HP Deskjet D4360 User Manual

							Print quality is poor
This section contains the following topics:
•
Wrong, inaccurate, or bleeding colors
•
Ink is not filling the text or graphics completely
•
The printout has a horizontal band of distortion near the bottom of a borderless print
•
Printouts have horizontal streaks or lines
•
Printouts are faded or have dull colors
•
Printouts seem blurry or fuzzy
•
Printouts have vertical streaks
•
Printouts are slanted or skewed
•
Ink streaks on the back of the paper
•
Paper is not picked up from the input tray
•
The text edges are jagged
Wrong, inaccurate, or bleeding colors
If your printout has one of the following print quality problems, try the solutions in this
section for help.
• Colors look slightly different than what you expected.
For example, the colors in your graphic or photo look one way on your computer
screen, but print out differently.
• You expected to see one color in the printout, and a completely different color
appeared.
For example, magenta was replaced with cyan in your printout.
• Colors run into each other, or look like they have been smeared on the page. The
edges might have a feathering appearance instead of being sharp and defined.
•
Solution 1: HP recommends using genuine HP print cartridges
•
Solution 2: Check the paper loaded in the input tray
•
Solution 3: Check the paper type
•
Solution 4: Check to see if the product is in ink-backup mode
•
Solution 5: Check the print settings
•
Solution 6: Clean the print cartridges
Solution 1: HP recommends using genuine HP print cartridges
Solution:Check to see if your print cartridges are genuine HP print cartridges.
HP recommends that you use genuine HP print cartridges. Genuine HP print
cartridges are designed and tested with HP printers to help you easily produce great
results, time after time.
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							NOTE:HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP supplies. Printer
service or repairs required as a result of using a non-HP supply will not be covered
under warranty.
If you believe you purchased genuine HP print cartridges, go to:
www.hp.com/go/anticounterfeit
Cause:Non-HP ink was being used.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Check the paper loaded in the input tray
Solution:Make sure the paper is loaded correctly and that it is not wrinkled or too
thick.
• Load paper with the side you want to print on facing down. For example, if you
are loading glossy photo paper, load the paper with the glossy side down.
• If the paper is too close to the print cartridge during printing, the ink might be
smeared. This can happen if the paper is raised, wrinkled, or very thick, such as
a mailing envelope. Make sure the paper lays flat in the input tray and is not
wrinkled.
For more information, see:
•
Print other documents
•
Store and handle photo paper
Cause:The paper was loaded incorrectly, or it was wrinkled or too thick.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 3: Check the paper type
Solution:HP recommends that you use HP Premium Papers or any other paper
type that is appropriate for the product.
Always make sure the paper you are printing on is flat. For best results when printing
images, use HP Premium Plus Photo Paper.
For more information, see:
Store and handle photo paper
Cause:The wrong kind of paper was loaded in the input tray.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 4: Check to see if the product is in ink-backup mode
Solution:Check to see if the the product is printing in ink-backup mode, with only
one print cartridge installed.
If the product is in ink-backup mode, text and photo quality will differ from those printed
when using all print cartridges.
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							If you are satisfied with the print quality, continue printing in ink-backup mode. Or,
replace the missing print cartridge.
For more information, see:
•
Ink-backup mode
•
Replace print cartridges
Cause:A print cartridge was missing, and the product was printing in ink-backup
mode.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 5: Check the print settings
Solution:Check the print settings.
• Check the print settings to see if the color settings are incorrect.
For example, check to see if the document is set to print in grayscale. Or, check
to see if advanced color settings such as saturation, brightness, or color tone, are
set to modify the appearance of colors.
• Check the print quality setting and make sure it matches the type of paper loaded
in the product.
You might need to choose a lower print quality setting, if colors are running into
each other. Or, choose a higher setting if you are printing a high-quality photo,
and then make sure photo paper such as HP Premium Photo Papers, is loaded
in the input tray.
NOTE:On some computer screens, colors might appear differently than they do
when printed on paper. In this case, there is nothing wrong with the product, print
settings, or print cartridges. No further troubleshooting is required.
For more information, see:
Change the print speed or quality
Cause:The print settings were set incorrectly.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 6: Clean the print cartridges
Solution:Print a self-test report to determine if there is a problem with the print
cartridges. If the self-test report shows a problem, clean the print cartridges. If the
problem persists, you might need to replace the print cartridges.
Cause:The print cartridges need to be cleaned.
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							Ink is not filling the text or graphics completely
Try the following solutions if the ink is not filling the text or image completely so that it
appears that parts are missing or blank.
