This section describes likely causes of and possible solutions for problems that can occur when printing from a computer.
Problem |
Causes |
Solutions |
---|---|---|
It takes a long time to complete a print job. |
Sleep mode or Fusing Unit Off mode might be set. |
The machine requires time to warm up if it has been in Sleep mode or Fusing Unit Off mode. For details about Sleep mode and Fusing Unit Off mode, see "Saving Energy", Getting Started. |
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 a proper paper type. PCL 6 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Paper] in "Menu:", and then select [Bypass Tray] in the "Input Tray:" list. Then in the "Paper Type:" list, select a proper paper type. PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Paper] in "Menu:", and then select [Bypass Tray] in the "Input Tray:" list. Then in the "Paper Type:" list, select a proper paper type. |
Printed images contain blots or are patchy. |
The paper is damp. |
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", Paper Specifications and Adding Paper. |
Printed images contain blots or are patchy. |
The machine is not on a level surface. |
The machine must be placed on a stable and level surface. Check the machine environment and select an appropriate location. For details about the machine's environment, see "Where to Put Your Machine", Maintenance and Specifications. |
Printed images contain blots or are patchy. |
The paper is creased, curled, or has blemishes. |
Smooth out the wrinkles or replace the paper. For details about paper, see "Recommended Paper", Paper Specifications and Adding Paper. |
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. For details about the proper way to store paper, see "Paper Storage", Paper Specifications and Adding Paper. |
The printed image is faded over the entire page. |
The paper is unsuitable. Printing on coarse or treated paper might result in faint print image. |
Use recommended paper. For details about recommended paper, see "Recommended Paper", Paper Specifications and Adding Paper. |
The printed image is faded over the entire page. |
If [On] is selected in the "Toner Saving:" list in the printer driver settings, the entire page will be faded when printed. |
PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Print Quality] tab, select [Off] in the "Toner Saving" area. PCL 6 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality] in "Menu:", and then select [Off] in the "Toner Saving:" list. PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality] in "Menu:", and then select [Off] in the "Toner Saving:" list. |
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 "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 "Menu:", and then select a proper paper type in the "Paper Type:" list. |
The printed image is different from the image on the computer's display. |
With certain functions, such as enlargement and reduction, image layout might be different to that on the computer display. |
Only when using PCL 6 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality] in "Menu:", and then select [Raster] in the "Vector/Raster:" list. |
The printing image or characters are blurred, or white lines appear on the printing image. |
The LED head is dirty. |
Clean the LED head. For details, see "Cleaning the LED Head", Maintenance and Specifications. |
The image is too dark or too light. |
The correct paper type settings are not made. |
Check the paper loaded on the paper tray or bypass tray matches the paper type set on the display panel. For details about paper type settings, see "Recommended Paper", Paper Specifications and Adding Paper. |
The image is too dark or too light. |
The paper is loaded reverse side up. Printing on non-print surfaces reduces print quality and can damage the machine's internal components. |
Before printing on special paper, check its surface carefully. For details about special paper, see "Recommended Paper" and "Unusable Paper", Paper Specifications and Adding Paper. |
Image is dirty. |
Use of non-recommended toner can result in loss of print quality and other problems. |
Use manufacturer-genuine toner. Contact your service representative. |
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. For details about settings for printer driver, see the printer driver Help. |
Print result differs from the display. |
A non-Windows OS is being used. |
Check the application supports the printer driver. |
Print result differs from the display. |
The machine is not selected for printing. |
Use the machine's printer driver and check the machine is the designated printer. For details about how to open the printer driver settings screen, see "Displaying the Printer Driver Settings Screen", Print. |
Print result differs from the display. |
Data transmission failed or was cancelled during printing. |
Check whether there is failed or cancelled data remaining. For details about how to identify the cause of the errors. |
Characters differ from the display. |
The loaded paper is unsuitable. |
Printing on recommended paper produces better resolution. For details about recommended paper, see "Recommended Paper", Paper Specifications and Adding Paper. |
Image position differs from the display. |
The correct page layout settings are not made. |
Check the page layout settings made using the application. For details about page layout settings, see the application's Help. |
Image position differs from the display. |
The correct page layout settings are not made. |
PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Paper] tab, select [Print On] box, and then select the desired size. PCL 6 / PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Basic] in "Menu:", and then select the desired size in the "Print On:" list. |
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. For details about reduction function, see the printer driver Help. |
Photo images are coarse. |
Some applications print at lower resolution. |
Use the application's or printer driver's settings to specify a higher resolution. For details about printer driver's settings, see the printer driver Help. |
A solid line is printed as a dashed line or appears blurred. |
Dither patterns do not match. |
Only when using PostScript 3 Change the dithering settings on the printer driver. For details about the dithering settings, see the printer driver Help. |
