Printer repair is a lot like car repair, something you never really think about until there is a problem. In fact, if you are like most people, you probably never give your printer a second thought. Once you hit print or send your print job, you sit back and expect the printer to do its job. Most likely, the only "service" you have performed on your printer is adjusting the paper tray's size, filling it with paper, clearing the occasional paper jam, or replacing a toner cartridge. What may surprise you, however, is that these simple tasks are the most important steps you will take to keep your printer running correctly and efficiently. By knowing how to properly perform these common procedures, you will increase the lifespan of your printer, maintain print quality, reduce jams, and lower the total cost of ownership.
Paper Trays | Paper Jams | The Toner Cartridge | Jamming
Paper Trays
Generally speaking, today's most commonly used printers have adjustable paper trays that allow the use of a multitude of different sized papers. These adjustable trays have a plastic adjuster or backstop that you can manipulate by pinching a release and sliding into the appropriate position for the size of paper you are using. Some larger and older printers have plastic guides that lift out of the tray and then fit into recessed slots in the tray that correspond to the paper size you are loading. Whatever your model, it is important that you adjust the paper size with the paper tray empty. If the guide is set too loose or too tight to the paper, the printer might jam or misfeed, making it difficult to pull or feed paper from the tray.
Most printers also have a fill line or mark that denotes the maximum height of paper that should be loaded in the tray. When loading paper, you should never add paper in excess of the amount indicated on the fill line. Overloading the paper tray can not only lead to jams and misfeeds, but can also damage the printer's paper tray or paper lifting mechanism.
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Paper Jams
Depending on your model, if your printer jams during normal operation it will most likely be accompanied by either a flashing light on the control panel or an error message on the LCD screen. Once you locate the jam and are able to grasp the paper, you should pull it free in the direction of the paper path with steady, even pressure. When you remove a paper jam from the fuser area, which can get quite hot, you should unplug the printer and allow the fuser to cool for several minutes before you attempt to remove the jam. Once cool, you should pull in the direction of the paper path with steady, even pressure. Pulling the paper in the wrong direction or with too much force may cause the paper to tear and leave a jam that will require a technician to remove. In rare cases, a single piece of torn paper may even cause permanent and costly damage to the printer.
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The Toner Cartridge
Many people don't realize just how much technology is built into a toner cartridge and how vital the toner cartridge is to the printing process. Many print quality issues such as lines, specks, and smudges may be corrected simply by installing a new toner cartridge. You should handle the toner cartridge with care and follow the provided installation instructions. Tips to successful toner cartridge installation include:
Properly shake the cartridge prior to installing. This will disperse any toner that may have settled or clumped during shipping or storage. Shaking too vigorously may damage the cartridge or create a sizeable mess if loose toner is ejected.
Most cartridges are sealed with a pull tape that must be carefully removed prior to installation. You should remove the tape by pulling with steady, even pressure. Jerking or yanking the tape violently may cause it to break inside the cartridge and damage the internal workings.
You should use care when you insert the cartridge into the printer. The cartridge should slip in evenly on both sides without much effort on your part. If you must use force to insert the toner cartridge or have inserted the cartridge but the cover will not close easily, you may have slid the toner cartridge in at an angle; you should carefully remove the toner cartridge and try again.
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Jamming
Should your printer jam during normal operation it will most likely be accompanied by either a flashing light on the control panel or an error message on the LCD screen if the printer. Often printers with LCD screens will also help direct you to the location of the jam. If you can locate the jam and are able to grasp the paper, pull it free in the direction of the paper path (the direction the paper moves through the printer) with a steady even pressure. Pulling the paper in the wrong direction or with too much force can cause the paper to tear and leave a jam. Such incidences will require a technician to come on site and remove the torn paper. In rare cases, paper that is vigorously pulled from the printer can cause long term damage. Extra care should be taken when removing a jam from the fuser area as the fuser gets quite hot. It is recommended that the printer be unplugged and the fuser allowed to cool for several minutes before attempting to remove a jam from the fuser area.
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