Skip to Content Information Center
Lexmark MX521

Lexmark MX521

Random spots or marks on the print

Issue descriotion

When you print a document, the printout has random spots or marks of toner on the page. These spots or marks have no repeating pattern to them.

Random spots or marks on the printout

Other PQ sample issues: Leading edge of paper stack

Possible cause

This defect is most likely due to either the waste toner sump on the imaging unit being full, or to debris blocking the toner from entering the waste toner sump.

Solution

  • Non-genuine Lexmark Supplies / Refilled Cartridges / ‘Compatible’ Supplies
    • Use of Non-Lexmark supplies can result in damage to components and result in multiple print quality issues. This includes degraded print quality within the printer, including but not limited to, the imaging unit, printhead, fuser, transfer system, and paper feed reliability.
  • Debris Blocking the Cleaner in the Imaging Unit
    • From the printer's control panel, go to Menu > Help > Print Defects Guide. This will print a document that includes a distance gauge, which can be used to identify the affected component in the printer that is causing the issue.
    • There are many cases in which the cause of the print quality issue is found in the imaging unit; replacing this assembly should resolve the print quality issue.
  • Imaging Unit Waste Toner Sump is Full
    • The imaging unit has an estimated life for the waste toner sump. This means that the amount of toner contained in the cleaner portion of the imaging unit is measured, and if a small defect occurred in the imaging unit, it could potentially fill the imaging unit cleaner sump, thus leading to random spot or marks on the printout.
    • Replacement of the imaging unit should resolve the issue.

LEGACY ID: SO8154

Was this article helpful?
Top