[debodun]

I have an old HP Laserjet 4 which I haven used in about a year. When I tried printing just now, the print was very light - almost shadow-like and the printer smelled like hot electricity. Also, the more pages it printed, the more shadows appeared, like a double exposure photo. I took the toner cartridge out and shook it up, but all I got for my trouble was carbon dust all over my hands. It printed fine the last time I used it. What happened and any tips on improving the function?

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When I tried printing just now, the print was very light - almost shadow-like and the printer smelled like hot electricity

Sounds like a failing printer. If it is actually electrical it may be time to replace it.

[rshaffer61]

When I tried printing just now, the print was very light - almost shadow-like and the printer smelled like hot electricity

Sounds like a failing printer. If it is actually electrical it may be time to replace it.

[scamuicune]

I have an old HP Laserjet 4 which I haven used in about a year. When I tried printing just now, the print was very light - almost shadow-like and the printer smelled like hot electricity. Also, the more pages it printed, the more shadows appeared, like a double exposure photo. I took the toner cartridge out and shook it up, but all I got for my trouble was carbon dust all over my hands. It printed fine the last time I used it. What happened and any tips on improving the function?

If you somehow manage to figure out whether or not it's an electrical failure, it seems like there's an issue with the drum of the cartridge- might be too old and might be the reason why it's printing awkwardly. Also, the toner should not "fall out" of the cartridge when shaken, so that may be an additional indicator that the laser cartridge needs to be replaced.

[debodun]

That seems likely. Thanks for the suggestion. I got it used and the toner cartridge was already in it, so I don't know how much toner was left in it. I'm not really sure what cartridge to get. Do toner cartridges go bad just sitting?

Edited by debodun, 14 April 2012 - 06:21 AM.

[phillpower2]

Hi debodun
Have you tried the diagnostic utility http://h20000.www2.h...rodTypeId=18972
Also see http://www.fixyourow...com/kits/hp/K15