10 Simple Tricks to Fix Your Printer
Updated: Nov 20, 2018
10 things to check before calling the the tech support
Model of the printer never use the cover-always check the part number on the back of te machine. Some may have replace the cover with Printers, while certainly useful, can sometimes be the source of unneeded stress. When you’ve got a big report due, the last thing you need is to be stuck at the printer desperately trying to figure out how to get it to work properly.
Whether in the office or at home, it’s good to have a few tricks up your sleeve to help avert a potential printing crisis. Here’s how to troubleshoot some of the problems you’re most likely to encounter.
Paper jams
Paper jams, the most common printer problem, can occur for several different reasons: the wrong type of paper is used, or the printer or its rollers are defective or dirty. To fix the latter problem, you can clean the rollers with a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled or bottled water.
If jams do occur, you will most likely need to open up the device and remove the paper manually. Always pull the paper in the direction of the paper path, because pulling it backwards can seriously damage the printer. If the paper tears when you are removing it from the rollers, check the rollers and wheels for torn pieces of paper, which if left behind can cause more jams.
Faded or smeared printing
This normally happens for one of two reasons: either the printer is low on toner, or the print settings are wrong (e.g. it is printing in “draft” mode).
You can check your printer’s settings either by running a self-test or by going into the printer’s “control panel”.
If the toner is low, there’s a temporary solution: try shaking the cartridge to redistribute the toner more evenly. This should allow you to seek out a few more prints before you buy a new cartridge.
If the ink on your prints is smudging, there are a few possible problems. First, check to make sure that toner hasn’t spilled inside the printer. If that’s not the case, the fuser assembly may be damaged and need to be replaced.
It could also be possible that the toner cartridge is defective and is releasing too much toner. With a black-and-white laser printer, the solution is to replace the toner cartridge. In a color laser printer, only replace the cartridge that seems to be causing the problem.
50.4 error message
This means there’s a problem with the power supply. If the printer is connected to a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) or power strip, disconnect it and plug it directly into a wall outlet. If that doesn’t work, make sure that all of the components in the printer are seated properly.
Printer is not printing from the correct paper tray
First, check the printing PC. If the application you’re using is set to print to the wrong paper tray, you’ll need to correct it within the application by clicking on Printer Properties and finding the Tray Selection source.
If this doesn’t correct the problem, take a look at the printer to make sure that the paper sizes in the control panel match what is actually in the paper trays.
Helpful Resources
Printer picks up more than one piece of paper from feed tray
First check to see that the paper is not damp due to humidity or improper storage, and that the pages are loosely “fanned” before inserting a stack into the feed tray.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, it’s likely the pad that separates the paper needs to be replaced. The installation can normally be done yourself without sending the printer out for repair.
The best way to avoid printer problems is to buy high-quality devices and supplies, and HP printers are considered to be among the best and most reliable in the industry. If it is time to replace that old printer, visit HP Printing and Multifunction to learn more about HP’s entire line of printing and imaging products, or get HP paper and supplies.
Metrofuser is a leading global innovator, manufacturer of printer parts, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks. Products and services include hp printer parts, printers and printer repair training. Parts include hp printer parts such as printer fusers, printer maintenance kits and other hp printer replacement parts. The company's, customers include office equipment dealerships, online retailers, repair centers and MPS service providers nationwide. Metrofuser has been named to Inc. Magazine’s fastest growing companies five consecutive years.