Step 1

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



2. Increase toner darkness.

   From the control panel, navigate to:

   Settings > Print Settings > Quality Menu > Toner Darkness

   For non‑touch‑screen printer models, press to navigate through the settings.



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 toner 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.


2. Print the document.

Does gray background appear on prints?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

Check the status of the toner cartridge, and replace if necessary.

1. From the control panel, navigate to:

   Status/Supplies > View Supplies

   For non‑touch‑screen printer models, press to navigate through the settings.



2. Print the document.

Does gray background appear on prints?

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 for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

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



2. Remove any packing material that is stuck on the imaging unit.

   

   Note:  Make sure to remove any obstruction between the charge roller and photoconductor drum.



3. Insert the imaging unit.



4. 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. 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 print light?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

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



2. Increase toner darkness.

   From the control panel, navigate to:

   Settings > Print Settings > Quality Menu > Toner Darkness

   For non‑touch‑screen printer models, press to navigate through the settings.



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 from the printer control panel.


2. Print the document.

Is the print light?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

Check the status of the toner cartridge, and replace if necessary.

1. From the control panel, navigate to:

   Status/Supplies > View Supplies

   For non‑touch‑screen printer models, press to navigate through the settings.



2. Print the document.

Is the print light?

Go to step 5.

The problem is solved.

Step 5

1. Remove the toner cartridge, and then remove the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light can cause print quality problems.

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



2. Push either side of the transfer roller, located below the imaging unit, to check if it depresses and bounces back into place.



3. If the transfer roller does not depress and bounce back into place, then insert it by pulling up the blue gear and pulling it out from the right side to the left.



4. Firmly shake the imaging unit to redistribute the toner, and then insert it.



5. Insert the toner cartridge.



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



7. Print the document.

Is the print light?

Go to step 6.

The problem is solved.

Step 6

1. If the issue happens after installing a new maintenance kit, then check whether the transfer roller included with the kit is installed. If necessary, replace the transfer roller.



2. Print the document.

Is the print light?

Go to step 7.

The problem is solved.

Step 7

Check the status of the imaging unit.

From the control panel, navigate to:

Status/Supplies > View Supplies

For non‑touch‑screen printer models, press to navigate through the settings.

Is the imaging unit near end of life?

Go to step 8.

Contact customer support.

Step 8

1. Replace the imaging unit.



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 toner cartridge is not supported, then install a supported one.



2. Print the document.

Is the print dark?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

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



2. Reduce toner darkness.

   From the control panel, navigate to:

   Settings > Print Settings > Quality Menu > Toner Darkness

   For non‑touch‑screen printer models, press to navigate through the settings.



3. Print the document.

Is the print dark?

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.


2. Print the document.

Is the print dark?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

Check if the paper has texture or rough finishes.

Are you printing on textured or rough paper?

Go to step 5.

Go to step 6.

Step 5

1. Replace textured paper with plain paper.



2. Print the document.

Is the print dark?

Go to step 6.

The problem is solved.

Step 6

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 dark?

Go to step 7.

The problem is solved.

Step 7

1. Remove, and then insert the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

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



2. Print the document.

Is the print dark?

Go to step 8.

The problem is solved.

Step 8

1. Replace the imaging unit.



2. Print the document.

Is the print dark?

Contact customer support.

The problem is solved.

Step 1

Measure the distance between the defects.

• 97 mm (3.82 in.)
• 47 mm (1.85 in.)
• 38 mm (1.5 in.)

Does the distance between the repeating defects match any of the measurements?

Go to step 2.

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

Step 2

1. Replace the imaging unit.



2. Print the document.

Do the repeating defects appear?

Contact customer support.

The problem is solved.

Step 1

From the control panel, navigate to:

Settings > Reports > Print Demo Page

For non‑touch‑screen printer models, press to navigate through the settings.

Do vertical dark lines or streaks appear on prints?

Go to step 3.

Go to step 2.

Step 2

1. Using a damp, soft, lint-free cloth, clean the scanner. For more information, see Cleaning printer parts .



2. Copy the document using the ADF.

Do vertical dark lines or streaks appear on prints?

Contact customer support.

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 lines or streaks 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 for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light can cause print quality problems.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the photoconductor drum under the imaging unit. 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 5.

The problem is solved.

Step 5

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. 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 toner cartridge, and then remove the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

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



2. Insert the imaging unit, and then insert the cartridge.



3. Print the document.

Do vertical dark bands appear on prints?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

1. Remove the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

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



2. Remove any packing material that is stuck on the imaging unit.

   

   Note:  Make sure to remove any obstruction between the charge roller and photoconductor drum.



