Section 27 OBJ 5.6: Troubleshooting Print Devices Flashcards
Printer Connectivity Issues
Locally connected printer: Ensure the printer is switched on and online. Check if the printer is properly cabled. If the cables are plugged in properly, try changing ports or swapping cables
Printer not found:
Could be an issue where the printer isn’t getting a DHCP server address. If so, manually set a static IP and proper config.
If the difficulty is over a wireless network, it may be an issue with the signal. Set up a repeater and check wireless settings.
A way to test is to test with a test page. If you can print one from the printer via its control panel, its an issue with the sending device.
Power cycling the printer may also work.
Check three main types of connections when having printer issues, which are local connections, wired connections, and wireless connections.
Print Feed Issues
Paper Jam: sheet of paper becomes lodged in printer path.
In order to find the paper jam, follow its path.
First, check the paper tray.
Next, open the printer and find the jam.
Once the jam is found and removed, the printer will perform a self test to check and correct
Another possible paper issue is when multiple sheets are pulled through. This may be an incorrect paper size or weight. It can also be worn out pickup rollers so replace.
Grinding Noise: Could be an issue with the carriage mechanism in an inkjet/impact printer. In a laser printer, it could be an issue with the toner cartridge, fuser, or gears and rollers.
In order to identify the source, you must listen carefully to the printer. Once identified, make sure the component is properly seated and replaced if needed.
Print Quality Issues
Faded Printout: can be due to user printing in draft output mode
can be caused by low toner/ink, so replace
Blank Pages: usually a software issue, or ink/toner isn’t set up properly
White Stripes: caused by issue with toner cartridge or drum in laser printers. can be caused by dirt on the drum. can be caused by poorly distributed toner in cartridge.
Black Stripes: indicates the primary charge roller is dirty/damaged, or the high voltage corona wire is malfunctioning. To fix, replace the drum and cartridge, or troubleshoot the corona wire
Speckling output: can be caused by loose toner getting on the paper. To fix, clean the inside of the printer and its path.
Vert/horiz lines: caused by dirty feed rollers, or dirty photosensitive lines.
Toner does not fuse: when print comes out, it should feel warm and the toner should be fused. Check the voltage of the fuser and its getting the proper input voltage.
Double or echo image: indicates this is a drum issue, which is usually located inside the toner cartridge
Incorrect chroma display: happens when the printer is using the wrong colors, usually caused by toner cartridges being placed in the wrong slot.
If they are not in the wrong slots, this is a software issue. Make sure drivers are updated and correct
Missing color: ink cartridge has dried out or run out, so replace. If the cartridge is still full, clean the contacts.
Inkjet printer white lines: dirty/clogged inkjet nozzle
Impact printer missing dots: worn out pin/dots , replace the printhead
Impact printer faded prints: ink ran out or there is a gap between printhead and paper. Adjust/replace platen (it adjusts the paper gap)
Print Finishing Issues
Incorrect page sizes: make sure the desired page size is available in the printer and in the settings
Incorrect page orientations: set the page orientation in print settings
Issues with stapling: some printers have built-in staplers. If it doesn’t staple when needed, it can be a staple jam, staples ran out, or an issue with the mechanism
Issues with hole punching: if the maximum number of punchable sheets are exceeded, it may jam
