Issue description
Printed output contains one or all of the following:
- Wrinkles
- Creases
- Folds
- Smudges
These symptoms can occur on any laser printer.
Click here for illustration.
Affected Products
This article's attention is focused on the X340 and X342 MFP.
Solution
Note: Topics presented in this article may apply to other printers or MFPs.
Printer output that displays this anomaly results from any of the following:
Incorrect paper loading
Make sure the paper size guides on the tray lightly touch the edges of the paper stack; ensure enough pressure to keep the paper stack straight and in place.
Make sure the guides are not putting pressure on the paper stack because this can cause the paper to curl as it feeds out of the tray.
Ensure that the print media is loaded correctly into each of the paper trays.
Try to print from a different tray source if the printer is equipped with additional paper trays.
A service call into Lexmark Technical Support may be required to ensure that this is not an issue with the printer's paper pick rollers.
Duplex or Duplex Tray Issue (Excludes the X340 and X342 MFPs)
Confirm that the printer is printing on only one side.
Examine the behavior to determine whether or not paper does not come half-way out and then feed back into the printer.
Decision Table
| If... | And... | Then... |
|---|
The printer is printing simplex (1-sided)... | You have considered ALL the topics in this article... | Contact Lexmark Technical Support for service options. |
The printer is printing duplex (2-sided)... | You can alleviate the symptoms by printing simplex (1-sided)... | Continue to print simplex and contact Lexmark Technical Support for possible service. The source of the problem is probably the duplex area of the printer. HINT: Reference the User's Guide for instructions on how to the check the duplex area for obstructions. |
The printer is printing duplex (2-sided)... | You cannot alleviate the symptoms by printing simplex (1-sided)... | Further examine the remaining topics before you contact Lexmark Technical Support. |
Printer Paper Settings/Menu
Check printer type, texture and weight settings.
Change these settings to something like PLAIN, SMOOTH, and LIGHT, as it will lower the temperature of the fuser.
Consider all available options to check/change these settings, such as local printer setup utility (LPSU), printer control panel, embedded web server (EWS), or MarkVision Professional (MVP).
Note: Not all printers will support texture and weight settings. These available settings vary based on generational product changes and hardware capabilities.
Check the paper condition. This can affect how the paper is pulled into the printer, the duplexer, and other hardware components of the printer.
Decision Table
| If... | Then... |
|---|
A change in these settings vastly improves or eliminates these output symptoms... | Continue to fine tune your printer's paper settings. |
No change occurs... | See remaining topics and then contact Lexmark Technical Support. |
IMPORTANT! If you are using any media type other than plain copy paper, please revert back to plain copy paper to test the media.
Make sure your plain copy paper weight is at least 20 lb (75 g/m2) during testing. Paper feed issues are more likely to occur with light weight paper under certain environmental conditions.
Environmental Conditions
It is possible that paper designated for printer use has acclimated to the local air environment; for example, excessive moisture can affect paper feed and output behavior.
Note: Keep the paper sealed in its original packaging and remove it only when you are ready to use it. Moreover, make sure that you store paper in a dry environment possessing low humidity levels.
- Remove any newly inserted paper from the paper tray and allow the paper to adjust to the printing environment for 10 to 15 minutes.
- When is this important? ‑ This suggestion should only be considered if creases appear immediately after inserting a new package of paper into the tray.
- Replace the paper in the printer with new paper from an unopened ream.
- When is this important? ‑ This may determine whether or not the original paper has absorbed moisture. It may also help determine if a particular ream of paper is problematic.
Printer Hardware Condition
The following hardware issues can lead to creases, wrinkles, smudges, or folds in output.
- Toner leakage from cartridge
- Excessive use without proper cleaning or maintenance
- Sensitive areas inside the printer where rollers pick up excess toner (Click here for illustration.)
- Excessive photo conductor unit contamination or wear (Click here for illustration.)
- Fuser contamination
Remove the toner cartridge.
Check for excessive toner where the toner cartridge resides inside the printer. HINT: Use a dry lint-free cloth or compressed air to clean the inside of the printer.
Check the photo conductor unit for visible damage or contamination.
Note: The location of the photo conductor differs by printer model.
Verify that the printer has never received an "84 PC Life Exhausted" error.
Note: Any means to ignore or bypass this error can lead to extensive roller and fuser damage.
Are you using third-party remanufactured cartridges? These cartridges are not supported by Lexmark.
Decision table
| If... | And... | Then... |
|---|
Excessive toner contamination is highly visible within the printer... | Efforts to clean out the printer have not improved output results... | Contact Lexmark Technical Support for further service actions. |
The photo conductor unit (PC unit) is clearly damaged or appears contaminated, or you receive an "84 PC Life Exhausted" message... | You have replaced the PC unit after the recommended page life expectancy.. | Contact Lexmark Technical Support for further service actions. |
LEGACY ID: TE81