Print Quality Guide
Page 1 of 16
Print Quality Guide
Blank or white pages
Action Yes No
Step 1
a Remove, and then reinstall the imaging unit or imaging kit.
Warning—Potential Damage: Do not expose the imaging unit or
imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended
exposure to light may cause print quality problems.
Warning—Potential Damage: To avoid damage, do not touch the
underside of the imaging unit or imaging kit.
b Resend the print job.
Is the printer still printing blank or white pages?
Step 2
Replace the imaging unit or imaging kit, and then resend the print job.
Is the printer still printing blank or white pages?
Dark print
Go to step 2. The problem is solved.
Contact
support.
customer
The problem is solved.
Action Yes No
Step 1
Go to step 2. The problem is solved.
a From the Quality menu on the control panel, select Color Adjust.
b Resend the print job.
Is the print still too dark?
Print Quality Guide
Page 2 of 16
Action Yes No
Step 2
a Depending on your operating system, reduce the toner darkness from
the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.
Note: You can also change the settings on the printer control panel.
b Resend the print job.
Is the print still too dark?
Step 3
a Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type, texture,
and weight from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.
Notes:
• Make sure that the settings match the paper loaded in the tray.
• You can also change the settings on the printer control panel.
b Resend the print job.
Is the print still too dark?
Step 4
Make sure that the paper has no texture or rough finishes.
Are you printing on textured or rough paper?
Go to step 3. The problem is solved.
Go to step 4. The problem is solved.
Change the texture
settings to match the
paper you are printing
on.
Go to step 5.
Step 5
a Load paper from a fresh package.
Note: Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its
original wrapper until you are ready to use it.
b Resend the print job.
Is the print still too dark?
Step 6
Replace the color or black imaging kit, and then resend the print job.
Is the print still too dark?
Ghost images
Leading edge
ABCD
ABCD
ABCD
ABCD
Trailing edge
Go to step 6. The problem is solved.
Contact
support.
customer
The problem is solved.
Print Quality Guide
Page 3 of 16
Action Yes No
Step 1
a Load the tray with the correct paper type and weight.
b Resend the print job.
Do ghost images still appear on prints?
Step 2
a Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type and
weight from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.
Notes:
• Make sure that the settings match the paper loaded in the tray.
• You can also change the settings on the printer control panel.
b Resend the print job.
Do ghost images still appear on prints?
Step 3
Replace the imaging unit or imaging kit, and then resend the print job.
Do ghost images still appear on prints?
Go to step 2. The problem is solved.
Go to step 3. The problem is solved.
Contact
support.
customer
The problem is solved.
Gray background
Leading edge
ABCDE
ABCDE
ABCDE
Action Yes No
Step 1
a Depending on your operating system, decrease the toner darkness
from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.
Note: You can also change the settings on the printer control panel.
b Resend the print job.
Does gray background still appear on prints?
Trailing edge
Go to step 2. The problem is solved.
Print Quality Guide
Page 4 of 16
Action Yes No
Step 2
a Remove, and then reinstall the imaging unit or imaging kit.
Warning—Potential Damage: Do not expose the imaging unit or
imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended
exposure to light may cause print quality problems.
Warning—Potential Damage: To avoid damage, do not touch the
underside of the imaging unit or imaging kit.
b Resend the print job.
Does gray background still appear on prints?
Horizontal dark lines
ABCDE
ABCDE
ABCDE
Contact
support.
customer
The problem is solved.
Note: If horizontal dark lines keep appearing on your prints, then see the “Repeating defects” topic.
Action Yes No
Step 1
a Depending on your operating system, specify the tray or feeder from
the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.
b Resend the print job.
Do horizontal dark lines still appear on prints?
Step 2
a Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type and
weight from the Printing Preferences or from Print dialog.
Notes:
• Make sure that the settings match the paper loaded in the tray.
• You can also change the settings on the printer control panel.
b Resend the print job.
Do horizontal dark lines still appear on prints?
Go to step 2. The problem is solved.
Go to step 3. The problem is solved.
Print Quality Guide
Page 5 of 16
Action Yes No
Step 3
a Load paper from a fresh package.
Note: Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its
original wrapper until you use it.
b Resend the print job.
Do horizontal dark lines still appear on prints?
Step 4
a Remove, and then reinstall the imaging unit or imaging kit.
