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# Other Printing Problems

This section describes likely causes of and possible solutions for problems that can occur when printing from a computer.

When you cannot print clearly
Problem | Causes | Solutions
--- | --- | ---
The printed image is smudged. | Settings for thick paper have not been made when printing on thick paper in the bypass tray. | PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Paper] tab, select [Bypass Tray] in the "Input Tray:" list. Then in the "Type:" list, select [Thick 1 (106 to 130 g/m2)] [Thick 3 (164 to 220 g/m2)]. PCL 6 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Paper] in the "Menu:", and then select [Bypass Tray] in the "Input Tray:" list. Then in the "Paper Type:" list, select [Thick 1 (106 to 130 g/m2)] [Thick 3 (164 to 220 g/m2)]. PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Paper] in the "Menu:", and then select [Bypass Tray] in the "Input Tray:" list. Then in the "Paper Type:" list, select [Thick 1 (106 to 130 g/m2)] [Thick 3 (164 to 220 g/m2)].
The printed image is faded over the entire page. | The paper is damp. | Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity conditions. See "Paper Storage", About This Machine.
The printed image is faded over the entire page. | The paper is unsuitable. | Use recommended paper. Printing on coarse or treated paper might result in faint print image. See "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types", About This Machine.
Images smudge when rubbed. (Toner is not fixed.) | The specified paper type and the paper that is actually loaded might be different. For example, thick paper might be loaded but not specified as the paper type. | PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Paper] tab, select a proper paper type in the [Type:] box. PCL 6 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Paper] in the "Menu:", and then select a proper paper type in the "Paper Type:" list. PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Paper] in the "Menu:", and then select a proper paper type in the "Paper Type:" list.
Images smudge when rubbed. (Toner is not fixed.) | The fusing unit is deteriorated or damaged. | Replace the unit. See "Replacing Machine Parts", About This Machine.
The printed image is different from the image on the computer's display. | Printing will be performed by the machine's graphic processing function. | Only when using PCL 6 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality] in the "Menu:", and then select [Raster] in the "Vector/Raster:" list.
When printing graphics, the output and the screen are different. | If the printer driver is configured to use the graphics command, the graphics command from the machine is used to print. | If you want to print accurately, set the printer driver to print without using the graphics command. See the printer driver Help.
Images are smudged. | Smudging can occur if a printed side rubs against things such as the corner of the machine. | When removing copies from the output tray, do so carefully to avoid scuffing the printed side. If you are making many copies, remove them in small batches.
Lines of garbled or unwanted alphanumeric characters appear. | An incorrect printer language might have been selected. | Select the correct printer driver, and then print the file again.
Images are cut off, or excess is printed. | You may be using paper smaller than the size selected in the application. | Use the same size paper as that selected in the application. If you cannot load paper of the correct size, use the reduction function to reduce the image, and then print. See the printer driver Help.
Photo images are coarse. | Some applications print at lower resolution. | Use the application's settings to specify a higher resolution.
A solid line is printed as a dashed line or appears blurred. | Dither patterns do not match. | Only when using PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality] in the "Menu:", and then change the "Dithering" setting.
Fine lines are fuzzy, of inconsistent thickness, or do not appear. | Super fine lines have been specified in the application. | Only when using PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality] in the "Menu:", and then change the "Dithering" setting. If the problem continues after you change the dithering settings, use the settings of the application in which the image was created to change thickness of the lines.

