Diagnosing and Solving Common Printer Problems
Any business owner or manager knows how important printers are to success. When the printers are down productivity suffers, and even the most robust business can grind to a halt. While many large companies can afford to hire professionals to troubleshoot and maintain the printers in the office, many smaller business owners find themselves wearing the hat of the printer repairman. Knowing how to diagnose and solve common printer problems can save those business owners lots of time and money, while at the same time keeping the business productive and profitable.
While there are many different kinds of printers, made by a host of printer manufacturers and wearing a number of name and model badges, most printer problems break down into a short list of categories. Understanding what these breakdowns mean, and learning to diagnose the parts most likely to cause those problems, is a big part of successful printer troubleshooting.
Problem 1 Paper Jams
Paper jams are perhaps the most common of all printer complaints, and they can also be one of the most difficult to diagnose. When a printer begins suffering from persistent paper jams, one of the most important steps is to look for a trouble code on the printer. If such a code is present, refer to the manual that shipped with the printer, or the manufacturers website, for information on how to clear the jam and prevent it from recurring.
Paper jams in laser printers are often the result of worn out rollers in the paper trays, so it is important to check those rollers when those jams occur on a regular basis. Most modern printers make it fairly easy for users to change the rollers, and it is a good idea for printer owners to keep a number of extra rollers on hand. When changing worn rollers, be sure to refer to the printers user manual, or instructions on the manufacturers website.
Problem 2 Ink Rubbing Off
Sometimes printer users will discover to their dismay that the ink rubs off the page easily, and this problem can easily result in a stack of unusable paper and hours of wasted time. When the ink rubs off the pages easily the most likely culprit is a defective or worn out fuser. Again, most modern laser printers make it fairly easy for printer owners to swap out a fuser cartridge, but it is still important to carefully follow the directions that came with the replacement cartridge. As with rollers, keeping an extra fuser cartridge on hand for each printer model can save a great deal of time and hassle.
Problem 3 Ink Spots and Inferior Printouts
Spots or other imperfections on the printouts can also be the result of a worn out fuser cartridge, so it is important to check the fuser when this problem occurs. If changing the fuser does not solve the problem it may be that the printer simply needs a good cleaning. Ink from the toner cartridge can often leak into the interior of the printer, causing spotting on the pages. Cleaning the printer with a specially designed cleaning cloth can often put the problem to rest.
If the problem continues it may be time to change the toner cartridge. As toner cartridges age they can begin to leak and cause other problems. If spotting is seen on the pages it is important to look carefully underneath the toner cartridge for loose ink and to remove any ink that is found. If ink is continually found inside the printer the toner cartridge is probably leaking and should be replaced at once.
Problem 4 Light Printouts
This is perhaps the easiest to solve of all printer problems, and one of the most common. If the printouts begin to appear light, the most likely cause is a worn out toner cartridge and replacing the toner cartridge should resolve the issue. If the toners seem to wear out too quickly, it may be a good idea to look into changing brands or suppliers. Each toner cartridge should come with an estimated life, and it is important to monitor actual usage to ensure quality service when buying printer consumables.
