Why Does my Laser Printer Skip Lines While Printing

 HP Laser printer users have high print volume requirements. They choose the printer to obtain quality prints, and it can be frustrating when the printer misses or skip some lines in the printout.

The “HP printer missing lines” error cannot be ignored and may ruin the printing purpose. But the good news is that there are some solutions one can utilize to fix this error. 

What is Causing the HP Printer Missing Lines Error?

Knowing the root cause of a problem makes it easy to find solutions. It also gives us an idea about how to prevent it from happening again. Below are some possible reasons why your laser printer is missing lines:

• Seals and plastic films are not removed correctly.

• There is a problem with the toner, drum unit, or fuser unit.

• Communication error between the computer and the printer.  

• The paper has damp areas on its surface or has an uneven moisture level.

• The paper batch has errors. Some parts of the pages may reject toner as a result of the production procedures.

How do I Correct the Missing line Printing Error of the LaserJet?

 

Now, you got an idea about what is causing the HP printer missing lines error. Try these solutions to fix it:

1. Clean the Printer From the Settings

Perform the drum and fuser cleaning procedure from the printer's menu if it's available.

• Find the maintenance option in the print settings.
• Then, run the process for cleaning the toner residues from the machine. 

2. Verify Printer’s Connectivity

Ensure that the printer's connection with the PC is stable. Also, remove the film layers from the printer and cartridge. Generally, removal instructions are given on the seals. 

3. Clean the Fuser

A laser printer contains a pair of heated rollers known as the fuser unit. Toner particles create the print when the paper goes through the imaging drum. 

The printing error may occur if the drum or fuser has some dirt or is damaged. 

To clean the fuser of the printer manually, follow these steps:

• The fuser location will depend on the device model. You can check your printer manual or inspect for openings to take out the fuser. 

• Once you release the cover, pull the levers that are holding the fuser unit. 

• Then take the fuser out and place it on a plain surface. 

• Check the fuser for any damage because a damaged fuser is of no use. 

• After checking, take soft fabric clothes, q-tips, and isopropyl alcohol to clean the fuser. Do not use rubbing alcohol or harsh chemicals for cleaning. Using such liquids may damage the fuser. 

• Now pour some cleaning alcohol on the fabric and wipe the fuser to clean. Also, clean the edges and small areas with q-tips. 

• Reinstall the fuser in the printer after cleaning. 

• Lastly, turn on the printer and print a test page. 

Caution: When in use, the fuser gets very hot. Switch off the printer and let the fuser cool for at least 15 minutes before inspecting it. Make sure your device is switched off when you carry out any manual maintenance process. 

 

4. Clean the Printer and Toner Unit

 

Follow the steps below to carry out the cleaning process:

• First, switch off the printer and let it cool down for thirty minutes. 

• After that, open the rear or front panel of the printer. 

• Now, remove the toner cartridge for cleaning. The unit looks like a green cylinder.

• Damp a piece of soft and non-oily coated fabric with isopropyl alcohol and clean the cartridge for any dirt and extra toner. 

• After cleaning, dry the unit with a dry cloth and keep it aside. 

• Now, clean the inside of the printer gently and then reassemble the removed components.

• Then, switch on the printer and run test printing. 

 

Caution:  Be extra careful while cleaning the inside of the printer because it can get damaged easily. Apply less pressure while cleaning and avoid touching too much. You can use the user manual that came with the printer as a guide. 

Final Words

If the solutions listed above do not solve the HP printer skipping  lines error, then try replacing the fuser and toner units. You can also connect with an expert if you are not confident doing the procedures yourself.