3. Insert the imaging unit.



4. Print the document.

Do vertical dark bands appear on prints?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

1. Check if a bright light enters the right side of the printer, and move the printer if necessary.



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 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 toner 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 from the printer control panel.


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.

Are text or images cut off?

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 for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

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



2. Print the document.

Are text or images cut off?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

1. Remove the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

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



2. Remove any packing material that is stuck on the imaging unit.

   

   Note:  Make sure to remove any obstruction between the charge roller and photoconductor drum.



3. Insert the imaging unit.



4. Print the document.

Are text or images cut off?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

1. Replace the imaging unit.



2. Print the document.

Are text or images cut 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 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 from the printer control panel.


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.

Is the printer printing blank or white pages?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Remove any packing material that is left on the imaging unit.

   

   1. Remove the toner cartridge, and then remove the imaging unit.

      Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

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

   

   2. Check the imaging unit for signs of damage, and replace if necessary.

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

   

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

   

   4. Insert the imaging unit, and then insert the toner cartridge.



2. Print the document.

Is the printer printing blank or white pages?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

Check the status of the toner cartridge, and replace if necessary.

1. From the control panel, navigate to:

   Status/Supplies > View Supplies

   For non‑touch‑screen printer models, press to navigate through the settings.



2. Print the document.

Is the printer printing blank or white 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 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 for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not touch the photoconductor drum under the imaging unit. 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

1. Remove the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

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



2. Remove any packing material that is stuck on the imaging unit.

   

   Note:  Make sure to remove any obstruction between the charge roller and photoconductor drum.



3. Insert the imaging unit.



4. Print the document.

Is the printer printing solid black pages?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

Check the imaging unit for signs of damage.

Is the imaging unit free from damage?

Contact customer support.

Go to step 5.

Step 5

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



2. Print the document.

Is the print crooked or skewed?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Check if the paper loaded is supported.

   Note:  If paper is not supported, then load a supported one.



2. Print the document.

Is the print crooked or skewed?

Go to step 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

1. Check the pick tire in the tray for signs of damage and contamination, and replace if necessary.



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 paper curled?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

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 3.

The problem is solved.

Step 3

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

   Notes:

   • Make sure that the settings match the paper loaded.
   • You can also change the settings from the printer control panel.


2. Print the document.

Is the paper curled?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

1. Remove paper from the tray, and then turn over the paper.



2. Print the document.

Is the paper curled?

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 paper curled?

Go to step 6.

The problem is solved.

Step 6

1. Check if the paper loaded is supported.

   Note:  If paper is not supported, then load a supported one.



2. Print the document.

Is the paper curled?

Contact customer support.

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Adjust the paper guides 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 from the printer control panel.


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 toner 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.


2. Print the document.

Is the paper folded or wrinkled?

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.

Are fine lines not printed correctly?

Go to step 2.

The problem is solved.

Step 2

1. Adjust the print quality settings.

   

   1. From the control panel, navigate to:

      Settings > Print Settings > Quality Menu > Pixel Boost > Fonts

   

   2. Adjust toner darkness to 7.

      From the control panel, navigate to:

      Settings > Print Settings > Quality Menu > Toner Darkness

   For non‑touch‑screen printer models, press to navigate through the settings.



2. Print the document.

Are fine lines not printed correctly?

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 horizontal 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 toner 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 4.

Go to step 3.

Step 3

1. Replace the toner cartridge.



2. Print the document.

Is the print mottled?

Go to step 4.

The problem is solved.

Step 4

Check the status of the imaging unit. From the control panel, navigate to:

Status/Supplies > View Supplies

For non‑touch‑screen printer models, press to navigate through the settings.

Is the imaging unit near end of life?

Go to step 5.

Contact customer support.

Step 5

1. Replace the imaging unit.



2. Print the document.

Is the print mottled?

Contact customer support.

The problem is solved.

Step 1

1. Remove the imaging unit.

   Warning—Potential Damage:  Do not expose the imaging unit to direct light for more than 10 minutes. Extended exposure to light may cause print quality problems.

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



2. Remove any packing material that is stuck on the imaging unit.

   

   Note:  Make sure to remove any obstruction between the charge roller and photoconductor drum.



3. Insert the imaging unit.



4. Print the document.

Do vertical dark streaks with missing images 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 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.