Troubleshooting Print Devices Lesson 003: Print Quality Issues Part 1

What does print quality issues encompass?

Faded printouts, blank pages, white stripes, black stripes, black pages, speckling on output, vertical or horizontal lines, toner not fusing, double or echo images, incorrect chroma display, color missing from printouts, garbled printouts, and missing dots in printer characters of images.

Faded Printouts

Occurs when the output looks washed out or lighter than expected.

What causes faded printouts?

If a software is set to draft mode which uses less ink or toner, resulting in a lower quality output.

Outside of software, what causes faded printouts?

Low ink or toner levels.

What should a tech check when troubleshooting faded printouts?

The ink, ribbon, or toner cartridge to see if it needs replacing.

What type of printer commonly has the issue of faded printouts?

Dot matrix or impact printer.

What is usually the cause of faded printouts in dot matrix/impact printers?

Worn ribbon or an improper gap between the printhead and the paper.

How does a tech fix the issue of an improper gap between the printhead and the paper in a dot matrix printer?

Adjust the platen.

Platen

Controls the gap between the printhead and the paper in a dot matrix printer.

How does a tech fix the issue of faded printouts in dot matrix printers if the cause is due to a worn ribbon?

Replace it.

Blank Page

Can be the result of a software issue where the computer mistakenly sends a blank page to the printer.

Outside of software, what is the most common cause a blank page coming from a printer?

The ink or toner cartridge was installed with the protective tape still on it.

What needs to be ensured when installing cartridges into a printer?

It’s being done properly and the protective tape is removed.

White Stripes

Common defect in laser printers, usually linked to a dirty drum, where dirt or debris prevents toner from adhering to specific areas.

Outside of contamination, what is a common cause of white stripes on a laser printer printout?

Poorly distributed toner inside of the cartridge.

How is the issues of improper toner distribution on a laser printer printout fixed?

Gently rocking the cartridge side to side.

After going through the common causes of white stripes on a laser printer printout, what should a tech do if the issue still persists?

Replace the imaging drum.

What is usually the cause of the white stripes in an Inkjet printer printout?

The printheads becoming clogged.

How does a tech fix the issue of a clogged printhead in an Inkjet printer?

Running a cleaning cycle.

Black Stripes (Entirely Black Page)

Typically result from a dirty or damaged primary charge roller or a malfunctioning high-voltage power supply.

How does a tech fix the issue of black stripes or entirely black pages being printed in a laser printer?

Inspect the corona wire or replace the imaging drum and toner cartridge.