Light or Faded Print on Lexmark MS310, MS410, MS510, MS610, MX310, MX410, MX51x, and MX61x

Document ID:TE494
 
12/10/12 Properties  

Problem

Print quality issues; Toner is not dark enough; Faded print; Lighter print; Defect; Low on toner; Supplies issue;

Solution

Overview
 

Light or faded printout usually points to an issue with a printer setting or a supply item (Toner cartridge or Imaging Unit) that is either defective or at its normal end-of-life. Refer to the information below to diagnose this print quality issue.

 

Recommended solution
 

Step Action
1

 

Print the Menu Settings Page. To do this:

On Models MS410, MS510, MS610, MX310, MX410, MX51x, and MX61x:

  • From the home screen, navigate to:  > Reports > Menu Settings Page

On MS310 model:

  • Press and hold the Start  button. Release the button once the machine starts printing.

 
2

 

Using the Menu Settings Page, check the status of the following:

Supply Level

You can view this under the category Cartridge Information. Check the supply levels to ensure nothing needs to be replaced, such as the Toner cartridge or Imaging Unit. Many print quality issues are the result of supply items that have reached the end of their functional life. Replace any of the supplies that are reporting Low.


Toner Darkness

You can view this under the category Quality Menu. Make sure that the Toner Darkness setting is at least at the default value of 5. Increase the value if it is lower than the default setting or until the desired result is achieved. See the section How to adjust Toner Darkness.

 
3

 

If the supply levels are all satisfactory and if the printout does not improve even after adjusting the Toner Darkness, contact Lexmark Technical Support for additional troubleshooting suggestions.

 

 

 

How to adjust Toner Darkness
 

If the printer is connected to a network, use the Embedded Web Server (EWS).

Step Action
1

 

Open a Web browser, and then type the printer IP address in the address field.

Notes:

  • View the printer IP address on the printer home screen. The IP address appears as four sets of numbers separated by periods, such as 123.123.123.123.
     
  • If you are using a proxy server, then temporarily disable it to load the Web page correctly.

 
2

 

Click Settings > Print Settings > Quality Menu.

 
3

 

Adjust the toner darkness setting.

 
4

 

Click Submit.

 


Using the control panel of a Lexmark MS410, MS510, MS610, MX310, MX410, MX51x, and MX61x:

Step Action
1

 

From the home screen, navigate to:  > Settings > Print Settings > Quality Menu > Toner Darkness.

 
2

 

Adjust the setting, and then touch Submit.

 

 

Still need help?
 

Please contact Lexmark Technical Support if you need additional assistance. NOTE: When calling for support, you will be asked for your machine/model type and serial number (SN). If you need help locating these, click here.

Please call from near the printer in case the technician on the phone asks you to perform a task involving the printer.

 



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