Troubleshooting Printer Issues

Printer manual

If you are unfamiliar with a printer or don’t know how to troubleshoot a specific issue, always consult the printer manual or the printer manufacturer’s website.

Paper jam

Always check the manufacturer’s jam removal procedure, and do not pull on the jammed paper, as this can damage the printer. If the printer reports a jam when there is no paper inside, one of the jam sensors needs repair.

Incorrect paper size

Check the Page Setup interface in applications like Microsoft Word to see if the paper size is set up properly. If this is set up properly and the problem persists, then uninstall and reinstall the printer driver.

Paper not feeding

Check for overflowing paper trays and correct paper position. If the problem persists, try cleaning or replacing the printer’s pickup rollers with a cleaning solution like denatured alcohol.

Faded print

First, remove the printhead from the printer, then clean it using cleaning solutions, such as denatured alcohol. Next, dry off the cleaned printhead, then place it back in the printer. Finally, print a test page to check the print quality.

Toner doesn’t fuse to printer

Check the printer settings to ensure that the paper type and size is the same as the paper that is in the tray. If the issue persists, remove the fuser unit and check for damage. Replace the fuser if needed.

Lines down printed page

Clean the printhead with denatured alcohol. If the problem persists, replace the printhead.

Garbled print

First, reboot the printer. If the issue continues, check the printer driver. Then, uninstall and reinstall the printer driver.

Multiple prints pending in the queue

Clear the print queue. Then, reinstall the printer driver

Grinding noise

First, unplug the printer and check for any broken parts or paper jams. Replace any broken parts or clear any paper jams if needed. Then, plug the printer back in.