Faded or light prints: toner and ink fixes

Faded output is almost always low toner, economy mode or a dirty drum — rarely a dead printer.

1. 1

   Turn off toner save or EconoMode

   Check the driver preferences and the printer panel for economy settings and switch them off.

2. 2

   Rock the toner cartridge

   Remove the cartridge and rock it gently side to side to redistribute the remaining toner.

3. 3

   Check toner and ink levels

   Levels under 10 percent produce fade even before the warning appears.

4. 4

   Clean the drum or corona wire

   On lasers, slide the drum's cleaning tab a few times. On inkjets run a head cleaning cycle.

5. 5

   Match the paper type setting

   Telling the driver you loaded plain paper when it is thick or glossy causes weak fusing and fade.

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