Other Printing Problems

This section describes likely causes of and possible solutions for problems that can occur when printing from a computer.

When you cannot print clearly
Problem	Cause	Solution
The printed image is smudged.	Settings for thick paper have not been made for printing on thick paper in the bypass tray.	PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Paper] tab, select [Bypass Tray] in the "Input Tray:" list. Then in the "Type:" list, select a proper paper type. PCL 6 or PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Paper] in "Menu:", and then select [Bypass Tray] in the "Input Tray:" list. Then in the "Paper Type:" list, select a proper paper type.
The printed image is faded over the entire page.	The paper is damp.	Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity conditions. For details about the paper storage conditions we recommend, see "Paper Storage", Specifications.
The printed image is faded over the entire page.	The paper is unsuitable.	Use recommended paper. Printing on coarse or treated paper might result in faint print image. For details about recommended paper, see "Recommended Paper", Specifications.
The printed image is faded over the entire page.	If the [Toner Saving] is selected in the printer driver settings, the entire page will be faded when printed.	Only when using PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality:Standard] in "Menu:", and then select [Off] in the "Toner Saving:" list.
Images smudge when rubbed. (Toner is not fixed.)	The specified paper type and the paper that is actually loaded might be different. For example, thick paper might be loaded but not specified as the paper type.	PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Paper] tab, select a proper paper type in the [Type:] box. PCL 6 or PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Paper] in "Menu:", and then select a proper paper type in the "Paper Type:" list.
The printed image is different from the image on the computer's display.	Printing will be performed by the machine's graphic processing function.	Only when using PCL 6 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality:Advanced] in "Menu:", and then select [Raster] in the "Vector/Raster:" list.
When graphics are printed, the output and the screen are different.	If the printer driver is configured to use the graphics command, the graphics command from the machine is used to print.	If you want to print accurately, set the printer driver to print without using the graphics command. For details about settings for printer driver, see the printer driver Help.
Print result differs from the display.	A non-Windows operating system is being used.	Check that the application supports the printer driver.
Print result differs from the display.	The machine is not selected for printing.	Use the printer driver of the machine and check that the machine is the specified machine.
Print result differs from the display.	Data transmission failed or was canceled during printing.	Check whether there is failed or canceled data remaining. For details about how to identify the cause of the error, see Checking the Error Log for Printer Function.
Characters differ from the display.	The loaded paper is unsuitable.	Printing on recommended paper produces better resolution. For details about recommended paper, see "Recommended Paper", Specifications.
Image position differs from the display.	The page layout settings are not configured correctly.	Check the page layout settings configured using the application. For details about page layout settings, see the application's Help.
Image position differs from the display.	The page layout settings are not configured correctly.	PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Paper] tab, select [Print On] box, and then select the desired size. PCL 6 or PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Basic] in "Menu:", and then select the desired size in the "Print On:" list.
Lines of garbled or unwanted alphanumeric characters appear.	An incorrect printer language might have been selected.	Select the correct printer driver, and then print the file again.
Images are cut off, or margins are printed.	You may be using paper smaller than the size selected in the application.	Use the same size paper as that selected in the application. If you cannot load paper of the correct size, use the reduction function to reduce the image, and then print. For details about reduction function, see the printer driver Help.
Photo images are coarse.	Some applications print at lower resolution.	Use the application's settings or printer driver's settings to specify a higher resolution. For details about printer driver's settings, see the printer driver Help.
A solid line is printed as a dashed line or appears blurred.	Dither patterns do not match.	PostScript 3 Change the dithering settings on the printer driver. For details about the dithering settings, see the printer driver Help.
Fine or inconsistently thick lines appear, or fine lines do not appear.	Extremely fine lines have been specified.	PostScript 3 Change the dithering settings on the printer driver. For details about the dithering settings, see the printer driver Help. If the problem continues after you change the dithering settings, use the settings of the application in which the image was created to change the thickness of the lines.
Images appear only partially.	The paper is damp.	Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity condition. For details about the paper storage conditions we recommend, see "Paper Storage", Specifications.
The image on the back side of duplex printing has mottled blank patches or is smudged.	Missing patches and smudges are caused by moisture leaking from the paper.	Do not install the machine in low-temperature areas. Use paper that has been stored where temperature and humidity conditions meet the conditions we recommend. For details about the paper storage conditions we recommend, see "Paper Storage", Specifications.
Black lines appear.	If thin paper is fed with its grain direction perpendicular to the paper feeding direction, black lines may appear in the middle of paper.	Change the paper grain direction parallel to the paper feeding direction. For details about the paper grain direction, see "Recommended Paper", Specifications.
The density of some parts of printed images is vertically inconsistent.	The machine has been used for a long time or has recently been used to print or copy a large number of documents.	Select [Vertical Uneven Density Correction] in [Maintenance] under [Machine Features] to correct the density. For details about the setting, see When Vertical Uneven Density Parts Appear on Printed Images.

