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Troubleshooting 
Improving the print quality 6
If you have a print quality problem, print a test page first (see Print a test page uu page 82). If the printout 
looks good, the problem is probably not the machine. Check the interface cable or try the machine on another 
computer. If the printout has a quality problem, check the following steps first. And then, if you still have a 
print quality problem, check the chart below and follow the recommendations.
Brother does not recommend the use of cartridges other than genuine Brother Original cartridges or the 
refilling of used cartridges with toner from other sources.
 
a To get the best print quality, we suggest using the recommended paper. Check that you are using paper 
that meets our specifications. (See Acceptable paper and other print media uu page 2.)
b Check that the drum unit and toner cartridge are installed correctly.
Examples of poor print quality Recommendation
 
Faint
 Take out the drum unit and toner cartridge assembly. Hold the assembly level 
with both hands and gently shake it from side to side several times to spread 
the toner evenly inside the cartridge.
 If the LEDs indicate Replace Toner, put in a new toner cartridge.
uu Replacing the toner cartridge uu page 95
 Check the machine’s environment. Conditions such as humidity, high 
temperatures, and so on, may cause this print fault.
uu Product Safety Guide: Choose a safe location for your product
 If the whole page is too light, Toner Save may be turned on. Turn off 
Toner Save Mode in the Advanced tab (For Windows
®
) or the Advanced 
print settings of Print Settings (For Macintosh) of the driver.
 Clean the corona wire of the drum unit.
uu Cleaning the corona wire uu page 110
 Put in a new toner cartridge.
uu Replacing the toner cartridge uu page 95
 Put in a new drum unit.
uu Replacing the drum unit uu page 103
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