Troubleshooting Overview

Throughout the printer’s life problems occur, such as those indicated when an error code displays on the operator panel, a printer produces poor quality prints, or the printer mal- functions. Use the tools provided in this manual to diagnose and resolve printer problems.

These tools include:

The Troubleshooting Analysis Guide, which contains troubleshooting procedures called TAGs. TAG 001: Troubleshooting A Printer Problem provides an overview of how to use TAGs.

Cross reference tables, which link error codes, print quality problems, and mechanical malfunctions to specific TAGs.

Print quality samples, which you can use to identify a printing problem and its associated TAGs.

Diagnostics, through which the printer checks itself for a range of problems.

The next several pages review troubleshooting basics and standard procedures followed in every troubleshooting session, including:

Identifying whether a problem belongs to the printer or host

Isolating protocol converter problems

Running test prints

Reading the error log

Confirming line power

Using TAGs

Power-On Reset

Installing the interlock by-pass tool

Checking continuity

Producing a developed image

Producing a toner patch

Completing a service call

Clearing the error log

General Troubleshooting Tips

When a printer problem arises, swapping out all printer supplies may temporarily mask the problem. This is an unsatisfactory, short-term, and expensive solution to correcting the problem. Dust and other contamination, rather than printer supplies, are more often the causes of problems. Clean consumable connectors, alignment guides, and areas before changing consumables.

Many failures add excess toner to the printer’s engine. When you are advised to de-tone the printer as part of a problem fix, run at least 200 test prints before evaluating whether the problem has been resolved.

Printer and Troubleshooting Overview

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