User Guide

Image-formation troubleshooting
The image-formation system is the central hub of the printer. During image formation, an image is
formed with toner and then fused onto the paper. The image-formation system consists of the
following physical components:
■ Laser/scanner
■ Print cartridge
■ Fuser
■ Transfer roller
■ Supporting circuitry (power supply and dc controller PCA)
Before beginning the image-formation troubleshooting, check that the media meets the specifications
listed in chapter 1 and the HP LaserJet Printer Family Print Media Guide. See
Supported media
weights and sizes and Paper and print media.
Media-related print-quality problems
Some print-quality problems occur when inappropriate media is used.
■ Use media that meets HP specifications. See the specifications listed in the
HP LaserJet Printer Family Print Media Guide.
■ The surface of the media is too smooth. Use media that meets HP specifications. See the
specifications listed in the HP LaserJet Printer Family Print Media Guide.
■ The printer driver is set incorrectly. Change the paper-type setting.
■ The media is too heavy for the printer, and the toner is not fusing to the media.
■ The transparencies are not designed for adequate toner adhesion or high fusing temperatures.
Use only transparencies that are designed for monochrome HP LaserJet printers.
■ The moisture content of the paper is uneven, too high, or too low. Use paper from a different
source or from an unopened ream of paper.
■ Some areas of the paper reject toner. Use paper from a different source or from an unopened
ream of paper. Make sure that the paper has not been previously used.
■ The letterhead is printed on rough paper. Use a smoother, photocopy-grade paper. If this solves
the problem, consult with the letterhead supplier to verify that the paper used for the letterhead
meets the specifications for this printer.
■ The paper is excessively rough. Use a smoother, photocopy-grade paper.
■ The paper has a coating that is not compatible with the electrophotographic process.
■ The letterhead or other preprinted media was printed with inks or other materials that can
contaminate the fuser, which causes offset or repeated images.
■ The use of some carbonless papers contaminates the printer and can cause printer damage if
used repeatedly.
Image-formation troubleshooting 377