Warning—Potential Damage: Do not expose the imaging unit or
imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended
exposure to light may cause print quality problems.
Warning—Potential Damage: To avoid damage, do not touch the
underside of the imaging unit or imaging kit.
b Resend the print job.
Do horizontal dark lines still appear on prints?
Step 5
Replace the imaging unit or imaging kit, and then resend the print job.
Do horizontal dark lines still appear on prints?
Go to step 4. The problem is solved.
Go to step 5. The problem is solved.
Contact
support.
customer
The problem is solved.
Horizontal white lines
Leading edge
Trailing edge
Note: If horizontal dark lines keep appearing on your prints, then see the “Repeating defects” topic.
Action Yes No
Step 1
a Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type and
weight from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.
Notes:
• Make sure that the settings match the paper loaded in the tray.
• You can also change the settings on the printer control panel.
b Resend the print job.
Go to step 2. The problem is solved.
Do horizontal white lines still appear on prints?
Print Quality Guide
Page 6 of 16
Action Yes No
Step 2
a Load the specified tray or feeder with the recommended paper type.
b Resend the print job.
Do horizontal white lines still appear on prints?
Step 3
a Remove, and then reinstall the imaging unit or imaging kit.
Warning—Potential Damage: Do not expose the imaging unit or
imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended
exposure to light can cause print quality problems.
Warning—Potential Damage: To avoid damage, do not touch the
underside of the imaging unit or imaging kit.
b Resend the print job.
Do horizontal white lines still appear on prints?
Step 4
Replace the imaging unit or imaging kit, and then resend the print job.
Do horizontal white lines still appear on prints?
Go to step 3. The problem is solved.
Go to step 4. The problem is solved.
Contact
support.
customer
The problem is solved.
Incorrect margins
ABCD
ABCD
ABCD
Action Yes No
Step 1
a Move the paper guides in the tray to the correct position for the paper
loaded.
b Resend the print job.
Are the margins correct?
The problem is solved. Go to step 2.
Print Quality Guide
Page 7 of 16
Action Yes No
Step 2
a Depending on your operating system, specify the paper size from the
Printing Preferences or Print dialog.
Notes:
• Make sure that the settings match the paper loaded in the tray.
• You can also change the settings on the printer control panel.
b Resend the print job.
Are the margins correct?
Jagged or uneven characters
The problem is solved. Contact
support.
customer
Action Yes No
a Check if the printer supports the fonts that are installed on your
computer.
Contact
support.
customer
1 From the control panel, touch:
Settings > Reports > Print > Print Fonts
2 Select PCL Fonts or PS Fonts.
b If the font is not supported, then install a supported font. For more
information, contact your administrator.
c Resend the print job.
Do prints still contain jagged or uneven characters?
Light print
The problem is solved.
Print Quality Guide
Page 8 of 16
Action Yes No
Step 1
a From the Quality menu on the control panel, select Color Adjust.
b Resend the print job.
Is the print still too light?
Step 2
a Depending on your operating system, increase the toner darkness
from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.
Note: You can also change the settings on the printer control panel.
b Resend the print job.
Is the print still too light?
Step 3
a Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type, texture,
and weight from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.
Notes:
• Make sure that the settings match the paper loaded in the tray.
• You can also change the settings on the printer control panel.
b Resend the print job.
Go to step 2. The problem is solved.
Go to step 3. The problem is solved.
Go to step 4. The problem is solved.
Is the print still too light?
Step 4
Make sure that the paper has no texture or rough finishes.
Are you printing on textured or rough paper?
Step 5
a Load paper from a fresh package.
Note: Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its
original wrapper until you are ready to use it.
b Resend the print job.
Is the print still too light?
Step 6
Replace the imaging unit or imaging kit, and then resend the print job.
Warning—Potential Damage: Do not expose the imaging unit or
imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure
to light can cause print quality problems.
Warning—Potential Damage: To avoid damage, do not touch the
underside of the imaging unit or imaging kit.
Change the texture
settings to match the
paper you are printing
on.
Go to step 6. The problem is solved.
Contact
support.
customer
Go to step 5.
The problem is solved.
Is the print still too light?
Print Quality Guide
Page 9 of 16
Mottled print and dots
ABC
DEF
Action Yes No
Replace the imaging unit or imaging kit, and then resend the print job.
