Repeating background or gray marks

Issue description

The printouts have gray areas that repeat down the page, and if printed long enough, can develop into gray vertical bands that go from top to bottom. If you are printing grayscale, the gray areas appear darker at some frequency.

Solution

The Imaging unit is the most likely source of a repeating gray pattern and should be replaced with a new supply to achieve the desired print quality.

Service action

1. If the issue persists after replacing the imaging kit for the Lexmark MS/MX_31x_41x_51x_61x proceed to Step 5., Should the issue occur on the Lexmark MS/MX 71x, & 81x then proceed to the next step.



2. Check the charge roll contact pin inside the printer. It should be sticking out and touching the Imaging Unit's metal contacts.

   • Contact pin bent in
   • Contact pin sticking out

   Contacts can be bent when supplies are forced out of the printer. If the contact pin is bent in, bend the contact pin to its correct position. Replace IU Voltage Contacts.



3. Check for a possible loose connection with the charge roll contacts between the Imaging Unit and the HVPS.



4. Make sure the HVPS metal contacts on the frame are touching the contact points on the Imaging Unit (IU). Replace the High Voltage Power Supply (HVPS) if the issue persists.

   • (A) – Charge roll contact
   • (B) – PC drum contact


5. Should there be additional concerns or questions, contact the next level of support for further diagnosis.