218 Troubleshooting ENWW
Media troubleshooting
Media defects can cause jams and image defects. If the previously described conditions are
corrected and do not eliminate the printing problem, continue to investigate the media as the
source of the defect.
Problems with print media are sometimes difficult to detect. Follow a standard troubleshooting
procedure to help isolate media-related problems. The steps to follow are:
● “Determine the problem source: print media or printer” on page 218.
● “Isolate a paper path” on page 218.
● “Isolate a media brand” on page 219.
● “Isolate a media type” on page 220.
● “Evaluate media use practices” on page 224.
● “Evaluate environmental conditions” on page 224.
Determine the problem source: print media or printer
When determining the cause of a printer failure, a distinction must be made between problems
that relate to the printer itself and those that involve print media. Often a problem that seems to
be related to the printer is actually a matter of poor print-media selection or handling. To
determine if a problem is caused by the printer or by the media, try a few simple steps to remedy
the situation:
● Turn media over in the tray to print on the reverse side.
● Rotate sheets 180 degrees (end to end) to feed with a different leading edge.
If the symptoms cease, or change in some way, it can be assumed that the problems are caused
by the print media.
Isolate a paper path
Try using the straightest paper path
Some problems can be avoided by using the straightest available paper path. Usually this means
paper feeds from the upper paper tray or manual feeder, and exits into the rear output bin. This
path is recommended for envelopes and media with a heavy basis weight.
Determine if the problem is caused by duplexing
Paper that has just made a pass through the printer can show increased media curl. Media curl
increases image dropout, and creates pickup and stacking problems. When the second pass is
made, print media might not meet the specifications for moisture and curl. Dry paper can hold
static charges that affect print quality and stacking of the duplexed page. Media shrinkage
resulting from a second pass through the printer can cause image misalignment on the duplexed
page.
Isolate the source of the jam
Define the source of the media that is jamming:
● tray 1
● tray 2
● tray 3 (250-sheet or 500-sheet)
● paper access area
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