Warning—Potential Damage: Do not expose the imaging unit or
imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure
to light can cause print quality problems.
Warning—Potential Damage: To avoid damage, do not touch the
underside of the imaging unit or imaging kit.
Is the print still mottled?
Contact
support.
customer
Paper curl
Action Yes No
Step 1
Move the paper guides in the tray to the correct position for the paper
loaded.
Is the paper still curled?
Step 2
a Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type and
weight from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.
Go to step 2. The problem is solved.
Go to step 3. The problem is solved.
The problem is solved.
Notes:
• Make sure that the settings match the paper loaded in the tray.
• You can also change the settings on the printer control panel.
b Resend the print job.
Is the paper still curled?
Step 3
a Remove paper from the tray, and then turn it over.
b Resend the print job.
Is the paper still curled?
Go to step 4. The problem is solved.
) )
Print Quality Guide
Page 10 of 16
Action Yes No
Step 4
a Load paper from a fresh package.
Note: Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its
original wrapper until you are ready to use it.
Contact
support.
customer
b Resend the print job.
Is the paper still curled?
Print crooked or skewed
ABCDE
ABCDE
ABCDE
Action Yes No
Step 1
a Move the paper guides in the tray to the correct position for the paper
loaded.
b Resend the print job.
Go to step 2. The problem is solved.
The problem is solved.
Is the print still crooked or skewed?
Step 2
a Load paper from a fresh package.
Note: Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its
original wrapper until you are ready to use it.
b Resend the print job.
Is the print still crooked or skewed?
Step 3
a Check if you are printing on a supported paper.
b Resend the print job.
Is the print still crooked or skewed?
Go to step 3. The problem is solved.
Contact
support.
customer
The problem is solved.
)
)
)
Print Quality Guide
Repeating defects
Action Yes No
Page 11 of 16
1 Measure the distance between the defects.
• If the distance between the defects equals 35.4 mm (1.39 in.)
or 125.7 mm (4.95 in.), then replace the photoconductor unit.
• If the distance between the defects equals 42.0 mm (1.65 in.),
then replace the developer unit.
• If the distance between the defects equals 47.1 mm (1.86 in.)
or 90.0 mm (3.54 in.), then replace the transfer module.
• If the distance between the defects equals 78.5 mm (3.09 in.),
then replace the transfer roller.
• If the distance between the defects equals 96.6 mm (3.80 in.)
or 127.6 mm (5.02 in.), then replace the fuser.
2 Resend the print job.
Do the repeating defects still appear?
Solid color or black images
Take note of the distance,
and then contact
customer support or your
service representative.
The problem is solved.
Action Yes No
Step 1
Go to step 2. The problem is solved.
a Remove, and then reinstall the imaging unit or imaging kit.
Warning—Potential Damage: Do not expose the imaging unit or
imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended
exposure to light may cause print quality problems.
Warning—Potential Damage: To avoid damage, do not touch the
underside of the imaging unit or imaging kit.
b Resend the print job.
Is the printer still printing solid color or black images?
Print Quality Guide
Page 12 of 16
Action Yes No
Step 2
Replace the imaging unit or imaging kit, and then resend the print job.
Is the printer still printing solid color or black images?
Text or images cut
Leading edge
o
Contact
support.
customer
ABCDE
ABCDE
ABCDE
Trailing edge
Action Yes No
Step 1
a Move the paper guides in the tray to the correct position for the paper
loaded.
b Resend the print job.
Go to step 2. The problem is solved.
The problem is solved.
Is the page or image still clipped?
Step 2
a Depending on your operating system, specify the paper size from the
Printing Preferences or Print dialog.
Notes:
• Make sure that the settings match the paper loaded in the tray.
• You can also change the settings on the printer control panel.
b Resend the print job.
Is the page or image still clipped?
Step 3
a Remove, and then reinstall the imaging unit or imaging kit.
Warning—Potential Damage: Do not expose the imaging unit or
imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended
exposure to light may cause print quality problems.
Warning—Potential Damage: To avoid damage, do not touch the
underside of the imaging unit or imaging kit.
b Resend the print job.
Is the page or image still clipped?
Go to step 3. The problem is solved.
Contact
support.
customer
The problem is solved.
