Printers

Common inkjet printer problems and solutions

Problem	Solutions
Inkjet printing carriage is stuck at the side of the printer (inkjet)	Manually turn the gears as shown in this video
Random black spots on color print (inkjet)	Clean the dry ink under the printing head. If a proper cleaning solution is not available use ammonia-based glass cleaner (i.e. Windex). Do not use isopropyl alcohol.
After disassembling and reassembling the printer, control panel LEDs blinks randomly	Check that all ribbon cables are securely connected.
Printer reports inexistent paper jam (inkjet)	Clean the round-shaped plastic film that provides rotational info to the encoder.
Printed characters are blurry (inkjet)	Clean the long, thin plastic strip that provides longitudinal position information to the encoder.

Common laser printer problems and solutions - toaster size printers (A4/LTR size)

Problem	Solutions
The printed page is all black (laser)	In AIO type cartridge unit. check the pins connecting to the AIO cartridge. Ensure they are not dirty or bent. Check drum surface not damaged
The printed page is all white (laser)	Check laser path not blocked - ex: by a shutter failing to open EMPTY toner Image transfer belt completely torn apart
The borders of the printed page are dimmer than the center of the print (laser)	Dirty optical assemblies Low toner
Black stripe at the side of each printed page (laser)	Replace toner.
Black line on COPIES, not prints (laser)	Check slit glass - tiny amount of whiteout or ink may be contaminating it.
After disassembling and reassembling the printer, control panel LEDs blinks randomly	Check that all ribbon cables are securely and properly connected.

Common laser Copier problems and solutions (~A3 Size / DLT 11x17)

Problem	Solutions
ADF failure to feed	replace feed rollers as a set
ADF double feeding	Check ADF reverse roller replace rollers as a set some use friction pad instead of reverse roller. This also should be replaced. Some larger printers will have an ultrasonic double feeding sensor. check/configure this.
ADF Jams - other than pickup related	Check for obstructions in the paper path Check motors are operating - use printer output checks or cheat the door sensors and observe Check sensors are operating - use input checks or attempt to determine which sensor failed from error / jam codes or position of paper at the moment the jam occurs
ADF does not rise when paper placed in tray	Check ADF lift motor - ouput checks Check lift mechanism not gummed up with staples and paper clips Check paper set sensor - input checks - these often get dusty
when copying document from ADF - black lines on front side only	Check for any foreign contamination on slit glass Clean all mirrors on optical assembly Clean/replace white strip
When copying document from ADF - black lines on back side only	Single pass ADFs will have a second scanner above check for contamination
Scanner squeaks loudly when moving	apply grease - preferably camera grease (no outgassing)
Scanner does not detect paper size properly (or does not recognize paper on flat bed at all)	check paper size sensors - there are typically 3 check CCD & white plate clean white background clean scanner glass - both sides
Paper tray - 3 roller type - failure to feed	replace rollers as a set check motors with output checks check feed mechanism clean sensors check sensors with input checks check tray lift mechanism check paper properly loaded
Paper tray - 3 roller type - double feeding	replace rollers as a set check feed mechanism check paper in tray not sticking together or statically charged. Especially old paper. "leaf" through the paper to dissipate some static
Paper tray - 1 roller type - failure to feed	replace roller check motor with output checks clean sensors check sensors with input checks check tray lift mechanism check paper properly loaded
Paper tray - 1 roller type - double feeding	replace roller and friction pad check paper in tray not sticking together or statically charged. Especially old paper. "leaf" through the paper to dissipate some static
Paper tray - vacuum feed type - failure to feed	check belts not worn check airflow - clean filters adjust airflow - up or down ensure correct paper weight selected enable "feed assist" if available
Paper tray - vacuum feed type - double feeding	check airflow - clean filters adjust airflow - up or down ensure correct paper weight selected
paper tray - registration off across feed	check tray bottom gear may have jumped a tooth or two check paper properly loaded - side fences tight in service mode may be able to adjust registration for each tray
registration off with feed (lead edge)	resolve any mechanical issues first in service mode may be able to adjust registration for each tray
skew	resolve any mechanical issues first check paper properly loaded - side fences tight in service mode may be able to adjust "buckle" to adjust for skew may be a physical adjustment for skew
solid thin line - prints and copies	check for white buildups on charge roller or charge corona wire - replace, don't bother cleaning, it'll be back check for scratch around drum - replace drum
solid thin line - prints and copies - dirty brown color	check image transfer belt cleaning mechanism - replace
large brown line - prints and copies - may be intermittent	check image transfer belt cleaning mechanism - likely clogged follow clog to source - augers may be jammed
voids - no toner in thin line	chunks in development unit blocking developer flow - can attempt cleaning - insert thin mylar and clean back side of developer blade - or replace developer or development unit scratch on drum
identical voids or spots every several pages	scratch or foreign matter on image transfer belt
large missing area (void) on pages - all colors	image transfer belt badly torn - will fail completely soon
black funny plastic paper chunks found all over machine	image transfer belt torn fuser belt torn
light background on printed pages	potential sensor failed problem with drum
light dusting of toner all over inside of machine	developer worn out - replace - typically it will last a year or two depending on usage
marks on back side of pages - copies and prints	Primary transfer roller issues - rebuild/replace
brown marks on back side of pages	primary transfer roller issues - rebuild/replace
fuser not warming up	thermistor or thermostat issue - check continuity on thermostats fuser bulb broken fuser bulb no continuity some machines will lock you out after a fuser has overheated until you enter/leave service mode & reboot other machines lock you out until a code is entered in service mode other machines require a new microfuse to be installed in fuser (new unit detection) Careful here, don't start any fires don't cheat thermostats ever - replace them if machine has inductive heating for fuser that unit may be in need of replacement
fuser warm, but not not fusing toner to paper at all	check pressure mechanism of fuser check ALL fuser bulbs are working - sometimes there is a bulb in pressure roller clean thermistors significantly wrong paper weight set
toner not completely fused to paper	check ALL fuser bulbs are working - sometimes there is a bulb in pressure roller check paper weight set in machine increase temperature of fuser clean thermistors and non-contact sensors for fuser check fuser pressure mechanism increase pressure
ghost images printed after dark areas	increase pressure / temperature of fuser

Printer Models

• Samsung CLP 320
• Toshiba 4610-1NR Receipt Printer