The Print/Text on Scanned Images is Too Light When Using the Scanner Unit on a Lexmark X642, X644, or X646 Series Printer

Document ID:SO4682
 
  Properties  

Problem

Light copy; Copies are light; Toner low; Empty cartridge; Faded text; Missing print; Washed-out print; Poor print quality; Scanner issues

Solution

What you will see


All scanned images and printouts appear light or faded when printed.
 

Determine first if the scanner unit is at fault


To find out if the issue involves the scanner unit or the base printer, try printing documents that do not use the scanner unit, such as a file from the computer or network. Alternatively, you can choose to print the internal settings pages by using the menus on the printer's operator panel. NOTE: To print the settings pages, press the Menus button to enter the menus. Select Reports and then select Menu Settings Page. The printer will display the message Printing Menu Settings Page, then print the pages.
  • If the quality of print on these pages continues to be light, the cause of the issue is probably a low toner cartridge or a setting or a part on the base printer. Click here for further suggestions and settings to check on the printer. 
     
  • If the quality of print on these pages appears correct and it is only on scanned images or documents that the print is light, continue with the suggestions below.
      

Change the imaging settings on the scanner
  

IMPORTANT NOTES:

    • Record the original values for each of these settings before changing them. If you are unable to correct the issue after changing the settings listed in the table below, restore the settings back to their original values before arranging a service call.
       
    • The directions in the table below for navigating the menus apply to the X644 and X646 models only. If you have an X642 model printer, please see the User's Guide for directions on how to navigate the menus and change the settings.
       

Step Action
  1

Turn off the printer. Try cleaning the flatbed scanner glass and then printing again.
For detailed directions on how to clean the flatbed scanner glass, click here.
  2

If cleaning the scanner glass does not correct the issue, increase the Darkness setting under the Copy menu.
  

  1. Press the Copy button.
  2. Locate the Darkness setting in the lower left of the screen. Click here for image.
  3. Increase the Darkness value.
  4. Press to return the printer back to the normal ready screen.
  5. Try printing again. If changing this setting does not seem to affect the darkness of the prints, continue with the next suggestion below.
  3

Confirm that the Content setting is set to Text. NOTE: This is especially important if the setting is currently set to Photo/Text.

The Content setting can be found under the Copy menu.


  1. Press the Copy button.
  2. Press Options. The Options button is located in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. Click here for image.
  3. Press the Content button. Click here for image.
  4. Select Text. Then press the Done button once to save the new setting. 
  5. Press to return the printer back to the ready screen.
  6. Try printing again. If changing this setting does not seem to affect the darkness of the prints, continue with the next suggestion below.
  4

Change the Background Removal setting. The Background Removal setting is accessed by selecting the Copy menu, then selecting Advanced Imaging.
 

  1. Press the Copy button.
  2. Press Options.
  3. Press the Advanced Imaging button. Click here for image.
  4. Press  to remove less of the background. This should increase the overall darkness of the scanned image. NOTE: Try lowering this setting in increments of 2. The lowest possible setting is -4.
  5. Press the Done button once to save the new value for this setting. 
  6. Press to return the printer back to the ready screen.
  7. Try printing again. If changing this setting does not seem to affect the darkness of the prints, continue with the next suggestion below.
  5

Change the Contrast setting. The Contrast setting is also accessed by selecting  the Copy menu, then selecting Advanced Imaging.
 

  1. Press the Copy button.
  2. Press Options.
  3. Press Advanced Imaging.
  4. Press and increase the Contrast setting to 4. NOTE: 5 is the highest possible setting.
  5. Press the Done button once to save the new value for this setting. 
  6. Press to return the printer back to the ready screen.
  7. Try printing again. If changing this setting does not seem to affect the darkness of the prints, continue with the next suggestion below.
  6

Change the Shadow Detail setting. The Shadow Detail setting is also accessed by selecting the Copy menu, then selecting Advanced Imaging.
 

  1. Press the Copy button.
  2. Press Options.
  3. Press Advanced Imaging.
  4. Press  and decrease the Shadow Detail setting. NOTE: Try lowering this setting in increments of 2. The lowest possible setting is -4.
  5. Press the Done button once to save the new value for this setting. 
  6. Press to return the printer back to the ready screen.
  7. Try printing again.
  7

If changing these settings does not correct the issue, a service action may be required. Return any settings changed to their original values.

Please contact Lexmark Technical Support or a local authorized service provider for additional assistance or to arrange a service action.

 

Contacting Lexmark


If you have questions about any of the procedures above or if you require assistance in setting up warranty service, please contact Lexmark Technical Support. For contact information, click here.
  
When calling Lexmark Technical Support, be prepared to describe the problem that you are experiencing as well as any troubleshooting steps that you have already taken to find a solution. You will also need the model type and serial number (SN) of the printer. This information can be found on a label located under the upper front cover. Click here for further details. NOTE: Please call from near the printer in case the technician on the phone asks you to perform a troubleshooting task on the printer. 

 



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