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 Change the dithering settings on the printer driver. For details about the dithering settings, see the printer driver Help. If the problem continues after you change the dithering settings, use the settings of the application in which the image was created to change the thickness of the lines. |
Problem |
Causes |
Solutions |
---|---|---|
Misfeeds occur frequently. |
The number of sheets loaded exceeds the capacity of the machine. |
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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. For details about the proper way to store paper, see "Paper Storage", Paper Specifications and Adding Paper. |
Misfeeds occur frequently. |
The paper is too thick or too thin. |
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Misfeeds occur frequently. |
The paper is wrinkled or has been folded/creased. |
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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. |
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Copy paper becomes creased. |
Printed paper is being used. |
Do not load sheets that have already been copied or printed onto by another machine. |
Copy paper becomes creased. |
The paper is damp. |
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", Paper Specifications and Adding Paper. |
Copy paper becomes creased. |
The paper is too thin. |
Use recommended paper. For details about recommended paper, see "Recommended Paper", Paper Specifications and Adding Paper. |
Edges of sheets are creased. |
The paper is damp. |
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", Paper Specifications and Adding Paper. |
Edges of sheets are creased. |
You are using non-recommended paper. |
Use recommended paper. For details about recommended paper, see "Recommended Paper", Paper Specifications and Adding Paper. |
Sheets are feeding in together, resulting in jams. |
Sheets are sticking together. |
|
Print is slanted. |
The side fences in the paper tray are not set properly. |
Make sure the side fences are set properly. For details about how to set the side fences, see "Changing the Paper Size", Paper Specifications and Adding Paper. |
Print is slanted. |
The paper is feeding in at a slant. |
Load the paper correctly. For details about loading paper, see "Loading Paper", Paper Specifications and Adding Paper. |
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 tray in the "Input Tray:" list. PCL 6 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Paper] in "Menu:", and then select the desired tray in the "Input Tray:" list. PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Paper] in "Menu:", and then select the desired tray in the "Input Tray:" list. |
Duplex printing is malfunctioning. |
You have loaded paper that is too thick or too thin. |
Change the paper. For details about paper weight that can be used for duplex printing, see "Specifications for the Main Unit", Maintenance and Specifications. |
Duplex printing is malfunctioning. |
You have selected the paper tray that is not set for duplex print. |
Change the setting for "Duplex" in [System Settings] to enable duplex printing for the paper tray. For details about setting duplex print, see "Tray Paper Settings", Connecting the Machine/ System Settings. |
Duplex printing is malfunctioning. |
You have selected a paper type that cannot be used for duplex printing. |
In [Tray Paper Settings], select a paper type that can be used for duplex printing. For details about the paper types that can be used, see "Printing on Both Sides of Sheets", Print. |
The image on the back side of duplex copies has mottled blank patches or is smudged. |
Missing patches and smudges are caused by moisture leaking from the paper. |
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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. |
Problem |
Causes |
Solutions |
---|---|---|
It takes a long time to complete a print job. |
"Sleep Mode" might be set. |
The machine requires time to warm up if it has been in "Sleep Mode". In [System Settings], under [Timer Settings], select [Sleep Mode], and then specify "Sleep Mode". |
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 machine. Wait for a moment. Changing the following settings with the printer driver may help speed up printing: Only when using PCL5e Select a lower resolution on the printer driver. For details about how to change the resolution setting, see the printer driver Help. |
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. For details about settings for printer driver, see the printer driver Help. |
Optional components connected to the machine are not recognized. |
Bidirectional Communication is not working. |
Set up optional devices on the Properties of the printer. For details about how to set up optional devices, see the printer driver Help. |
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. |
Some types of data, such as graphics data or data from certain applications, do not print. |
The correct printer driver settings are not made. |
PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Print Quality] tab, select [600 dpi] in the "Resolution" area. PCL 6
PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality] in "Menu:", and then select [Photographic] in the "Dithering:" list. For details about printer driver settings, see the printer driver Help. |
Some characters are not printed or appear strange. |
The correct printer driver settings are not made. |
PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Print Quality] tab, select [600 dpi] in the "Resolution" area. PCL 6
PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality] in "Menu:", and then select [Text] in the "Dithering:" list. For details about printer driver settings, see the printer driver Help. |
Print speed or application relinquishing speed is slow. |
The correct printer driver settings are not made. |
Only when using PCL 6 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality] in "Menu:", and then select [Speed] in the "Print Priority:" list. For details about printer driver settings, see the printer driver Help. Quit any other applications. |
“Resetting job...” appears and printing is suspended. |
Memory is insufficient. |
In [Printer Features], under [System], select [Memory Usage] to [Font Priority]. |
Printing via wireless LAN is slow. |
The number of jobs exceeds the capacity of the machine. |
Reduce the number of jobs. |
Printing via wireless LAN is slow. |
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If the problem cannot be solved, contact your service representative.