A laser printer is a device just like so many others. Despite being useful, and usually very well designed and built, sometimes they have problems that result in performance issues.
What follows are ten of the most common laser printer problems. Most of the solutions presented here are on target, but individual circumstances might cause the fixes here to need modifications. It’s beyond these easy fixes that help from www.cdsla.com might come in handy.
Prints Are Smearing or Not Sticking to the Page
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If toner won’t stick to a page, it usually means that the fuser assembly is old or the toner cartridge is defective. Before running out to buy a new cartridge, try removing the cartridge and shaking it a bit before replacing it.
Paper Jams
Paper jams are a common problem with laser printers. These are most often caused by dust, worn-out rollers, or incorrect paperweight being used. The best way to avoid this is to keep your printer clean.
A bonus note from printers: when removing paper from a jam, make sure you note whether the remains make up a single page. Otherwise, there’s still paper left in the housing.
Paper Misfeeds
Paper misfeeds are one of the most common printer issues of a mechanical nature. Misfeeds are most often caused when a printer fails to feed paper from the tray or when multiple pages feed simultaneously. The most common fixes for this include using the wrong weight paper. Otherwise, take the paper out of the tray and fan it. Then, replace it in the tray.
Faded or Poor-Quality Print
Low-quantity toners normally cause this. There could also be an incorrect toner setting. Make sure your printer isn’t set for “draft” or “ink-saving” mode.
Prints Are Coming Out Fuzzy
Prints that come out fuzzy are normally caused by moisture in the paper. Humidity in the air often causes this. Try replacing the paper in the tray with fresh cream.
Nothing Happens
This is one of those problems that make nearly everybody feel silly, but it happens often. After pushing “Print,” if nothing happens, the chances are good that there is a connection problem between the printer and the computer. Otherwise, the “Print” button wasn’t really pressed. Try it again.
The Print Appears with the Wrong Font
A document that prints with a different font are usually the result of a communications error. First, try to print again. If that doesn’t solve the problem, it might be a driver issue.
Skewed Images or Wrinkled Paper
Look inside the paper tray. This problem might have started there with improperly inserted paper. Also, make sure the tabs that hold the paper are snug against the edges.
No or Low Toner Warning
As much as it is bothersome to admit it, warnings of this type are not reliable. This is sort of like driving a car that has a gas level indicator that has been sitting on empty for quite some time. The no or low toner level indicator should be used as a general guideline, but not gospel. When a no or low toner warning comes on, you usually have a little time left before it runs out.
Printer Won’t Print from a Mobile Device
Even if your printer is a non-WiFi model or if it’s old, most will print from a mobile device. How successful this proves to depend on your situation.
Many new printers support AirPrint, which allows users on iOS devices to print on them. Even among older printers, makers have issued apps that allow them to sync with their equipment.
If you are trying to print on a non-WiFi printer, it should work if the computer relates to the network a printer is on. There are band-aid fixes available. Some of these are Printopia for Macs, Presto! for Macs or Windows, and ThinPrint for use on Google Cloud. Fair warning: some of these programs may limit your ability to interact with certain apps.
If a problem you have goes beyond those described above, the chances are good that it might be time to call a professional. Not only is this a wise move in terms of getting your printer back in working order but it might cause you to spend less money as well.