When paper is not fed properly
Problem | Causes | Solutions
--- | --- | ---
Paper is not fed from the selected tray. | When you are using a Windows operating system, printer driver settings override those settings using the display panel. | PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Paper] tab, select the desired input tray in the "Input Tray:" list. PCL 6 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Paper] in the "Menu:", select the desired input tray in the "Input Tray:" list. PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Paper] in the "Menu:", select the desired input tray in the "Input Tray:" list.
Images are printed at a slant. | The paper is feeding in at a slant. | Load the paper correctly. See "Loading Paper", About This Machine.
Misfeeds occur frequently. | The number of sheets loaded exceeds the capacity of the machine. | When loading paper into the paper tray, load paper only as high as the upper limit markings on the side fences of the paper. When loading paper on the bypass tray, load only as much paper as can be held between the guides on the bypass tray.
Misfeeds occur frequently. | The paper tray's side fences are set too tightly. | Push the side fences lightly, and then reset them.
Misfeeds occur frequently. | The paper is damp. | Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity conditions. See "Paper Storage", About This Machine.
Misfeeds occur frequently. | The paper is too thick or too thin. | Use recommended paper. See "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types", About This Machine.
Misfeeds occur frequently. | The paper is wrinkled or has been folded/creased. | Use recommended paper. For details about recommended paper, see "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types", About This Machine. Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity conditions. For details about the proper way to store paper, see "Paper Storage", About This Machine.
Misfeeds occur frequently. | Printed paper is being used. | Do not load sheets that have already been copied or printed onto by another machine.
Misfeeds occur frequently. | Sheets are sticking together. | Fan the sheets thoroughly before loading them. Alternatively, feed the sheets into the machine one at a time.
Misfeeds occur frequently. | The friction pad, paper feed roller, or registration roller may be dirty. | Clean the pertinent section as necessary. See "Cleaning the Friction Pad and Paper Feed Roller" and "Cleaning the Registration Roller", About This Machine.
Sheets are feeding in together, resulting in jams. | Sheets are sticking together. | Fan the sheets thoroughly before loading them. Alternatively, feed the sheets into the machine one at a time.
Printed paper becomes creased. | The paper is damp. | Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity conditions. See "Paper Storage", About This Machine.
Printed paper becomes creased. | The paper is too thin. | Use recommended paper. See "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types", About This Machine.
Edges of sheets are creased. | The paper is damp. | Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity conditions. See "Paper Storage", About This Machine.
Edges of sheets are creased. | You are using non-recommended paper. | Use recommended paper. See "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types", About This Machine.
Duplex printing is malfunctioning. | You have loaded thin paper lighter than 60 g/m2 (16 lb. Bond), or thick paper heavier than 163 g/m2 (90 lb. Index). | Change the paper.
Duplex printing is malfunctioning. | "Apply Duplex" is set to [No] for "Paper Type". | In [Tray Paper Settings], under "Paper Type" set "Apply Duplex" to [Yes]. For details, see "Tray Paper Settings", Network and System Settings Reference.
Duplex printing is malfunctioning. | You have selected a paper type that cannot be used for duplex print. | In [Tray Paper Settings], select a paper type that can be used for duplex print. For details about the paper types that can be used, see "Specifications for the Main Unit", About This Machine.
The image on the back side of duplex prints has mottled blank patches or is smudged. | Missing patches and smudges are caused by moisture leaking from the paper. | Do not install the machine in areas that are susceptible to low temperature. Use paper that has been stored where temperature and humidity conditions meet the limitations we recommend. For details about the paper storage conditions we recommend, see "Paper Storage", About This Machine.
White stripes appear on the OHP. | Fragments of paper are stuck to the OHP. | Use a dry cloth to wipe any paper fragments off the back of the OHP.

Other printing problems
Problem | Causes | Solutions
--- | --- | ---
It takes a long time to complete a print job. | "Sleep mode" might be set. (The machine status after the Auto Off operation is referred to as "Sleep mode".) | The machine requires time to warm up if it has been in "Sleep mode". In [System Settings], under [Timer Settings], select [Auto Off Timer], and then specify the time to elapse before Auto Off.
It takes a long time to complete a print job. | Photographs and other data intensive pages take a long time for the machine to process, so simply wait when printing such data. | If the Data In indicator is blinking, data has been received by the printer. Wait for a moment. Changing the following settings with the printer driver may help speed up printing: PCL 6 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality] in the "Menu:", and then select a lower resolution in the "Resolution:" list. PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality] in the "Menu:", and then select a lower resolution in the "Resolution:" list.
Images are printed in the wrong orientation. | The feed orientation you selected and the feed orientation selected in the printer driver's option setup might not be the same. | Set the machine's feed orientation and the printer driver's feed orientation accordingly. See the printer driver Help.
When using Windows XP/Vista/7, and Windows Server 2003/2003 R2/2008/2008 R2, optional components connected to the machine are not recognized. | Bidirectional communication is not working. | Set up optional devices on the Properties of the printer. See the printer driver Help.
When using Windows XP/Vista/7, and Windows Server 2003/2003 R2/2008/2008 R2, combined printing, booklet printing, or Auto Reduce / Enlarge printing does not come out as expected. | The correct application or printer driver settings are not made. | Make sure the application's paper size and orientation settings match those of the printer driver. If a different paper size and orientation are set, select the same size and orientation.
A print instruction was issued from the computer, but printing did not start. | User Authentication may have been set. | Contact your administrator.
PDF files do not print out/cannot perform PDF direct print. | PDF files are password-protected. | To print password-protected PDF files, enter the password in the [PDF Menu] or on Web Image Monitor. For details, see "PDF Menu", Printer Reference, or Web Image Monitor Help.
PDF files do not print out/cannot perform PDF direct print. | PDF files cannot be printed if they are print-disabled in PDF file security setting. | Change the PDF file security setting.
PDF direct print produces strange or malformed characters. | Fonts were not embedded. | Embed fonts in the PDF file you want to print, and then print.

If the problem cannot be solved, contact your service representative.