Print Quality Guide
Toner easily rubs o
Leading edge
ABC
DEF
Trailing edge
Action Yes No
Page 13 of 16
1 Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type,
texture, and weight from the Printing Preferences or Print
dialog.
Notes:
• Make sure that the settings match the paper loaded in
the tray.
• You can also change the settings on the printer control
panel.
2 Resend the print job.
Does the toner still rub o?
Uneven print density
Contact
customer support. The problem is solved.
Action Yes No
Replace the imaging unit or imaging kit, and then resend the print job.
Warning—Potential Damage: Do not expose the imaging unit or
imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure
to light can cause print quality problems.
Warning—Potential Damage: To avoid damage, do not touch the
underside of the imaging unit or imaging kit.
Is the print density uneven?
Contact
support.
customer
The problem is solved.
Vertical dark lines or streaks
Leading edge
ABCDE
ABCDE
Print Quality Guide
Page 14 of 16
ABCDE
Trailing edge
Action Yes No
Step 1
a Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type, texture,
and weight from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.
Notes:
• Make sure that the settings match the paper loaded in the tray.
• You can also change the settings on the printer control panel.
b Resend the print job.
Do vertical dark lines or streaks still appear on prints?
Step 2
a Load paper from a fresh package.
Note: Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its
original wrapper until you use it.
b Resend the print job.
Do vertical dark lines or streaks still appear on prints?
Go to step 2. The problem is solved.
Go to step 3. The problem is solved.
Step 3
a Remove, and then reinstall the imaging unit or imaging kit.
Warning—Potential Damage: Do not expose the imaging unit or
imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended
exposure to light can cause print quality problems.
Warning—Potential Damage: To avoid damage, do not touch the
underside of the imaging unit or imaging kit.
b Resend the print job.
Do vertical dark lines or streaks still appear on prints?
Step 4
Replace the imaging unit or imaging kit, and then resend the print job.
Do vertical dark lines or streaks still appear on prints?
Go to step 4. The problem is solved.
Contact
support.
customer
The problem is solved.
Print Quality Guide
Page 15 of 16
Vertical white lines
Leading edge
Trailing edge
Action Yes No
Step 1
a Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type and
weight from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.
Notes:
• Make sure that the settings match the paper loaded in the tray.
• You can also change the settings on the printer control panel.
b Resend the print job.
Do vertical white lines still appear on prints?
Step 2
Check if you are using the recommended paper type.
a Load the specified tray or feeder with the recommended paper type.
b Resend the print job.
Do vertical white lines still appear on prints?
Step 3
a Remove, and then reinstall the imaging unit or imaging kit.
Warning—Potential Damage: Do not expose the imaging unit or
imaging kit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended
exposure to light may cause print quality problems.
Warning—Potential Damage: To avoid damage, do not touch the
underside of the imaging unit or imaging kit.
b Resend the print job.
Go to step 2. The problem is solved.
Go to step 3. The problem is solved.
Go to step 4. The problem is solved.
Do vertical white lines still appear on prints?
Step 4
Replace the imaging unit or imaging kit, and then resend the print job.
Do vertical white lines still appear on prints?
Contact
support.
customer
The problem is solved.
Contacting customer support
When you contact customer support, you will need to be able to describe the problem you are experiencing, the message
on the printer display, and the troubleshooting steps you have already taken to find a solution.
Print Quality Guide
Page 16 of 16
You need to know your printer model type and serial number. For more information, see the label at the back of the
printer. The serial number is also listed on the menu settings page.
Lexmark has various ways to help you solve your printing problem. Visit the Lexmark Web site at
http://support.lexmark.com, and then select one of the following:
Tec h Lib ra r y You can browse our library of manuals, support documentation, drivers, and other downloads to help you solve
common problems.
E-mail You can send an e-mail to the Lexmark team, describing your problem. A service representative will respond
and provide you with information to solve your problem.
Live chat You can chat directly with a service representative. They can work with you to solve your printer problem or
provide assistance through Assisted Service where the service representative can remotely connect to your
computer through the Internet to troubleshoot problems, install updates, or complete other tasks to help you
successfully use your Lexmark product.
Telephone support is also available. In the U.S. or Canada, call 1-800-539-6275. For other countries or regions, visit
http://support.lexmark.com.
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