When paper is not fed properly
Problem	Cause	Solution
Paper is not fed from the selected tray.	When you are using a Windows operating system, printer driver settings override those settings applied to the display panel.	PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Paper] tab, select the desired input tray in the "Input Tray:" list. PCL 6 or PostScript 3 On the Printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Paper] in "Menu:", select the input tray you want to use in the "Input Tray:" list.
Images are printed at a slant.	The tray's side fences might not be locked.	Check that the side fences are locked. For details about how to set the side fences, see "Changing the Paper Size", For First-time Users.
Images are printed at a slant.	The paper is fed in at a slant.	Load the paper correctly. For details about loading paper, see "Loading Paper", For First-time Users.
Misfeeds occur frequently.	The number of sheets loaded exceeds the capacity of the machine.	Load paper only as high as the upper limit markings on the side fences of the paper tray, or the markings on the paper guides of the bypass tray.
Misfeeds occur frequently.	The paper tray's side fences are set too tightly.	Push the side fences lightly, and then reset them.
Misfeeds occur frequently.	The paper is damp.	Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity conditions. For details about the paper storage conditions we recommend, see "Paper Storage", Specifications.
Misfeeds occur frequently.	The paper is too thick or thin.	Use recommended paper. For details about recommended paper, see "Recommended Paper", Specifications.
Misfeeds occur frequently.	The paper is wrinkled or has been folded or creased.	Use recommended paper. For details about recommended paper, see "Recommended Paper", Specifications. Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity conditions. For details about the proper way to store paper, see "Paper Storage", Specifications.
Misfeeds occur frequently.	Printed paper is being used.	Do not load sheets that have already been copied or printed.
Misfeeds occur frequently.	Sheets are sticking together.	Fan the sheets thoroughly before loading them. Alternatively, feed the sheets into the machine one at a time.
Sheets are fed in together, resulting in jams.	Sheets are sticking together.	Fan the sheets thoroughly before loading them. Alternatively, feed the sheets into the machine one at a time.
Printed paper becomes creased.	The paper is damp.	Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity conditions. For details about the paper storage conditions we recommend, see "Paper Storage", Specifications.
Printed paper becomes creased.	The paper is too thin.	Use recommended paper. For details about recommended paper, see "Recommended Paper", Specifications.
Edges of sheets are creased.	The paper is damp.	Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity conditions. For details about the paper storage conditions we recommend, see "Paper Storage", Specifications.
Edges of sheets are creased.	You are using non-recommended paper.	Use recommended paper. For details about recommended paper, see "Recommended Paper", Specifications.
Duplex printing cannot be applied.	You have loaded paper that is too thick or thin.	Change the paper. For details about paper weight that can be used for duplex printing, see "Specifications for the Main Unit", Specifications.
Duplex printing cannot be applied.	You have selected a paper tray that is not set for duplex printing.	Change the setting for "Apply Duplex" in "Tray Paper Settings" to enable duplex printing for the paper tray. For details about setting "Apply Duplex", see "Tray Paper Settings", Settings.
Duplex printing cannot be applied.	You have selected a paper type that cannot be used for duplex printing.	In "Tray Paper Settings", select a paper type that can be used for duplex printing. For details about setting "Paper Type", see "Tray Paper Settings", Settings.
White stripes appear on the OHP transparency.	Fragments of paper are stuck to the OHP transparency.	Use a dry cloth to wipe any paper fragments off the back of the OHP transparency.

