Last Updated on January 5, 2022 by Lilian Brooker
It is not unheard of for high-performing machines to play up every once in a while. One example of this is laser printers. If a single component fails to perform the way it is supposed to, everything that follows can be a failure as well. While major problems are rare with laser printers, there are times when this can happen, mostly due to the lack of toner.
One of the common printer problems in Windows is a blotchy printout. This means the page will have smudges of toner on it, which makes words hard to read. Following is how to troubleshoot the printer issue.
Table of Contents
If it is a Leaking Cartridge
- Switch off the printer and pull out the power cord.
- Remove the toner cartridge.
- Take a look at the printheads. If they are clogged, that may be causing the problem. Clean it with toner wipes, cloth, or alcohol-soaked tissue.
- Check how the toner cartridge is holding up. See if you can reuse it, or if you need to get a replacement.
- Put a toner cartridge, old or new, into the printer.
- Plug the printer in and power it on.
- Do a test print.
If the Toner has Built Up on the Drum Unit
Corona Wire Has Failed
Switch off the printer and pull out the power cord.- Take out the drum unit from the printer, and put this over a clean cloth to prevent a stain or spill.
- When using a color laser printer, remove the blotchy printout so that you know which drum unit needs cleaning. This will be evident from the color of the blotches.
- Turn the drum unit around to figure out the spot where the toner has built up.
- After you find this, clean the surface with a swab until you have removed the buildup.
- Move the drum unit back into position, and put it back in the printer.
- Plug the printer in and power it on.
- Do a test print.
If the Corona Wire has Failed
- Switch off the printer and pull out the power cord.
- Let the printer be for some time, so that the corona wire cools.
- Take out the drum unit, and put it on a clean dry cloth.
- Wipe clean the corona wire. For this, you just have to slide the blue tab to either side. Do not touch the wires while you are doing this.
- Push the blue tab into position.
- Move the drum unit back into position, and put it back in the printer.
- Plug the printer in and power it on.
- Do a test print to confirm that the printer issues is fixed.
