dull printing on Brother Laser HL-L2034DW

The output has become consistently kind of uncrisp and slightly grey.  Not at all sharp and black like before.

Same paper, not in Toner Save Mode, adjusted density, tried the different text/image settings, wiped the wires,

Installed new drum.

New toner cartridge a few weeks ago and I don't recall the output appearing dull immediately, but I could have missed that.

There is no toner spilling inside the unit anywhere.

Anything else to try before dropping this out a second story window?

Optics-clean spinning mirror?

Edited by !@@**##, 01 February 2024 - 12:08 AM.

 

New toner cartridge a few weeks ago

Refill/generic or name brand?

try :https://support.brother.ca/app/answers/detail/a_id/83445/~/the-printed-pages-are-faint%2C-light%2C-or-faded.-how-do-i-improve-print-quality%3F

https://help.brother-usa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/52577/~/the-printed-pages-are-faint%2C-light%2C-or-faded.-how-do-i-improve-print-quality%3F not the same.

https://help.brother-usa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/70210/~/light%2C-faded%2C-faint%2C-dull%2C-or-blurry-printed-pages

who knew you had to be a mechanic.....lol

Since a few years ago, Brother laser printers are quite reliable, especially considering their price. I'd say it's well worth your time to do some troubleshooting before giving up on this printer.

Thanks for this input.  Installed new Brother brand toner cartridge and this made a lot of difference.  I've used a lot of other "replacement" toner cartridges in the past and never before had such poor quality.

If you're buying recycled toner cartridges which include a drum, then there is a limit to how many times you can reuse the cartridge (due to drum wear). Some recyclers abuse that limit by recycling the cartridges beyond their proper drum life. I buy authentic cartridges on eBay at huge discount. I never have issues. Never.