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Common laser copier problems and their potential solutions

From Repair Wiki
Common laser copier problems and their potential solutions
Type Common issues and fixes"Common issues and fixes" is not in the list (Component, Circuit, Troubleshooting/Diagnostics, Method, Idea/Concept) of allowed values for the "Explanatory Guide Type" property.
Device(s) Printers
Difficulty
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