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General Troubleshooting

Terminology

• OPC Drum - the large "pretty" drum which makes the copy. OPC = Organic Photo-Conductor. Usually about 2" (5 cm) in diameter.
• PCR Drum - A small black drum which transfers electrical charge to the OPC drum. PCR = Primary Charge Roller. Oftern about 5/8" (1.5 cm) in diameter
• Fuser - A warm to hot roller found after the OPC Drum in the paper path.

Symptoms

• There is a gray background on all prints.
• There is a vertical line or stripe running down the paper.
• There is a repetitive defect (mark or horizontal line) on the paper.
• The paper is totally dark.
• The paper is totally white.
• The paper fades from white to dark across the paper.

Gray Background

1. Is the background relatively smooth? or is it wavy?
2. If wavy, then this is considered a repetitive defect. Click here for more information.
3. If smooth, are you using Brother HL1240 (TN430 or TN460) cartridges?

   If yes, then contact us for replacement toner. One of our toner suppliers has defective toner.

4. If no, then one of the following is the problem:
   • The Cartridge does not have a good electrical ground. Clean the electrical contacts on the cartridge.
   • The OPC or PCR drum is making poor contact. Put some conductive grease on the bearings.
   • The OPC drum needs replacing.
   • The PCR drum needs replacing.

Vertical Stripe or Line

1. Is the stripe or line consistent on each copy?
2. If no, there may be a piece of paper or junk stuck in the cartridge near the OPC drum. Remove the paper or junk.
3. If yes, then there is likely damage to the OPC drum or PCR drum. Inspect the drum and replace if necessary.

Repetitive Horizontal Defects

1. How often does the defect repeat?
2. Every 1 to 2 inches -- Probable PCR drum defect. Inspect and replace.
3. Every 4 to 8 inches -- Probable OPC drum. Inspect and replace.

Totally Dark Paper

1. Possible Cause - Wrong Toner. Verify correct toner used.
2. If toner/developer system, Possible Cause - Toner/Developer reversed. Verify Toner in large plug, Developer in small plug.
3. Possible Voltage Failure on Copier or Laser Printer.
4. Possible Laser Failure on Laser Printer.
5. Possible Light Failure on Copier.

Totally White Paper

1. Possible Cause - Wrong Toner. Verify correct toner used.
2. If toner/developer system, Possible Cause - Toner/Developer reversed. Verify Toner in large plug, Developer in small plug.
3. Possible lack of Ground/bad electrical contact made. -- Clean electrical contacts on Cartridge.
4. Possible Voltage Failure on Copier or Laser Printer.

Fades across paper.

1. Possible poor ground/bad electrical contact made. -- Clean electrical contacts on cartridge.
2. Probably fading of OPC Drum. -- Replace Drum.
3. Possible voltage failure in copier or laser printer.