Print quality guide
Page 2 of 4
Streaked
horizontal lines
The print cartridges, the transfer roller,
image transfer unit, or fuser may be
defective, empty, or worn.
Replace the print cartridge, the transfer
roller, the image transfer unit, or fuser
as needed.
Streaked vertical
lines
• Toner is smeared before fusing to the
paper.
• The print cartridge is defective.
• If paper is stiff, try feeding from
another tray.
• Replace the color print cartridge
causing the streaks.
Print irregularities
• Paper has absorbed moisture due to
high humidity.
• You are using paper that does not
meet the printer specifications.
• The image transfer unit and transfer
roller are worn or defective.
• The fuser is worn or defective.
• Load paper from a fresh package in
the paper tray.
• Avoid textured paper with rough
finishes.
• Make sure the printer’s paper type
setting matches the type of paper
you are using.
• Replace the image transfer unit and
transfer roller.
• Replace the fuser.
Print too light
• The Toner Darkness setting is too
light.
• You are using paper that does not
meet the printer specifications.
• The print cartridges are low on toner.
• The print cartridges are defective or
have been installed in more than one
printer.
• Select a different Toner Darkness
setting from the printer driver before
sending the job to print.
• Perform a Color Adjust in the Utilities
Menu.
• Load paper from a new package.
• Avoid textured paper with rough
finishes.
• Make sure the paper you load in the
trays is not damp.
• Replace the print cartridges.
Print too dark
• The Toner Darkness setting is too
dark.
• The print cartridges are defective.
• Select a different Toner Darkness
setting from the printer driver before
sending the job to print.
• Replace the print cartridges.
Transparency print quality is
poor
(Print has inappropriate light or dark
spots, toner is smeared, horizontal or
vertical light bands appear, or color
does not project.)
• You are using transparencies that do
not meet the printer specifications.
• The Paper Type setting for the tray
you are using is set to something
other than transparency.
• Use only transparencies
recommended by the printer’s
manufacturer.
• Make sure the Paper Type setting is
set to transparency.
Symptom Cause Solution
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