Michael Stollery
View all articles by Michael Stollery
|
|
Acme Electric T2535163S Transformer, 120/240V Out, 10kva, 480V Fuse $550.99 |
|
|
Altronix Avad SMP10PM24P16 16 Fuse Out 24vdc Pwr Spl/chg Accs 24vdc 10a $349.81 |
|
|
NISSAN VERSA ROGUE ALTIMA SENTRA MURANO 06 11 FUSE BOX MODULE 1585 8C26 $299.99 |
|
|
NISSAN VERSA ROGUE ALTIMA SENTRA MURANO 07 11 FUSE BOX MODULE 284B71AA0A $289.99 |
|
|
NISSAN VERSA ROGUE ALTIMA SENTRA MURANO 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 FUSE BOX MODULE $249.99 |
|
|
NEW ABB 7.8/15KV OPEN FUSE CUTOUT 200 AMPS CONT. CUT OUT (S48J) $150.00 |
|
|
WADSWORTH 100AMP FUSE PULL OUT 8056 & 8055 FUSE BLOCK $150.00 |
|
|
MITSUBISHI NF50-SWU NO FUSE BREAKER 10A NEW OUT OF BOX $109.99 |
|
|
Mazda 3 04-06 Interior Fuse Relay Box 2.3L M/t w/out Turbo $139.99 |
|
|
Wadsworth 100AMP FUSE PULL OUT BLOCK 8056 & 8055 4” X 9-1/2” $125.00 |
|
|
BMW E39 2/00 528IT FUSE BOX CUT OUT 528I 530I USED $125.00 |
|
|
Mazda 3 04-06 Interior Fuse Relay Box 2.3L M/t w/out Turbo, A211 $119.99 |
|
|
PELCO MCS4- 2 MASTER CAMERA POWER SUPPLY 2 AMP4 OUT / FUSE $108.00 |
|
|
Square D 200 amp Main Fuse pull out & fuse block $100.00 |
|
|
BMW 5/93 325IS E36 FUSE BOX CUT OUT 325I 94 95 $100.00 |
|
|
New Out Of The Box Bullet 800 Amp Fuse LCL800 $100.00 |
|
|
1972-73 Corvette NOS 6556440 Delco 12-279 AC Thermal Limiter Cut Out Switch Fuse $79.00 |
|
|
BMW e36 5/97 328ic Fuse Box Cut Out 328i 97 98 Used $85.00 |
|
|
SQUARE D 200 AMP MAIN FUSE PULL OUT N-224785 $64.99 |
|
|
MURRAY 100 AMP FUSE PULL OUT AND BLOCK- PT 100P $64.99 |
|
|
Federal Pacific 2 Pole 60 Amp Fuse Block and Pull Out $64.99 |
|
|
2 IN 4 OUT AGU 0 1 4 8 Gauge Fuse Holder “Eye Candy” $69.95 |
|
|
Murray 2 Pole 30 Amp Fuse Block and Pull Out $59.99 |
|
|
BMW e30 Fuse Box Panel Cut Out 325ix 325i 325e 325 318i $65.00 |
|
|
Blue Sea 5031 ST Blade Fuse Block w/out Cover – 12 Circ $64.88 |
|
|
ABB 7.8/15KV OPEN FUSE CUTOUT 200 AMPS CONT. CUT OUT (S5B) $50.00 |
|
|
New ARROW HART 3 POLE PULL-OUT DISCONNECT CP-3100 100 amp 3 Phase 240V w FUSES $49.99 |
|
|
Blue Sea 5034 ST Blade Fuse Block w/out Cover – 12 Circ $62.43 |
|
|
2 IN 4 OUT AGU 0 1 4 8 Gauge Fuse Holder “Eye Candy” $59.95 |
|
|
Wadsworth Fuse Block pull out with six screw in fuses $60.00 |
|
|
Vintage Cast Iron The Crete Electric Cut Out fuse Box kp45 $60.00 |
|
|
FIRE ALARM 2 POLE FUSE CUT OUT BOX NEW IN PACKAGING $39.99 |
|
|
CUTLER HAMMER 100 AMP MAIN FUSE PULL OUT $49.99 |
