TSB: T65x&X65x - The Resulting Print Is Faded or Missing

Overview

This document outlines the general procedure that can be used to help diagnose a light or faded print, or if part of the page is missing or cut off. Click here to see a typical example of this print quality defect.

Troubleshooting

1. Check whether the cartridge is running low on toner. To do this:

   • For Lexmark T656, X65x

   a	Press the “Status/Supplies” button on the lower-left part of the Operator Panel.
   b	Press “View Supplies” on the right-hand side.
   c	Verify the status of the “Black Toner”.

   • For Lexmark T650, T652, T654

   a	While the printer is in “Ready” state, press the check button.
   b	Press the down arrow until appears next to “Reports”.
   c	Press the down arrow until appears next to “Device Statistics”.
   d	Press the check button and confirm the status of the “Black Toner”.

   • If the cartridge is low on toner, Lexmark recommends replacing the cartridge in order to resolve the issue permanently. If you cannot replace the cartridge immediately, you can try to utilize the remaining toner by shaking the cartridge rigorously. This will help distribute any remaining toner inside.
   • However, if the cartridge still has sufficient toner such that toner quantity cannot account for the light print, then proceed to Step 2.


2. Check the Toner Darkness setting and ensure that it is not set to minimum. To do this:

   • For Lexmark T656, X65x

   a	Press the Menu button.
   b	Press the next to Settings.
   c	Press the next to Print Settings.
   d	Press the next to Quality Menu.
   e	Check the Toner Darkness level. If the current level is less than 8 (standard), adjust it to a higher value using the right button.
   f	Press the button.

   • For Lexmark T650, T652, T654

   a	Press the Menu button.
   b	Press until appears next to Settings. Press button.
   c	Press until appears next to Quality Menu. Press button.
   d	Press until appears next to Toner Darkness. Press button.
   e	Check the current value of Toner Darkness. If the level is less than 8 (standard), adjust it to a higher value using the right button.
   f	Press button to submit the selection.
   g	Press the back button three times until the display returns to Ready.

   Print some sample pages and verify whether the printout has improved.

   • If the printout improves after the adjustment, then the wrong setting caused the defect. Issue is resolved.
   • If the Toner Darkness level is already set to 8, or if setting to a higher level still gives faded printout, proceed with the next suggestion.


3. Confirm that you are printing on plain white copy paper.

   If not, do so before seeking service to the printer. Even if the print media you are using worked in the past, please try this in order to eliminate your print media as partial cause of the issue. Specialty papers (like letterhead stock, textured paper, label stock, and card stock) can lead to print quality issues such as this.

   For more information on recommended print media, see the chapter entitled 'Understanding paper and specialty media guidelines' in the printer's User's Guide.

   If none of the tips above help resolve the issue, your printer may need service. Contact Lexmark Technical Support for other troubleshooting suggestions.

LEGACY ID: TE374

The transfer roll contact area is boxed in RED. Make sure the contact point is free to move up and down on the spring (as shown in the magnified image). The spring touching the brass connects the transfer roll to the HVPS. If excess toner is trapped in the spring, contact will be restricted.