What to Do When Print Quality Suddenly Gets Bad

What to Do When Print Quality Suddenly Gets Bad

December 20, 2018

Printers can really test your patience. A misbehaving printer that refuses to print or continuously jams can make you eager to throw it out the window. Unfortunately, we do need printers for both business and personal use. One of the most frustrating issues is when you pull the paper out of the tray, only to find that the image or text is smudged, distorted, faded or of low quality. This can make documents look unprofessional, sloppy and even illegible.

The key is to take a deep breath and try to diagnose and repair the issue. Try to troubleshoot the problem yourself by attempting these simple fixes from a copier repair service in Phoenix, AZ.

Paper issues

The first step is to look at the printer paper. Anything other than standard paper could result in smudged or messy text. This happens because the printer isn’t automatically set to accommodate larger sized pieces of paper. Try an 8.5” x 11” sheet in the printer to verify whether this is the issue. If the printer is fine with the standard paper, then that’s the cause of the problem. Consult the printer manual to see how they recommend handling unconventional sizes. Move on to the next section if the paper doesn’t seem to be the cause.

Ink cartridge problems

Check the levels in the ink cartridge to see if that’s the culprit. Low ink or toner levels can cause ugly printing results. Most printers allow users to check the levels using the included software, or a light on the front of the machine will illuminate when levels are low. A dry ink cartridge could cause the same results. Either way, replacing the ink cartridge could be the solution you’re looking for.

Dirty or misaligned heads

Dirty printer heads can also cause poor quality printing, especially if the printer is used frequently or if it is more than one year old. Try running the self-cleaning mode to remove any buildup and debris from the print heads. Consult the printer’s manual for instructions on how to run the feature.

Broken hardware

A laser printer is a high-tech and complicated machine. Each component needs to be in top shape for optimal performance. One problematic hardware component could cause serious quality issues. First, check the toner cartridge and drum assembly. A compromised drum could cause the toner to be applied to the paper incorrectly or excessively, resulting in smudges. If this were the case, you’re probably also seeing mysterious lines printed on the page. Another possible cause is a leaking toner cartridge, which is causing excess toner to spill out onto the paper. The best way to fix this is to replace the entire toner cartridge.

Don’t let print quality suffer

If that doesn’t work, it’s time to seek the help of a professional copier repair service in Phoenix, AZ. One of the expert repair specialists at Arizona Copier Outlet can diagnose the problem before making the necessary repairs. Contact our dedicated team today to learn more about our fast and responsive repair services.

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