HP 218: fixing faded or light prints

HP's print-quality checklist for this printer family, in order: use genuine cartridges; use paper made for LaserJet printers (not inkjet paper) that is clean, flat and not too rough; check the print settings for the job; check the toner levels; print a cleaning page; inspect the cartridge; update the firmware; then replace the cartridge. Faded output with a low level usually means the cartridge is simply near its end — HP notes that gently rocking it can redistribute the toner for a while.

They are estimates from the cartridge chip. HP calls the levels "estimates for planning purposes only" and says you do not need to replace a cartridge until print quality becomes unacceptable — "low" is a reminder to have a replacement ready. Gently rocking a cartridge near the end can redistribute the toner for a while.

Remanufactured cartridges that reuse a reset HP chip may not show toner-low messages at all (Staples says so for its 218X).

HP's first fix for specks, smears, streaks, lines or repeating marks is a fuser cleaning page, printed from the printer's Embedded Web Server (Print Quality > Tools > Fuser Cleaning). If that does not help, turn the printer off, take the cartridge out and inspect it: a damaged memory chip or scratches and fingerprints on the green imaging drum mean the cartridge must be replaced — never touch the drum. Streaks in one color point at that color's cartridge. HP adds that with non-HP cartridges its steps may not solve the problem.

Levels come from the cartridge chip, so a remanufactured cartridge with a reset or reused chip, or a compatible chip, may report nothing or something inaccurate. With an Original HP cartridge, reseat it, then update the display by restarting the printer. If the level stays wrong, print by quality: replace when output fades.

A chip problem shows up as a message before or right after installing: "not recognized", "unsupported", "used or counterfeit" or a cartridge problem — often while the print itself looks fine. A toner problem shows on paper: streaks, faded areas, a missing color — with no chip message.

Test it: install a cartridge you know is good (preferably Original HP). If the message disappears, the previous cartridge's chip was the problem. If print quality stays poor with a known-good cartridge, work through HP's print-quality steps (cleaning page, paper, settings) — the problem may be in the printer.

Start with the physical checks: remove the cartridge, make sure all packing tape and the protective cover are off, and reseat it firmly in the slot whose color chip matches the cartridge. A dirty or damaged chip contact can also cause it.

If it is a compatible or remanufactured cartridge that stopped being accepted after an update, the likely cause is dynamic security — contact the seller for a replacement or refund. An Original HP cartridge that is still rejected needs HP support.