Xerox 3124 manual Solving print quality problems

Solving print quality problems

Dirt inside of the printer or improper paper loading may reduce print quality. See the table below to troubleshoot problems.

Condition	Suggested solutions
Light or faded	If a vertical white streak or faded area appears
print	on the page:

• The toner supply is low. You may be able to temporarily extend the toner cartridge life. See page 8.3. If this does not improve print quality, install a new toner cartridge.

•The paper may not meet paper specifications (for example, the paper is too moist or too

rough). See page 5.3.

•If the entire page is light, the print resolution setting is too light or toner save mode is on. Adjust the print resolution and toner save mode in the printer properties. See the Software Section.

•A combination of faded or smeared defects may indicate that the printer needs cleaning. See page 8.1.

•The surface of LSU may be dirty. Clean the LSU. See page 8.2.

Toner spots	•	The paper may not meet specifications (for
		example, the paper is too moist or too rough).
		See page 5.3.
	•	The transfer roller or paper path may be dirty.
		See page 8.1.
Dropouts	If generally rounded, faded areas occur
	randomly on the page:

• A single sheet of paper may be defective. Try reprinting the job.

• The moisture content of the paper is uneven or the paper has moist spots on its surface. Try a different brand of paper. See page 5.3.

• The paper lot is bad. The manufacturing processes can cause some areas to reject toner. Try a different kind or brand of paper.

•The toner cartridge may be defective. See “Vertical repetitive defects” on the next column.

•If these steps do not correct the problems, contact a service representative.

Condition		Suggested solutions
Vertical lines	If black vertical streaks appear on the page:
	•	The drum inside the toner cartridge has
		probably been scratched. Install a new toner
		cartridge. See page 8.4.
	If white vertical streaks appear on the page:
	•	The surface of the LSU part inside the printer
		may be dirty. Clean the LSU. See page 8.2.
Gray	If the amount of background shading becomes
background	unacceptable, the procedures below may fix the
	problem.
	•	Change to lighter weight pages. See page 5.3.
	•	Check the printer’s environment; low humidity
		(lower than 20% RH) or high humidity (higher
		than 80% RH) conditions can increase the
		amount of background shading.
	•	Remove the old toner cartridge and install a
		new one. See page 8.4.
Toner smear	•	Clean the inside of the printer. See page 8.1.
	•	Check the paper type and quality. See page
		5.2.
	•	Remove the toner cartridge and install a new
		one. See page 8.4.

Vertical	If marks repeatedly appear on the printed side of
repetitive	the page at even intervals:
defects	•	The toner cartridge may be damaged. If a
		repetitive mark occurs on the page, install a
		new toner cartridge. See page 8.4.
	•	Parts of the printer may have toner on them. If
		the defects occur on the back of the page, the
		problem will likely correct itself after a few
		more pages.
	•	The fusing assembly may be damaged.
		Contact a service representative.

9.7 <Troubleshooting>