HP 2605DN printing faint magenta prints

If you are experiencing faint magenta or red prints and changing the magenta toner cartridge has no effect, the issue is likely due to dirty scanner lenses. To test this, print a solid block of red on A4 paper. If you see faint prints from left to right, this indicates that the scanner assembly lenses need cleaning. This is a common issue and can be fixed with a simple cleaning, requiring no replacement parts.

Solution: Cleaning the Scanner Assembly’s Mirrors and Lenses

To resolve this issue, clean the scanner assembly’s mirrors and lenses, particularly the magenta one. This involves removing the scanner assembly from the machine and cleaning it with a cotton bud. After cleaning, your machine should function like new.

An experienced printer engineer can perform this procedure in about 45 minutes, while a novice might take 2-3 hours.

Instructions for DIY Cleaning

If you wish to clean the printer yourself, follow these steps:

1. 1. Remove the Right Cover: Remove one screw at the back and pull off the right cover.
   2. Remove the Left Cover: Remove one screw at the bottom of the cover, press the clip at the front, and pull off the cover.
   3. Remove the Metal Plate on the Back of the Printer.
   4. Disconnect Cables: Remove cables connected to the two logic boards, except the flat cable connecting the boards and the yellow cables at the bottom of the right-hand board.
   5. Remove Cables from Guides: Remove cables from the black plastic cable guides.
   6. Remove the L-Shaped Cable Guide: Press in two clips with a small screwdriver and pull out the guide.
   7. Remove the Long Horizontal Guide: Slide it to the left and lift it away.
   8. Remove the Cable Guide on the Left (2605 Model).
   9. Remove the Metal Plate with Logic Boards: Unscrew eleven screws and lift the plate with the boards away.
   10. Remove the White Plastic Clip: This clip holds the two flat cables from the scanner to the printer chassis.
   11. Remove the Scanner Assembly: Unscrew three screws (two at the top, one at the bottom) and lift the scanner assembly out (2605 model has a metal spring plate covering the bottom screw).
   12. Disassemble the Scanner for Cleaning:
       • Remove one screw and a spring from the front of the scanner and lift off the cover.
       • Remove the long plastic arm, noting its fit.
       • Inside the scanner, inspect the four 6 cm long red/purple mirrors. Clean the bottom mirror with a cotton bud, as it will show the most difference.
       • Blow away dust and clean all mirrors and lenses with cotton buds. Blow again to remove any remaining fluff.
   13. Reassemble the Scanner:
       • Ensure the scanner is seated correctly when fitting it back into the printer. Hook it in at the top first and align the locating lugs on the right-hand side.
       • Avoid pulling the two flat cables out of the scanner. Ensure the purple wires from the scanner are not trapped behind the metal plate when fitting the plate and logic boards back into the printer.
   14. Test the Printer:
       • Power on the printer. If you receive any error messages, check all cable connections. Scanner-related errors usually result from dislodged flat cables or trapped purple wires.
       • Perform a test print to ensure the issue is resolved.

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