Step 1

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Is the printer printing blank or white pages?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Remove the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the photoconductor drum. Doing so may affect the quality of future print jobs.

2. Insert the imaging unit.

3. Print the document.

Is the printer printing blank or white pages?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Depending on your operating system, reduce the toner darkness from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.

   Note:  You can also change the settings on the printer control panel. From the home screen, touch Settings > Print > Quality > Toner Darkness .

2. Print the document.

Is the print too dark?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.

   Notes:

   • Make sure that the settings match the paper loaded in the tray.
   • You can also change the settings on the printer control panel. From the home screen, touch Settings > Paper > Tray Configuration > Paper Size/Type .

2. Print the document.

Is the print too dark?

Go to step 3.

Go to step 6.

Step 3

Make sure that the paper has no texture or rough finishes.

Are you printing on textured or rough paper?

Go to step 4.

Go to step 6.

Step 4

1. Replace textured or rough paper with plain paper.

2. Print the document.

Is the print too dark?

Go to step 5.

The problem is solved.

Step 5

1. Load paper from a fresh package.

   Note:  Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its original wrapper until you are ready to use it.

2. Print the document.

Is the print too dark?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Are fine lines printed correctly?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

1. Increase toner darkness.

   From the home screen, touch Settings > Print > Quality > Toner Darkness .

2. Print the document.

Are fine lines printed correctly?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .

Step 1

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Is the paper folded or wrinkled?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Load paper from a fresh package.

   Note:  Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its original wrapper until you are ready to use it.

2. Print the document.

Is the paper folded or wrinkled?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.

   Notes:

   • Make sure that the setting matches the paper loaded.
   • You can also change the setting from the printer control panel. From the home screen, touch Settings > Paper > Tray Configuration > Paper Size/Type .

2. Print the document.

Is the paper folded or wrinkled?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Turn off the printer, wait for 10 seconds, and then turn on the printer.

2. Decrease toner darkness.

   From the control panel, navigate to Settings > Print > Quality > Toner Darkness .

3. Print the document.

Does gray background appear on prints?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Does gray background appear on prints?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.

   Notes:

   • Make sure that the setting matches the paper loaded.
   • You can also change the setting from the printer control panel. Navigate to Settings > Paper > Tray Configuration > Paper Size/Type .

2. Print the document.

Does gray background appear on prints?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

1. Remove, and then insert the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the photoconductor drum. Doing so may affect the quality of future print jobs.

2. Print the document.

Does gray background appear on prints?

Go to step 5.

The problem is solved.

Step 5

1. Update the printer firmware. For more information, see the “Updating firmware” section.

2. Print the document.

Does gray background appear on prints?

Go to step 6.

The problem is solved.

Step 6

1. Replace the imaging unit.

2. Print the document.

Does gray background appear on prints?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Adjust the paper guides in the tray to the correct position for the paper loaded.

2. Print the document.

Are the margins correct?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper size from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.

   Notes:

   • Make sure that the setting matches the paper loaded.
   • You can also change the setting on the printer control panel. From the home screen, touch Settings > Paper > Tray Configuration > Paper Size/Type .

   Note: 

2. Print the document.

Are the margins correct?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .

Step 1

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Is the print light?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Turn off the printer, wait for about 10 seconds, and then turn on the printer.

2. Increase toner darkness.

   From the home screen, touch Settings > Print > Quality > Toner Darkness .

3. Print the document.

Is the print light?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.

   Notes:

   • Make sure that the setting matches the paper loaded.
   • You can also change the setting on the printer control panel. From the home screen, touch Settings > Paper > Tray Configuration > Paper Size/Type .

2. Print the document.

Is the print light?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

1. Depending on your operating system, specify the print resolution from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.

2. Set the resolution to 600 dpi .

3. Print the document.

Is the print light?

Go to step 5.

The problem is solved.

Step 5

1. Remove the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light. Extended exposure to light can cause print quality problems.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the photoconductor drum. Doing so may affect the quality of future print jobs.

2. Firmly shake the imaging unit to redistribute the toner.

3. Insert the imaging unit.

4. Turn off the printer, wait for 10 seconds, and then turn on the printer.

5. Print the document.

Is the print light?

Go to step 6.

The problem is solved.

Step 6

1. Check the status of the toner cartridge.

   From the home screen, touch Settings > Reports > Device > Device Statistics .

2. From the Supply Information section of the pages printed, check the status of the toner cartridge.

Is the toner cartridge near end of life?

Go to step 7.

Contact customer support .

Step 7

1. Replace the toner cartridge.

2. Print the document.

Is the print light?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Is the print mottled?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

Check the printer for leaked toner contamination.

Is the printer free of leaked toner?

Go to step 3.

Contact customer support .

Step 3

1. Check the status of the imaging unit.

   From the home screen, touch Settings > Reports > Device > Device Statistics .

2. From the Supply Information section of the pages printed, check the status of the imaging unit.

Is the imaging unit near end of life?

