Troubleshooting Lexmark Printer Problems

Types of Lexmark Printers

Before starting the trouble shooting process on your printer. It is good to know which type of printer you personally have. Each printer type have internal specifications unique to them.

Ink-jet printers

Laser jet printers

Dirty or Poor Quality Prints

Having problems with consistent output such as splotchy prints, unintentional grayscale or white lines? Here are a few common issues and solutions.

Banding

Banding stripes across a page of text can be a pain, and they are commonly caused by two things - low ink cartridges and a dirty printer head.

Dirty Printer Head Nozzles

Cleaning the print heads can solve the problem. The procedure varies from printer to printer and there may be an option on the printer control panel or in the printer software on the computer.

Printing Blank Pages

The printer prints and makes sounds but prints blank pages.

Empty Ink Cartridges

Check your ink cartridge levels to see if they are empty. Replace the empty ink cartridges with new ones.

Printhead Issues

A printhead is the container that holds the ink cartridges. Check to see that the ink cartridges are aligned with the printhead. If the printhead is dirty, clean it.

Faded Prints

The printer is getting low on toner

The print density is set too low

Economode printing is turned on

Ghosting

Ghosting is a condition when the image prints properly, but a second unintentional copy of the image also prints elsewhere on the page.

This could be due to a problem with the power outlet that is supplying power to the printer. Check the power outlet by plugging in a different printer to see if the issue remains. Alternatively, ghosting can be caused when the drum or imaging kit are near the end of their life.

Crooked Prints

A few things can cause your printer to not properly align the ink with the page.

Toner Smearing

If words and images come off the paper when a hand is run across them, there are a few possible problems.

the fuser assembly may be damaged or at the end of its life.

The toner cartridge may be defective and letting too much toner out at one time.

Toner may have spilled in the printer

Hardware Problems

Paper Jams

As the printer attempts to print, the paper jams and fails to print. The paper crumples up and needs to be removed.

Paper Jammed in Paper Tray

Lift the scanner unit to see where the paper is jammed.

Firmly and carefully pull the paper from the paper tray.

Be careful not to rip the paper while removing it.

Paper Jammed in Duplex Unit

Remove the duplex unit by pressing down on the top button.

Pull the unit out while button is down.

Set the unit aside and check for the jammed paper.

Firmly but gently the paper pull out.

Paper Jammed In the Roller(s)

Lift the scanner unit to see where the paper is jammed.

Firmly grasp the paper and carefully pull it out without ripping or tearing.

If there is a bundle of paper stuck in between the rollers, use tweezers to carefully remove them.

Copy and Scanning Problems

The printer will not, or has problems copying and/or scanning documents.

Copier or Scanner Does Not Respond

Check to see that your computer is connected to your printer.

Check to see that you have selected your printer as the printing device.

If problems still arise, remove and re-install the software.

Printer Not Turning On

The printer will not turn on when the power button is pressed.

Check Power Chord

Make sure the plug is securely inserted in the power outlet and that the other end is securely inserted into the adapter of printer.

Network and Connection Problems

Wireless Problems

Computer will not connect to or cannot find the printer.

Refresh Wireless Connection

Turn the wireless connection on your computer off and on to attempt a refresh in connectivity.

Turning Demo Mode Off

Check the to see if Demo Mode is on.

Turn off Demo Mode by using the printer control panel.

Select settings, setup and then Demo Mode.

Turn Demo Mode off and press save.

Make Sure Your Printer and Computer are Connected to the Same Network

Check to see that your computer is connected to the internet.

Check that your internet connection is the same as the network your printer is on.

Move Computer and/or Printer Closer to Wireless Router

The range of your wireless network can vary depending on many factors. If the computer and/or printer is closer to the router, then the connection will be stronger.

Common Printer Issues:

If you did not find a resolution to your problem above. It may be time to have your printer looked at by a professional. Contact us today to have your printer serviced.

Print Spooler issues

Print quality too poor

Driver installation problems

Lexmark printer setup errors

Printer not working/printing

Paper jam & cartridge issues

Performance and speed is slow

Difficulties in updating the drivers

Unable to align paper & print head

Problems in using printer on the network

Lexmark wireless printer works too slowly