Lexmark 238 Print irregularities, Print too light, Print too dark, Toner specks, Gray background

Print quality problems

Symptom	Cause	Solution
Print irregularities	• Paper has absorbed moisture due	• Load paper from a fresh package in
	to high humidity.		the paper tray.
	• You are using paper that does not	• Avoid textured paper with rough
ABCDE	meet the printer specifications.		finishes.
	• The fuser is worn or defective.	• Make sure the printer driver paper
ABCDE		•	type setting matches the type of
			Replace the fuser*.
			paper you are using.
ABCDE

Print too light	• The Toner Darkness setting is too	• Select a different Toner Darkness†
	light.	setting from the printer driver before
	• You are using paper that does not	sending the job to print.
	meet the printer specifications.	• Load paper from a new package.
	• The toner cartridge is low on toner.	• Avoid textured paper with rough
	• The toner cartridge is defective.	finishes.
		• Make sure the paper you load in the
		trays is not damp.
		• Replace the toner cartridge.
Print too dark	• The Toner Darkness setting is too	• Select a different Toner Darkness†
	dark.	setting from the printer driver before
	• The toner cartridge is defective.	sending the job to print.
		• Replace the toner cartridge.

Transparency print quality is poor	• You are using transparencies that	•	Use only transparencies
(Print has inappropriate light or dark	do not meet the printer		recommended by the printer’s
	specifications.		manufacturer.
spots, toner is smeared, or horizontal
	• The Form Type setting in the printer	• Make sure the Form Type setting is
or vertical light bands appear.)
	driver is set to something other than		set to transparency.
	transparency.
Toner specks	• The toner cartridge is defective.	• Replace the toner cartridge.
	• The fuser is worn or defective.	•	Replace the fuser*.
	• Toner is in the paper path.	•	Call for service.
Toner rubs off the paper easily	• The Paper Texture setting is wrong	•	Change Paper Texture† from
when you handle the sheets	for the type of paper or specialty		Normal to Smooth or Rough.
	media you are using.	•	Change Paper Weight† from Plain
	• The Paper Weight setting is wrong		to CardStock (or other appropriate
	for the type of paper or specialty		weight).
	media you are using.	•	Replace the fuser*.
	• The fuser is worn or defective.
Gray background	• The Toner Darkness setting is too	• Select a different Toner Darkness†
	dark.		setting from the printer driver before
	• The toner cartridge is defective.		sending the job to print.
ABCDE		• Replace the toner cartridge.
ABCDE
ABCDE

*To replace the fuser, call a service technician.

†This setting can be changed using the Local Printer Setup Utility. See Using the Local Printer Setup Utility on page 74 for more information.

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