Other printing problems
Problem	Cause	Solution
It takes a long time to complete a print job.	Sleep mode or Fusing Unit Off mode might be set.	The machine requires time to warm up if it has been in Sleep mode or Fusing Unit Off mode. For details about Sleep mode and Fusing Unit Off mode, see "Saving Energy", For First-time Users.
It takes a long time to complete a print job.	Photographs and other data- intensive pages take a long time for the machine to process. Wait until printing is complete.	If the Data In indicator is flashing, the machine has received data. Wait for a moment. Specifying a lower resolution with the printer driver may help speed up printing. For details about how to change the resolution setting, see the printer driver Help.
When printing is performed using the USB device server, a print job cannot be completed properly.	Even if the USB device server has received the data successfully, the machine cannot complete the print job properly because the timeout period set on the machine is too short.	Specify a longer period for [I/O Timeout] in [Host Interface] under [Printer Features]. For details about I/O Timeout, see "Host Interface", Print.
Images are printed in the wrong orientation.	The feed orientation you selected and the feed orientation selected in the printer driver's option setup might be different.	Make sure the machine's feed orientation and the printer driver's feed orientation match. For details about printer driver settings, see the printer driver Help.
Optional components connected to the machine are not recognized.	Bidirectional communication is not working.	Set up optional devices on the Properties of the printer. For details about how to set up optional devices, see the printer driver Help.
Combined printing, booklet printing, or Auto Reduce/Enlarge printing does not work as expected.	The correct application or printer driver settings are not configured.	Make sure the application's paper size and orientation settings match those of the printer driver. If a different paper size and orientation are set, select the same size and orientation.
Some types of data, such as graphics data or data from certain applications, do not print.	The printer driver settings are not configured correctly.	PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Print Quality] tab, select [600 dpi] in the "Resolution" area. PCL 6 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality: Standard] in "Menu:", and then select [Quality] in the "Print Priority:" list. On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality: Advanced] in "Menu:", and then select [Raster] in the "Vector/Raster:" list. PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality: Standard] in "Menu:", and then select [Photographic] in the "Dithering:" list. For details about the printer driver settings, see the printer driver Help.
Some characters are not printed or appear strange.	The printer driver settings are not configured correctly.	PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Print Quality] tab, select [600 dpi] in the "Resolution" area. PCL 6 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality: Standard] in "Menu:", and then select [Quality] in the "Print Priority:" list. On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality: Advanced] in "Menu:", and then select [Raster] in the "Vector/Raster:" list. PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality: Standard] in "Menu:", and then select [Text] in the "Dithering:" list. For details about the printer driver settings, see the printer driver Help.
Print speed or application relinquishing speed is slow.	The printer driver settings are not configured correctly.	PCL 6 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, click [Print Quality: Standard] in "Menu:", and then select [Speed] in the "Print Priority:" list. For details about the printer driver settings, see the printer driver Help. Quit any other applications.
Print ends mid-job.	An error might have occurred.	Check the machine's display panel to see if an error has occurred.
A print instruction was issued from the computer, but printing did not start.	User Authentication may have been set.	For details about user authentication, see "Configuring User Authentication", Security.
PDF files cannot print or PDF direct printing cannot be performed.	PDF files are password-protected.	To print password-protected PDF files, enter the password in the [PDF Menu] or on Web Image Monitor. For details about printing PDF files, see "PDF Menu", Print, or Web Image Monitor Help. (Web Image Monitor is a management tool installed on this machine to monitor this machine or configure settings for this machine by using a web browser.)
PDF files cannot print or PDF direct printing cannot be performed.	PDF files cannot print if they are print-disabled in PDF file security setting.	Change the PDF file security setting.
PDF direct print produces garbled characters.	Fonts were not embedded.	Embed fonts in the PDF file you want to print, and then print.
Printing did not start even though the specified print time passed.	[Jobs Not Printed As Machn. Was Off] was set to [Do not Print] in [Printer Features], but when the specified printing time came, the power was turned off.	Set [Jobs Not Printed As Machn. Was Off] to [Print When Machine On] in [Printer Features].
Printing did not start even though the specified print time passed.	The time set on the machine or computer is incorrect.	Set the correct time on the machine or computer.
It takes a long time to start printing.	The machine accesses the USB interface when it receives a print job from the USB device server's network. In this case, it takes longer than usual to start a print job received from the machine's network.	Specify a shorter period for [I/O Timeout] in [Host Interface] under [Printer Features]. For details about I/O Timeout, see "Host Interface", Print.
A print process using wireless LAN is slow.	The number of jobs exceeds the capacity of the machine.	Reduce the number of jobs.
A print process using wireless LAN is slow.	A communication error might have occurred. Interference from other wireless LAN devices can reduce data transmission speed. If the machine is using a wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g/n), radio waves may be interfering with the wireless communication. This may occur if a microwave oven, cordless telephone, industrial machine, scientific instrument, or medical instrument using the same frequency range is placed near the device.	Move the machine away from the wireless LAN device. If there are active wireless LAN devices nearby, move the machine or disable those devices. Turn off other machines or devices which use the same frequency range, and then print again to check whether the devices cause interference. If printing is successful after you turn off the power, then it is possible these devices are the cause of the interference. Move the devices to a location where they do not interfere.

If the problem cannot be resolved, contact your service representative.

There is nothing wrong with the squeaking noise that occurs when smooth paper of A5 or smaller is fed from the bypass tray.