User Guide

Image defects
This section helps you define print-quality problems and solutions. Often, print-quality problems can
be resolved by making sure that the printer is correctly maintained, using print media that meets
HP specifications, or running a cleaning page.
NOTE Do not use letterhead paper that is printed with low-temperature inks, such as those
that are used in some types of thermography.
Do not use raised letterhead.
The printer uses heat and pressure to fuse toner to the media. Make sure that any colored
paper or preprinted forms use inks that are compatible with the printer's temperature of 230°C
(446°F) for 0.05 second.
Avoid using paper that has already been used in a printer or copier. Also, do not print on both
sides of envelopes, transparencies, or labels.
Image quality
When you are working with customers, obtain a print sample before you begin troubleshooting their
printer. Ask the customer to explain the quality that is expected from the printer. The print sample will
also help clarify the image-quality issue.
Table 7-18 Image-quality checks
Image-quality check Action
Does the problem repeat on the page? Use the repetitive defect table to determine the cause of the
repeating defect. See
Repetitive-defects troubleshooting.
Is the print cartridge full and is it manufactured by HP? Check the print cartridge as described in this chapter and
verify that you are not using the EconoMode setting when
sending the print job. See Check the print cartridge and
EconoMode.
Is the customer using print media that meets all HP
standards?
For more information about HP's media specification
standards, see chapter 1 or the HP LaserJet Printer Family
Print Media Guide. See
Supported media weights and sizes
and
Paper and print media.
Is the print sample similar to one in the print-quality tables?
(See
Image defect tables.)
Compare the sample to the print-quality tables in this
chapter and perform the corresponding procedures that are
recommended. See Image defect tables.
Is the problem in the print cartridge, the transfer roller, or the
fuser?
Perform the half self-test functional check and the drum-
rotation functional check to determine the location of the
defect. See
Half self-test functional check and Drum-rotation
functional check.
If the toner image is present on the drum surface, assume
that the first four functions of the electrophotographic
process are functioning, and troubleshoot the failure as a
transfer or fusing problem. If the image on the media is
correct before it enters the fuser, then the problem exists in
the fuser.
Image-formation troubleshooting 379