•
Solution 1: HP recommends using genuine HP print cartridges
•
Solution 2: Check the print settings
•
Solution 3: Check the paper type
•
Solution 4: Clean the print cartridges
Solution 1: HP recommends using genuine HP print cartridges
Solution:Check to see if your print cartridges are genuine HP print cartridges.
HP recommends that you use genuine HP print cartridges. Genuine HP print
cartridges are designed and tested with HP printers to help you easily produce great
results, time after time.
NOTE:HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP supplies. Printer
service or repairs required as a result of using a non-HP supply will not be covered
under warranty.
If you believe you purchased genuine HP print cartridges, go to:
www.hp.com/go/anticounterfeit
Cause:Non-HP ink was being used.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Check the print settings
Solution:Check the print settings.
• Check the paper type setting to make sure it matches the type of paper loaded in
the input tray.
• Check the quality setting. Use a higher quality setting to increase the amount of
ink used for printing.
For more information, see:
•
Select a paper type
•
Change the print speed or quality
•
Maximum dpi
Cause:The paper type or print quality settings were incorrectly.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 3: Check the paper type
Solution:HP recommends that you use HP Premium Papers or any other paper
type that is appropriate for the product.
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							Always make sure the paper you are printing on is flat. For best results when printing
images, use HP Premium Plus Photo Paper.
For more information, see:
Store and handle photo paper
Cause:The wrong kind of paper was loaded in the input tray.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 4: Clean the print cartridges
Solution:Print a self-test report to determine if there is a problem with the print
cartridges. If the self-test report shows a problem, clean the print cartridges. If the
problem persists, you might need to replace the print cartridges.
Cause:The print cartridges need to be cleaned.
The printout has a horizontal band of distortion near the bottom of a borderless
print
Try the following solutions if your borderless print has a blurry band or line on the bottom
of it.
NOTE:For this issue, there is not a problem with your ink supplies. Therefore,
replacing the print cartridges is not necessary.
•Solution 1: Check the paper type
•
Solution 2: Check the print quality setting
•
Solution 3: Rotate the image
Solution 1: Check the paper type
Solution:HP recommends that you use HP Premium Papers or any other paper
type that is appropriate for the product.
Always make sure the paper you are printing on is flat. For best results when printing
images, use HP Premium Plus Photo Paper.
For more information, see:
Store and handle photo paper
Cause:The wrong kind of paper was loaded in the input tray.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
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							Solution 2: Check the print quality setting
Solution:Check the quality setting. Use a higher quality setting to increase the
amount of ink used for printing.
For more information, see:
•
Change the print speed or quality
•
Maximum dpi
Cause:The print quality setting was set to low.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 3: Rotate the image
Solution:If the problem persists, use the software you installed with the product or
another software application to rotate your image 180 degrees so that the light blue,
gray, or brown hues in your image do not print at the bottom of the page.
Cause:The photo image had light blue, gray, or brown hues that print near the
bottom of the page.
Printouts have horizontal streaks or lines
Try the following solutions if your printout has a lines, streaks, or marks on it that run side-
to-side across the width of the page.
•
Solution 1: Make sure the paper is loaded correctly
•
Solution 2: Check the print quality setting
•
Solution 3: If the print cartridge was dropped, wait for it to recover
•
Solution 4: Clean the print cartridge nozzles
•
Solution 5: Clean the print cartridges
Solution 1: Make sure the paper is loaded correctly
Solution:Make sure the paper is loaded correctly.
For more information, see:
•
Print documents
•
Print photos
Cause:The paper was not feeding properly or was not loaded correctly.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
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							Solution 2: Check the print quality setting
Solution:Check the quality setting. Use a higher quality setting to increase the
amount of ink used for printing.
For more information, see:
•
Change the print speed or quality
•
Maximum dpi
Cause:The print quality setting was set too low.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 3: If the print cartridge was dropped, wait for it to recover
Solution:Allow half an hour for the print cartridge to recover.
Cause:A print cartridge was jarred or handled roughly during installation.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 4: Clean the print cartridge nozzles
Solution:Check the print cartridges. If it looks as though there are fibers or dust
around the ink nozzles, clean the ink nozzle area of the print cartridge.
For more information, see:
Manually clean print cartridges
Cause:The print cartridge nozzles needed to be cleaned.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 5: Clean the print cartridges
Solution:Check the estimated ink levels remaining in the print cartridges.
NOTE:Ink level warnings and indicators provide estimates for planning
purposes only. When you receive a low-ink warning message, consider having a
replacement cartridge available to avoid possible printing delays. You do not need
to replace the print cartridges until print quality becomes unacceptable.