Go to step 4.

Contact customer support .

Step 4

1. Replace the imaging unit.

2. Print the document.

Is the print mottled?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Adjust the guides in the tray to the correct position for the paper loaded.

2. Print the document.

Is the paper curled?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.

   Notes:

   • Make sure that the setting matches the paper loaded.
   • You can also change the setting on the printer control panel. From the home screen, touch Settings > Paper > Tray Configuration > Paper Size/Type .

2. Print the document.

Is the paper curled?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

Print on the other side of the paper.

1. Remove paper, flip it over, and then reload paper.

2. Print the document.

Is the paper curled?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

1. Load paper from a fresh package.

   Note:  Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its original wrapper until you are ready to use it.

2. Print the document.

Is the paper curled?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Pull out the tray.

2. Remove the paper, and then load paper from a fresh package.

   Note:  Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its original wrapper until you are ready to use it.

3. Adjust the paper guides in the tray to the correct position for the paper loaded.

4. Insert the tray.

5. Print the document.

Is the print crooked or skewed?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Make sure that you are printing on a supported paper.

2. Print the document.

Is the print crooked or skewed?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the toner cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Is the printer printing solid black pages?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Remove, and then insert the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the photoconductor drum. Doing so may affect the quality of future print jobs.

2. Print the document.

Is the printer printing solid black pages?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

Check the imaging unit for signs of damage.

Note:  Make sure that the photoconductor drum contact is not bent or out of place.

Does the imaging unit have damage?

Go to step 4.

Contact customer support .

Step 4

1. Replace the imaging unit.

2. Print the document.

Is the printer printing solid black pages?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the toner cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Is the text or image clipped?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Remove, and then insert the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the photoconductor drum. Doing so may affect the quality of future print jobs.

2. Print the document.

Is the text or image clipped?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper size from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.

   Notes:

   • Make sure that the setting matches the paper loaded in the tray.
   • You can also change the setting on the printer control panel. From the home screen, touch Settings > Paper > Tray Configuration > Paper Size/Type .

2. Print the document.

Is the text or image clipped?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

1. Replace the imaging unit.

2. Print the document.

Is the text or image clipped?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the toner cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Does toner easily rub off?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.

   Notes:

   • Make sure that the setting matches the paper loaded.
   • You can also change the setting on the printer control panel. From the home screen, touch Settings > Paper > Tray Configuration > Paper Size/Type .

2. Print the document.

Does toner easily rub off?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Do horizontal light bands appear on prints?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Remove the printhead wiper, and then clean the printhead lens.

2. Print the document.

Do horizontal light bands appear on prints?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

1. Remove, and then insert the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the photoconductor drum. Doing so may affect the quality of future print jobs.

2. Print the document.

Do horizontal light bands appear on prints?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

1. Replace the imaging unit.

2. Print the document.

Do horizontal light bands appear on prints?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Remove the printhead wiper, and then clean the printhead lens.

2. Print the document.

Do horizontal light bands appear on prints?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Do vertical light bands appear on prints?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

1. Check the status of the toner cartridge.

   From the home screen, touch Settings > Reports > Device > Device Statistics .

2. From the Supply Information section of the pages printed, check the status of the toner cartridge.

Do vertical light bands appear on prints?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

1. Replace the toner cartridge.

2. Print the document.

Do vertical light bands appear on prints?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Do vertical white lines appear on prints?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.

   Notes:

   • Make sure that the setting matches the paper loaded.
   • You can also change the setting on the printer control panel. From the home screen, touch Settings > Paper > Tray Configuration > Paper Size/Type .

2. Print the document.

Do vertical white lines appear on prints?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the toner cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Do vertical dark bands appear on prints?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Remove the printhead wiper, and then clean the printhead lens.

2. Print the document.

Do vertical dark bands appear on prints?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

1. Remove, and then insert the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the photoconductor drum. Doing so may affect the quality of future print jobs.

2. Print the document.

Do vertical dark bands appear on prints?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the toner cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Do vertical dark lines or streaks appear on prints?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Remove the printhead wiper, and then clean the printhead lens.

2. Print the document.

Do vertical dark lines or streaks appear on prints?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

1. Remove, and then insert the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light. Extended exposure to light can cause print quality problems.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the photoconductor drum. Doing so may affect the quality of future print jobs.

2. Print the document.

Do vertical dark lines or streaks appear on prints?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

1. Replace the imaging unit.

2. Print the document.

Do vertical dark lines or streaks appear on prints?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Remove the printhead wiper, and then clean the printhead lens.

2. Print the document.

Do vertical dark streaks with missing images appear on prints?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Remove, and then insert the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the photoconductor drum. Doing so may affect the quality of future print jobs.

2. Print the document.

Do vertical dark streaks with missing images appear on prints?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

1. Check if the printer is using a genuine and supported Lexmark toner cartridge.

   Note:  If the toner cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.

