Troubleshooting_59
Background 
scatter
Background scatter results from bits of toner 
randomly distributed on the printed page. 
• The paper may be too damp. Try printing 
with a different batch of paper. Do not open 
packages of paper until necessary so that 
the paper does not absorb too much 
moisture.
• If background scatter occurs on an envelope, 
change the printing layout to avoid printing 
over areas that have overlapping seams on 
the reverse side. Printing on seams can 
cause problems.
• If background scatter covers the entire 
surface area of a printed page, adjust the 
print resolution through your software 
application or in Printing Preferences. (See 
"Opening printing preferences" on page 38.)
Misformed 
characters
• If characters are improperly formed and 
producing hollow images, the paper stock 
may be too slick. Try different paper. (See 
"Print media specifications" on page 66.)
Page skew
• Ensure that the paper is loaded properly.
• Check the paper type and quality. (See "Print 
media specifications" on page 66.)
• Ensure that the guides are not too tight or too 
loose against the paper stack.
Curl or wave
• Ensure that the paper is loaded properly.
• Check the paper type and quality. Both high 
temperature and humidity can cause paper 
curl. (See "Print media specifications" on 
page 66.)
• Turn the stack of paper over in the tray. Also 
try rotating the paper 180° in the tray.
CONDITION SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS
A
AaBb
Wrinkles or 
creases
• Ensure that the paper is loaded properly.
• Check the paper type and quality. (See "Print 
media specifications" on page 66.)
• Turn the stack of paper over in the tray. Also 
try rotating the paper 180° in the tray.
Back of printouts 
are dirty
Check for leaking toner. Clean the inside of the 
machine. (See "Cleaning the inside" on 
page 50.)
Solid Color or 
Black pages
• The toner cartridge may not be installed 
properly. Remove the cartridge and reinsert it.
• The toner cartridge may be defective. 
Remove the toner cartridge and install a new 
one. (See "Replacing the toner cartridge" on 
page 62.)
• The machine may require repair. Contact a 
service representative.
Loose toner
• Clean the inside of the machine. (See 
"Cleaning the inside" on page 50.)
• Check the paper type and quality. (See "Print 
media specifications" on page 66.)
• Remove the toner cartridge and then, install a 
new one. (See "Replacing the toner cartridge" 
on page 62.)
• If the problem persists, the machine may 
require repair. Contact a service 
representative.
Character Voids
Character voids are white areas within parts of 
characters that should be solid black:
• If you are using transparencies, try another 
type of transparency. Because of the 
composition of transparencies, some 
character voids are normal. 
• You may be printing on the wrong surface of 
the paper. Remove the paper and turn it 
around. 
• The paper may not meet paper 
specifications. (See "Print media 
specifications" on page 66.)
CONDITION SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS
A
A