make sure paper is fresh reem, not paper that's been sitting out for a while. Some reman. cartridges can't take sitting in humid/moist environment.

[mthomp]

HP LJ3030

I should have noted that I did swap the HP12A with same results.

Also changed transfer roller / no change

What about temp or humidity? It's very cold and dry

[TommyH]

Can you do a stop test and see if it happens before the fuser or if it happens after the fuser? Typically like everyone said thats normally a cartridge problem.

[mthomp]

HP LJ 3030

Just did the stop test same result

After three prints copies perfect / Rest 3030 and problem repeats

Thanks

[TommyH]

When you did the stop test, did the page look fine before it entered the fuser? Not sure but maybe if the print looks fine before it enters the fuser maybe the fuser is not getting hot enough and causing the toner to not adhere right to the first few pages. Just a thought.

If the print looks bad before it enters the fuser than thats in the imaging area. Drum/cartridge. As mentioned before have you tried a fresh ream of media?

[prntrfxr]

HP LJ3030

All of the suggestions above are good. Here's some more to try:

I assume the economode or draft mode option is turned off?
I assume all of these tests are being done by printing configuration pages from control panel? If it is light only when copying, try adjusting print contrast/resolution settings in HP Toolbox. If happens when printing pages from control panel, try adjusting print density in HP Toolbox.
Did you try cleaning the laser scanner lens?
Did you try printing engine test to by-pass formatter and see if the print is light to dark?
Did you clean HVPS contacts that touch the toner cartridge contacts?
Is the printer on a level surface?
Is the paper genuine HP paper or try a different brand of paper than what is provided by customer (if you have to, bring your own).
Is the printer plugged into a surge protector or directly into the wall?


If the Engine test comes out faint you've pretty much ruled out the formatter.
If you've completed all the above, you're looking at either:

HVPS, DC Controller, or, Laser Scanner as being the culprit. I've not heard of any weaknesses in this machine for these reasons you've stated. The suggestions above may sound extreme, but most do not cost anything to try and the craziest things sometimes work. Hope this helps you.

[victor25]

sounds like power issue to me. HVPS or main power supply slow to get up to correct voltage.