UPGRADING REPAIRING PCs

Table 7.8 Troubleshooting Printer Problems Continued
Printers 197
Symptom
Printer
Type Cause(s) Solutions
Inkjet Wrong paper Use inkjet-rated paper; check print
type or setting and match settings and
printer resolution to paper type; make
settings sure you’re using correct side of
paper (look for a “print this side
first” marking on the package).
Inkjet Cartridge Reseat cartridge; run cleaning
clogged or utility; remove Canon cartridge
not seated
correctly
from unit and clean printhead.
White lines Inkjet Some nozzles Use nozzle-cleaning routine on
through clogged printer or utility program in printer
printed text
or graphics
driver to clean; retest afterwards.
On Canon, HP, and other printers
with removable printheads, clean
printhead with alcohol and foam
swab.
On Epson and other models with
fixed printhead, use cleaning sheet
to clean printhead.
On any model, replace printer cartridge
if three cleaning cycles and
tests don’t clear up clogging.
Impact Pins in Remove printhead and clean with
dot- printhead alcohol and foam swab; retest.
matrix stuck or broken
If pins are bent or broken, repair or
replace printhead.
Check head gap and adjust to
avoid printhead damage; widen
head gap for envelopes, labels, and
multipart forms; adjust back to regular
position for normal paper.
Change ribbon; discard ribbons
with snags or tears.
Variable print Laser Toner unevenly Remove toner cartridge and shake
density distributed in from side to side; check printer
drum or toner position and ensure it’s level; check
cartridge for light leaks; replace toner
cartridge or refill toner.
Fuzzy white Laser Dirty Clean corotrons per manufacturer
lines on pages corotrons
(corona wires)
recommendation.
Pages print Laser Broken charger Replace toner cartridge if it consolid
black corotron tains corotron, or repair printer.
Pages print Laser Broken Repair transfer corotron.
solid white transfer
corotron