Blank pages are printed

Here are troubleshooting steps when blank pages are printed on a Lexmark E260, E360, or E460 series printer.

Issue description

The printer is printing blank pages. All pages are coming out blank and situations where the print job prints correctly but extra blank pages occur intermittently.

Solution

If all pages are coming out blank

Check the toner cartridge
for proper installation or toner level.

Power off the printer. Open the front cover and remove the existing toner cartridge.

For detailed directions on how to access and remove the toner cartridge, see Replacing the toner cartridge.

With the toner cartridge out, check inside the printer.

Remove any jammed paper or other obstructions that can block from installing the toner cartridge completely.

If the inside of the printer is clear, install the toner cartridge, making sure that it is installed fully.

Close the front cover.

Power on the printer and print again.

If the pages continue to come out blank, try one of the following actions:

If you have an extra toner cartridge in stock, replace the existing toner cartridge with a new one. Install the new toner cartridge into the printer and try printing again. If the print returns, the old toner cartridge is low on toner and must be replaced.

If you do not have an extra toner cartridge in stock, lightly shake the existing toner cartridge several times to redistribute any remaining toner. Install the toner cartridge back into the printer and try printing again. If the print returns or improves, the existing toner cartridge is low on toner and must be replaced.

If the issue continues after checking the toner cartridge, replace the photoconductor unit/kit
if there is an extra one in stock. For detailed directions on how to access and remove the photoconductor unit, see How to change the photoconductor unit . If the issue continues after both supplies are replaced, print a menu settings page using the printer control panel. This determines if the source of the problem is a part on the printer or an issue external to the printer.

If the menu settings page prints correctly, the source of the problem is external
to the printer. To find out if the problem is only with a program, print from a different software program. To find out if the problem is only with a particular computer, print from a different computer.

If the menu settings page is blank, this narrows the source of the issue to a part on the printer. Service is required to correct the issue. For assistance in setting up service, contact support or a local authorized service provider.

If the blank pages print intermittently

On most occasions, intermittent blank pages are caused by one of three issues. Perform the following checks:

Possible cause	Solution
The Blank Pages setting is set to print any 'blank page' commands used by the software/program on the computer.	Use the Local Printer Setup Utility program on the computer and access the printer settings. Locate the Blank Pages setting. Make sure that the Blank Pages setting is set to Do Not Print .
Two sheets of paper stuck together and fed through the printer at the same time.	Remove all paper from the tray. Fan each of the four sides of the paper stack, making sure to separate any pages that are stuck together. Note: This is particularly important when printing on paper with pre-punched holes.
An error occurred as the print job was being sent from the computer to the printer. This can cause data to become lost or corrupted and result in one or more blank pages being printed.	Re‑send the print job. See if the issue occurs again. If it does, try printing from a different software program. If the printer is on a network, try printing from a different computer.

If the issue persists after trying all of these suggestions, contact support for additional assistance.

LEGACY ID: SO4569