|
|
100 AMP FUSE PULL OUT FEDERAL PACIFIC $45.00 |
|
|
GE 100 AMP MAIN FUSE PULL OUT- PT 30603 $44.99 |
|
|
Blue Sea Systems 5034-Blue Sea 5034 ST Blade Fuse Block w/out Cover – 12 Circuit $54.58 |
|
|
Blue Sea 5030 ST Blade Fuse Block w/out Cover – 6 Circt $54.06 |
|
|
GENERAL 100 AMP MAIN FUSE PULL OUT- CP100 $44.99 |
|
|
Blue Sea 5033 ST Blade 6 Circuit W/O Negative Fuse Block W/out Cover $52.99 |
|
|
WADSWORTH FUSE PANEL PULL OUT FUSE HOLDER WILL FIT MAIN OR RANGE UNIQUE $52.00 |
|
|
Federal Pacific FPE 2-pole 100 amp pull out plug in fuse block $39.99 |
|
|
GENERAL SWITCH CORP 60 AMP FUSE PULL OUT VERTICAL SLOT $45.00 |
|
|
FRANK ADAM ELECTRIC 250V 60A RANGE FUSE PULL OUT $45.00 |
|
|
FRANK ADAM ELECTRIC 250V 60A MAIN FUSE PULL OUT $45.00 |
|
|
MMC63614 A MMC 63614 60 AMP FUSE PULL OUT PULLOUT FUSE HOLDER VINTAGE FUSE PANEL $45.00 |
|
|
GENERAL SWITCH CORP 60 AMP FUSE PULL OUT HORIZONTAL SLOT $45.00 |
|
|
Blue Sea 5033 ST Blade Fuse Block w/out Cover – 6 Circu $50.82 |
|
|
MURRAY MANUFACTURING 4200 RANGE FUSE PULL OUT 60AMP $42.50 |
|
|
MURRAY MANUFACTURING RANGE FUSE PULL OUT 60AMP $42.50 |
|
|
ITE 60 amp fuse pull out & block Cat # FP62 FP-62 *NEW* $48.99 |
|
|
GENERAL SWITCH CORP 60 AMP FUSE PULL OUT HORIZONTAL SLOT $45.00 |
|
|
GENERAL SWITCH CORP 60 AMP FUSE PULL OUT VERTICAL SLOT $45.00 |
|
|
Blue Sea 5034 ST Blade Fuse Block w/out Cover – 12 Circuit w/out Negative Bus $47.64 |
|
|
COLT NOARK 60AMP MAIN RESIDENTIAL FUSE HOLDER PULL OUT $40.00 |
|
|
COLT NOARK 60AMP RANGE RESIDENTIAL FUSE HOLDER PULL OUT $40.00 |
|
|
RULE-A-MATIC PLUS BOAT BILGE FLOAT SWITCH W/OUT FUSE HOLDER RULE (40A) NEW $39.95 |
|
|
Blue Sea Systems 5034-Blue Sea 5034 ST Blade Fuse Block w/out Cover – 12 Circuit $45.48 |
|
|
Wadsworth Main Range Pull Out 60 Amp Fuse Holder – Good Condition $39.99 |
|
|
SQUARE D 60 AMP RANGE FUSE PULL OUT $34.99 |
|
|
Blue Sea Systems 5033-Blue Sea 5033 ST Blade Fuse Block w/out Cover – 6 Circuit $44.47 |
|
|
STINGER SHD201 INLINE ANL FUSE HOLDER 1/0/4 GA IN/OUT $43.65 |
|
|
Blue Sea 5034 ST Blade Fuse Block w/out Cover – 12 Circuit w/out Negative Bus $43.44 |
|
|
Blue Sea Systems 5018-Blue Sea 5018 ST Glass Fuse Block w/out Negative Bus – Kit $42.60 |
|
|
Blue Sea 5018 ST Glass Fuse Block w/out Negative Bus $42.20 |
|
|
ITE 30 amp Fuse pull out & block Cat # 302 or R19821 FP-32 $42.00 |
|
|
EARTHQUAKE FBMX-2 HIGH PERFORMANCE DUAL FUSE BLOCK W/ 3-4GA IN & 2-8GA OUT NEW $41.90 |
