LaserJet 4mv grey page

[MikeVT]

My printer started printing grey pages. It started in some areas not pretty much the full page. The text is not readable.

The roller in the cartridge roller is covered with toner. I cleaned everything but no change.

I did try a different cartridge. It was a non-HP refill. Not sure how old it is. It was unopened but I have had if for several years.

[Big Al]

A possibility is the charging roller, also called the transfer roller. It is the black spongy roller that sits right under the image drum (green roller in the toner cartridge) and charges it with high voltage. If your first cartridge leaked a bunch of toner on it then it may be contaminated. Gently remove it and wipe it well with a clean soft cloth. Then try the new cartridge.

If both cartridges are doing the same thing then you probably have an electronic problem in this printer. The formatter is the printed circuit board on the right side of the printer. Remove the cover, remove the Network card if it has one. Remove the screws that hold the printed circuit board. Gently wiggle the board straight out then push it back in. Do this three times. Wear a static strap if the humidity is below 40%. The formatter drives the laser so this is a possiblilty. If the transfer roller is contaminated again you will have to clean it.

The third possibility might be the Laser Scanner assembly but I have not seen one do this.

If these suggestions do not help you will need a similar printer to swap parts with. If one is not available then I would suggest a replacement printer. A 4+ or a 5n would let you use the toner and the Network Card. The replacemt would probably cost less (~$100) than replacement parts, especially if you cannot readily itentify the part you need. Sometimes you can pick these printers up on Craig's list and Ebay for very reasonable prices, just watch the shipping costs. Hope this helps.

You can also download a service manual but will have to get someone with a laser printer to print it for you.

Al

[MichaelTech]

"Hey, Fred, my printers not working right". Well, Barney, how long have you had it?
"Oh, about ten years, why?" Barney, Barney, Barney, go to PrinterTechs.com for deals on refurbished newer printers. Cost less than repairs on that dinosaur! Uh, gee, thank's Fred!

[cs_steve]

Sounds like you may have 2 bad toner cartridges in a row...