If there is ink remaining in the print cartridges, but you are still noticing a problem,
print a self-test report to determine if there is a problem with the print cartridges. If the
self-test report shows a problem, clean the print cartridges. If the problem persists,
you might need to replace the print cartridges.
For more information, see 
Print a test page.
Cause:The print cartridges needed to be cleaned or there was insufficient ink.
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							Printouts are faded or have dull colors
Try the following solutions if the colors in your printout are not as bright and intense as
you expected.
•
Solution 1: Check the print settings
•
Solution 2: Check the paper type
•
Solution 3: Clean the print cartridges
Solution 1: Check the print settings
Solution:Check the print settings.
• Check the paper type setting to make sure it matches the type of paper loaded in
the input tray.
• Check the quality setting. Use a higher quality setting to increase the amount of
ink used for printing.
For more information, see:
•
Select a paper type
•
Change the print speed or quality
•
Maximum dpi
Cause:The paper type or print quality settings were incorrectly.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Check the paper type
Solution:HP recommends that you use HP Premium Papers or any other paper
type that is appropriate for the product.
Always make sure the paper you are printing on is flat. For best results when printing
images, use HP Premium Plus Photo Paper.
For more information, see:
Store and handle photo paper
Cause:The wrong kind of paper was loaded in the input tray.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 3: Clean the print cartridges
Solution:Check the estimated ink levels remaining in the print cartridges.
NOTE:Ink level warnings and indicators provide estimates for planning
purposes only. When you receive a low-ink warning message, consider having a
replacement cartridge available to avoid possible printing delays. You do not need
to replace the print cartridges until print quality becomes unacceptable.
If there is ink remaining in the print cartridges, but you are still noticing a problem,
print a self-test report to determine if there is a problem with the print cartridges. If the
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							self-test report shows a problem, clean the print cartridges. If the problem persists,
you might need to replace the print cartridges.
For more information, see 
Print a test page.
Cause:The print cartridges needed to be cleaned or there was insufficient ink.
Printouts seem blurry or fuzzy
Try the following solutions if your printout is smudged or unclear.
TIP:After reviewing the solutions in this section, you can go to HPs support Web
site to see if there is additional troubleshooting help. For more information, go to:
www.hp.com/support.
•Solution 1: Check the print settings
•
Solution 2: Check the resolution of the image
Solution 1: Check the print settings
Solution:Check the print settings.
• Check the paper type setting to make sure it matches the type of paper loaded in
the input tray.
• Check the quality setting. Use a higher quality setting to increase the amount of
ink used for printing.
For more information, see:
•
Select a paper type
•
Change the print speed or quality
•
Maximum dpi
Cause:The paper type or print quality settings were incorrect.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Check the resolution of the image
Solution:Check the resolution of the image. If you are printing a photo or graphic,
and the resolution is too low, it will be blurry or fuzzy when printed.
If a digital photo or rasterized graphic has been resized, it can be blurry or fuzzy when
printed.
Cause:The resolution of the image was low.
Printouts have vertical streaks
Refer to this section if your printout has lines, streaks, or marks on it that run up-and-
down or lengthwise down the page.
NOTE:For this issue, there is not a problem with your ink supplies. Therefore,
replacing the print cartridges is not necessary.
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							Solution:HP recommends that you use HP Premium Papers or any other paper
type that is appropriate for the product.
Always make sure the paper you are printing on is flat. For best results when printing
images, use HP Premium Plus Photo Paper.
For more information, see:
Store and handle photo paper
Cause:The wrong kind of paper was loaded in the input tray.
Printouts are slanted or skewed
Try the following solutions if your printout does not appear straight on the page.
•
Solution 1: Make sure the paper is loaded correctly
•
Solution 2: Make sure only one type of paper is loaded
•
Solution 3: Check the rear door
Solution 1: Make sure the paper is loaded correctly
Solution:Make sure the paper is loaded correctly.
For more information, see:
•
Print documents
•
Print photos
Cause:The paper was not feeding properly or was not loaded correctly.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Make sure only one type of paper is loaded
Solution:Load only one type of paper at a time.
Cause:More than one type of paper was loaded in the input tray.
If this did not solve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 3: Check the rear door
Solution:Make sure the rear door is securely installed.
Cause:The rear door was not securely installed.
Ink streaks on the back of the paper
Try the following solutions if there is smeared ink on the back of your printout.
•
Solution 1: Print on a page of plain paper
•
Solution 2: Wait while the ink dries
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