|
|
EARTHQUAKE FBAG-4 HIGH PERFORMANCE DUAL FUSE BLOCK W/ 3-4GA IN & 4-8GA OUT NEW $41.90 |
|
|
STATUS MINI WAFER FUSE ONE 1/0 IN FOUR 4-GAUGE OUT DISTRIBUTION BLOCK-SBLOCK4 $41.63 |
|
|
BULLDOG ELECTRIC 36145 60AMP RANGE FUSE PANEL PULL OUT $35.00 |
|
|
WADSWORTH 30 AMP FUSE PANEL PULL OUT $35.00 |
|
|
CUTLER HAMMER 60 AMP RANGE FUSES FUSE HOLDER PULL OUT $35.00 |
|
|
CUTLER HAMMER 60 AMP FUSE PANEL PULL OUT HOLDER $35.00 |
|
|
BULLDOG ELECTRIC 36144 60 AMP MAIN FUSE PANEL PULL OUT $35.00 |
|
|
WADSWORTH 60 AMP MAIN FUSE PANEL PULL OUT HOLDER $35.00 |
|
|
WADSWORTH 60 AMP RANGE FUSE PANEL PULL OUT FUSE HOLDER $35.00 |
|
|
SQ D SQUARE D M-122201 60 AMP FUSE PANEL PULL OUT $35.00 |
|
|
Blue Sea 5018 ST Glass Fuse Block w/out Negative Bus $30.50 |
|
|
SCOSCHE-EFX SBLOCK2 STATUS MINI WAFER FUSE ONE 1/0 IN, TWO 4-GAUGE OUT $40.17 |
|
|
MURRAY MANUFACTURING 4200 MAIN FUSE PULL OUT 60AMP $40.00 |
|
|
MURRAY MANUFACTURING 4200 RANGE FUSE PULL OUT 60AMP $40.00 |
|
|
USD H60030 30A 600V FUSE BLOCK NEW OUT OF BOX QUANTITY!!! $14.99 |
|
|
NEW StreetWires Fuse Block 4 SE Combo 4 IN 4 OUT $32.88 |
|
|
CUTLER HAMMER 60 AMP MAIN FUSE PULL OUT PULLOUT $32.50 |
|
|
ITE 30 amp Fuse pull out & block Cat # 302 or R19821 $39.00 |
|
|
WADSWORTH 60 AMP MAIN FUSE PANEL PULL OUT HOLDER $34.00 |
|
|
WADSWORTH 60 AMP RANGE FUSE PANEL PULL OUT FUSE HOLDER $34.00 |
|
|
Square D 30 amp Fuse pull out & block $39.00 |
|
|
ITE 60 amp fuse pull out & block Cat #602 or R19822 $39.00 |
|
|
Scosche-Efx Sblock2 Status Mini Wafer Fuse One 1/0 In, Two 4-Gauge Out $38.95 |
|
|
New Genuine FSP Whirlpool Stove Oven Range Thermal Fuse Cut-out 9759242 OEM $38.95 |
|
|
Blue Sea 5018 ST Glass Fuse Block w/out Negative Bus $38.95 |
|
|
6 NEW BRADY LABEL 65691 FUSE BLOCK OUT DEVICE LARGE $29.99 |
|
|
Blue Sea 5018 ST Glass Fuse Block w/out Negative Bus Blue Sea Systems 5018 $28.99 |
|
|
Car Voltage Display 1 in 2 Out Digital ANL Fuse Holder $37.12 |
|
|
Blue Sea Systems 5033-Blue Sea 5033 ST Blade Fuse Block w/out Cover – 6 Circuit $37.06 |
|
|
Wadsworth 60 amp pull out main range fuse block panel $29.99 |
|
|
SQUARE D FUSE BLOCK MAIN PULL OUT 60 AMP FUSE $31.50 |
|
|
Blue Sea 5033 ST Blade Fuse Block w/out Cover – 6 Circuit w/out Negative Bus $35.78 |
|
|
Blue Sea Systems 5018-Blue Sea 5018 ST Glass Fuse Block w/out Negative Bus $35.50 |
|
|
DISTRIBUTION BLOCK FREE AGU FUSES – ONE 0 OR 4 GAUGE IN – FOUR 4 OR 8 GAUGE OUT $34.99 |
