Step 1: Check the paper
The quality and type of paper can affect the print job. Make sure you are using an appropriate paper for your print job.
- Use paper that is designed for use in Laser printers. Do not use paper that is designed only for InkJet printers.
- Do not use paper that is too rough. Smoother paper might result in better print quality.
After loading the appropriate paper in the tray, try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step
Step 2: Check the EconoMode settings
If the entire page is too dark or too light, check the EconoMode settings. Most Laser printers do not recommend the full-time use of EconoMode. If EconoMode is used full time, the toner supply might outlast the mechanical parts in the toner cartridge.
NOTE:This feature is available with the PCL 6 print driver for Windows.
- In the program you are trying to print from, select the Print option.
- Right-click your printer, and then depending on the software program, the button might be Properties, Options, Printer Setup, Printer, or Preferences.
- Click the Paper/Quality tab, and then locate the Print Quality area.
- If the entire page is too dark, use these settings:
- Select the 600 dpi option.
- Select the EconoMode check box to enable it.
If the entire page is too light, use these settings:- Select the FastRes 1200 option.
- Clear the EconoMode check box to disable it.
- Click OK, and then click OK to print the job.
If changing the EonoMode settings did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.
Step 3: Check print settings
Sometimes the print settings can affect the print quality. Check the print settings to make sure they are appropriate for your print job.
Check print settings in Windows- In the software application you are trying to print from, click File, and then click Print.The Print window opens.
- Open the Properties dialog box.Depending on the software application, the button might be Properties, Options, Printer Setup, Printer, or Preferences.
- Depending on your print job, you might consider modifying the following settings:
- Paper Type: If you are printing on photo paper, select the type of photo paper you are attempting to print on.
- Print Quality: If you are dissatisfied with the quality of your printouts, increase the print quality. To print more quickly, decrease the print quality. These options typically include Best, Normal, and Draft modes.
- Paper Size: If you are printing on a different size of paper than you normally print on, select the correct paper size.
- Black and White: If you want to print in black and white only, select the grayscale option.
- After selecting the print settings, click OK to apply the settings, and then click Print.
- In the software application you are trying to print from, click File, and then click Print.The Print window opens.
- Open the Properties dialog box.Depending on the software application, the button might be Properties, Options, Printer Setup, Printer, or Preferences.
- Depending on your print job, you might consider modifying the following settings:
- Paper Type: If you are printing on photo paper, select the type of photo paper you are attempting to print on.
- Print Quality: If you are dissatisfied with the quality of your printouts, increase the print quality. To print more quickly, decrease the print quality. These options typically include Best, Normal, and Draft modes.
- Paper Size: If you are printing on a different size of paper than you normally print on, select the correct paper size.
- Black and White: If you want to print in black and white only, select the grayscale option.
- After selecting the print settings, click OK to apply the settings, and then click Print.
If changing the print settings did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.
Step 4: Replace a low or empty toner cartridge
If the toner cartridge is low or empty, replace it.
- Open the toner cartridge door, and then remove the old toner cartridge.Figure : Removing the toner cartridge
- Remove the new toner cartridge from the packaging. Place the used toner cartridge in the bag and box for recycling.
CAUTION:
To prevent damage to the toner cartridge, hold the toner cartridge at each end. Do not touch the cartridge shutter or the roller surface.Figure : Replacing the new toner cartridge
- Grasp both sides of the toner cartridge and gently rock the toner cartridge to distribute the toner evenly inside the cartridge.Figure : Rocking the toner cartridge
- Bend the tab on the left side of the toner cartridge until the tab breaks loose, and then pull the tab until all the tape is removed from the toner cartridge. Place the tab and tape in the toner cartridge box to return for recycling.Figure : Removing the sealing tape
- Insert the toner cartridge in the product, and then close the toner cartridge door.Figure : Inserting the toner cartridge
If replacing the toner cartridge did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.
Step 5: Print a cleaning page
During the printing process, paper, toner, and dust particles can accumulate inside the printer. Over time, this buildup can cause print quality issues such as toner specks, smears, or marks. The printer has a cleaning mode that can correct and prevent print quality problems.
NOTE:The cleaning process takes about 2 minutes. The cleaning page stops periodically during the cleaning process. Do not turn the printer off until the cleaning process has finished. You might need to repeat the cleaning process several times to thoroughly clean the printer.
Clean the printer in Windows
Open Devices and Printers, and then print a cleaning page in Windows.
- Turn on the printer.
- Load plain, white paper in the input tray.
- Search Windows for devices, and then click Devices and Printers in the list of results.
- Right-click your printer, and then click Printing Preferences or Properties.The printer Properties dialog box opens.
- Click the Device Settings tab, and then click Cleaning Page.The Cleaning Page prints.
If cleaning the printer did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step.
Step 6: Inspect the toner cartridge for damage
If there are issues like toner smears on the printed pages, check the toner cartridge for damage.
- Remove the toner cartridge from the printer, and make sure the sealing tape has been removed.
- Grasp both ends of the toner cartridge, and then gently rock the cartridge back and forth to distribute the toner.Figure : Rocking the toner cartridge
- Check the memory chip for damage.
- Slide back the toner cartridge cover to expose the imaging drum.
CAUTION:
Do not touch the roller (imaging drum) on the toner cartridge. Fingerprints on the imaging drum can cause print quality problems.Figure : Sliding back the cartridge cover
- Examine the surface of the imaging drum on the toner cartridge.
- If you see any scratches, fingerprints, or other damage on the imaging drum, replace the toner cartridge.
- If the imaging drum does not appear to be damaged, close the cover, and then reinstall the toner cartridge in the printer.
If you were unable to find any damage to the toner cartridge, continue to the next step.
Step 7: Service the printer
If you have completed the steps above and your printer is still experiencing print quality issues, contact a qualified service center, and then service the printer.