Fixing light or faint vertical streaks appearing on the print

Issue description

The printed image appears light due to multiple small, fine-line streaks running through its text or graphic areas. The severity and number of the streaks can differ, causing some of the streaks to appear thicker than others.

There are two potential causes of vertical light streaks.

Solution

Defective Imaging unit

To resolve the print quality defect, a new Imaging Unit must be installed. Turn off or disable Advance Start and Smart Run Out. If the same issue persists after updating the firmware, proceed with the following steps:

Note:  Do not replace the Toner Cartridge, it does not cause this defect.

In addition, user must review the following sections to ensure they have optimized their device for best performance.

Non-genuine Lexmark Supplies / Refilled Cartridges / ‘Compatible’ Supplies

Use of Non-Lexmark supplies can result in damage to printer components and degraded print quality. Non-Lexmark supplies are not covered under Lexmark warranty.

1. Replace toner cartridge with a Lexmark genuine toner cartridge.



2. Replace imaging unit.

Slow printing configurations

1. Device Settings

   • Turning on Quiet Mode slows down the printer.
   • Changing the Quiet Mode = Off improves the print quality.
   • On the Control Panel, navigate to Settings > General Settings > Quiet Mode = Off
   • Increasing Print Resolution slows down the printer.
   • Changing the Print Resolution = 600 dpi improves the print quality.
   • On the Control Panel, navigate to Settings > Print Settings > Quality Menu > Print Resolution = 600 dpi


2. Printing Narrow Media

   • When printing large print jobs and the media is narrow can cause the printer to slow down (A6 media for example). When possible, print with a Long Edge First to prevent device from slowing down.

System Delays while Printing

There are instances where the printer is ready before the job information is received. This can cause the printer motors to be turning for an extended period before printing begins which causes extra wear and tear on supplies.

Update the printer firmware to the latest level.

Dirty Printhead

To fix the issue, clean the printhead lens. If there is no improvement to the print quality after cleaning the printhead lens, escalate this to the next level of support.