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COPIER TROUBLESHOOTING
Dry desert air and worn rollers cause more jams than bad luck.
Copier jams, streaks and error codes: what to try first
Most copier problems come from a few causes: paper, worn rollers, toner and imaging parts, or a part that needs replacing. Some fixes take a minute. Others need a technician. Here is what to try safely and when to call.
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The short answer
- Jams are usually paper, the wrong paper setting, or worn pickup rollers.
- Streaks and faded prints usually point to toner, the imaging drum or the transfer parts.
- Error codes tell a technician which part of the machine needs attention. Write the code down.
- Turn the copier off and on once. If the problem returns, call for service rather than forcing it.
Paper jams
- Use fresh paper kept in its wrapper. Dry air makes paper curl and stick together.
- Fan the stack and do not overfill the tray.
- Check the tray guides are snug against the paper.
- Match the paper type setting to what is loaded, especially labels and heavy stock.
- Remove jammed paper slowly in the direction of travel. Never pull hard or use tools.
- Jams in the same place again and again usually mean worn rollers. Call for service.
Streaks, lines and faded prints
| What you see | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Faded or light prints | Low toner or toner saver mode |
| Line down every page | Drum, scanner glass or a worn part |
| Line only on copies, not prints | Dirty scanner glass or feeder glass |
| Smears that rub off | Fuser not bonding toner |
| Repeating spots | A damaged roller or drum at a set spacing |
Clean the scanner glass and the thin glass strip under the document feeder with a soft, lint free cloth. If lines still show on prints, the fix is usually a part.
Error codes
📄Jam codesOn many HP machines, 13.xx codes point to a paper jam location.
🔥Fuser codesFuser errors often need a technician. The fuser gets very hot.
⚙Firmware codesSome errors clear with a restart or a firmware update.
📷Take a photoSend us a photo of the screen. It speeds up the repair.
When to call
- The same jam or error keeps coming back.
- You smell burning or see smoke. Turn it off and unplug it.
- Grinding, clicking or new loud noises.
- Lines or smears that cleaning does not fix.
- The machine will not connect to the network or scan to email.
How WENO keeps copiers running
1. Remote checkText us a photo of the error and we often know the fix before we arrive.
2. Local repairTechnicians in the High Desert with common parts on hand.
3. Preventive serviceRollers and wear parts replaced before they cause jams.
4. Managed printToner, parts and service in one cost per page. See cost per page.
Copier down? Text us a photo of the screen.Local service across the High Desert.
Request serviceGeneral information. Always follow the safety guidance in your copier's manual.