Q1860-90918 Chapter 7 Troubleshooting 207
Image quality
When you are working with customers, obtain a print sample before you begin troubleshooting
their printer. Ask the customer to explain the quality expected from the printer. The print sample
will also help clarify the image-quality issue.
Check the toner cartridge
Image-formation defects are often the result of problems with the toner cartridge. If you suspect
that the toner cartridge is the source of the problem, replace the toner cartridge before
troubleshooting image defects.
Use the following list to make sure that the toner cartridge is still operable.
Make sure that the toner cartridge has toner. The weight of a full toner cartridge is
1880 grams (66.3 oz); the weight of an empty cartridge is 1450 grams (51.1 oz).
Check the expiration date on the toner cartridge (it is stamped on the cartridge box).
Check the toner cartridge to see if it has been disassembled or refilled.
Make sure that the toner cartridge is seated correctly in the printer cavity.
Inspect the cartridge for toner leaking through worn seals. (If the drum has been manually
rotated, it might have caused internal damage and toner spills can result.)
Note Toner cartridges are rated for 10,000 images at 5% coverage. It is possible to wear out the gears
and the cartridge seals before
TONER LOW appears on the control panel if the 10,000-image
expectancy is exceeded. See “EconoMode” on page 208.
Image quality checks Action
Does the problem repeat on
the page?
Use the repetitive defect ruler on page 223.
Is the toner cartridge full
and is it manufactured by
HP?
Use the checklist below to check the toner cartridge.
Is the customer using print
media that meets all HP
paper specification
standards?
For more information about HP’s paper specification standards, see
chapter 1.
Is the print sample similar to
those in the print quality
tables that begin on
page 210?
Compare the sample to the print quality tables and perform the
corresponding procedures that are recommended.
Is the problem with the toner
cartridge drum, the transfer
roller, or the fuser?
Perform the half self-test functional check (see page 224) to determine the
location of the defect.
If a correct toner image is present on the drum’s surface, assume that the
first four functions of the electrophotographic process are functioning, and
troubleshoot the failure as a transfer or fusing problem. If the image on the
paper looks good before it enters the fuser, then a problem might exist in the
fuser.
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