2. Print the document.

Do vertical dark streaks with missing images appear on prints?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

Using the Print Quality Test Pages, check if the distance between the repeating defects is equal to any of the following:

Imaging unit

• 96 mm (3.78 in.)

• 37.7 mm (1.48 in.)

Toner cartridge

• 43.5 mm (1.71 in.)

• 37.5 mm (1.48 in.)

Transfer roller

• 52 mm (2.05 in.)

Fuser

• 79.8 mm (3.14 in.)

• 62.5 mm (2.46 in.)

Does the distance between the repeating defects match the toner cartridge or imaging unit measurements?

Go to step 2.

Take note of the distance, and then contact customer support .

Step 2

1. Replace the affected supply item.

2. Print the document.

Do the repeating defects appear?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. From the document you are trying to print, open the Print dialog, and then check if you have selected the correct printer.

2. Print the document.

Is the document printed?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

1. Check if the printer is on.

2. Resolve any error messages that appear on the display.

3. Print the document.

Is the document printed?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 3.

Step 3

1. Check if the ports are working and if the cables are securely connected to the computer and the printer.

   For more information, see the setup documentation that came with the printer.

2. Print the document.

Is the document printed?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 4.

Step 4

1. Turn off the printer, wait for about 10 seconds, and then turn on the printer.

2. Print the document.

Is the document printed?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 5.

Step 5

1. Remove, and then reinstall the print driver.

2. Print the document.

Is the document printed?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .

Step 1

1. From the control panel, check if the documents appear in the Held Jobs list.

   Note:  If the documents are not listed, then print the documents using the Print and Hold options.

2. Print the documents.

Are the documents printed?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

The print job may contain a formatting error or invalid data.

• Delete the print job, and then send it again.

• For PDF files, generate a new file, and then print the documents.

Are the documents printed?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 3.

Step 3

If you are printing from the Internet, then the printer may be reading the multiple job titles as duplicates.

For Windows users

1. Open the Printing Preferences dialog.

2. From the Print and Hold tab, click Use Print and Hold , and then click Keep duplicate documents .

3. Enter a PIN, and then save the changes.

4. Send the print job.

For Macintosh users

1. Save and name each job differently.

2. Send the job individually.

Are the documents printed?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 4.

Step 4

1. Delete some held jobs to free up printer memory.

2. Print the documents.

Are the documents printed?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 5.

Step 5

1. Add printer memory.

2. Print the documents.

Are the documents printed?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .

Step 1

1. Check if you are printing on the correct paper.

2. Print the document.

Is the document printed on the correct paper?

Go to step 2.

Load the correct paper size and paper type.

Step 2

1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper size and paper type from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.

   Note:  You can also change the settings on the printer control panel. From the home screen, touch Settings > Paper > Tray Configuration > Paper Size/Type .

2. Make sure that the settings match the paper loaded.

3. Print the document.

Is the document printed on the correct paper?

The problem is solved.

Go to step 3.

Step 3

1. Check if the trays are linked.

   For more information, see Linking trays .

2. Print the document.

Is the document printed from the correct tray?

The problem is solved.

Contact customer support .

Step 1

Make sure that the printer cable is securely connected to the printer and to the computer, print server, option, or other network device.

Is the printer printing slow?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Make sure that the printer is not in Quiet Mode.

   From the home screen, touch Settings > Device > Maintenance > Configuration Menu > Device Operations > Quiet Mode .

2. Print the document.

Is the printer printing slow?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

1. Depending on your operating system, specify the print resolution from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.

2. Set the resolution to 600 dpi .

3. Print the document.

Is the printer printing slow?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

1. From the home screen, touch Settings > Print > Quality > Print Resolution .

2. Set the resolution to 600 dpi .

3. Print the document.

Is the printer printing slow?

Go to step 5.

The problem is solved.

Step 5

1. Depending on your operating system, specify the paper type from the Printing Preferences or Print dialog.

   Notes:

   • Make sure that the setting matches the paper loaded.
   • You can also change the setting on the printer control panel.
   • Heavier paper prints more slowly.
   • Paper narrower than letter, A4, and legal may print more slowly.

2. Print the document.

Is the printer printing slow?

Go to step 6.

The problem is solved.

Step 6

1. Make sure that the printer settings for texture and weight match the paper being loaded.

   From the home screen, touch Settings > Paper > Media Configuration > Media Types .

   Note:  Rough paper textures and heavy paper weights may print more slowly.

2. Print the document.

Is the printer printing slow?

Go to step 7.

The problem is solved.

Step 7

Remove held jobs.

Is the printer printing slow?

Go to step 8.

The problem is solved.

Step 8

1. Make sure that the printer is not overheating.

   Notes:

   • Allow the printer to cool down after a long print job.
   • Observe the recommended ambient temperature for the printer. For more information, see Selecting a location for the printer .

2. Print the document.

Is the printer printing slow?

Contact customer support .

The problem is solved.