Basic Copier Trouble Shooting

Sorry to See You Here... But as with any piece of equipment copiers will require maintenance and repair. Copiers especially because their inherent design and the desire for good copy quality. Copiers also have many consumable parts and supplies. Toner is a consumable supply. Well, there is also often developer, and such parts as the Drum, Fuser Rollers, Cleaning Blades, various lamps, and other components. All of which have a limited service life and will drastically affect machine performance and copy quality as they degrade. This page is designed to help you determine if your machine just needs maintenance or if service repairs are necessary. The information contained here within is Only a Reference and may or may not be applicable to your specific machine. Most Maintenance and Parts Replacement Repairs can be accomplished by any person possessing average mechanical skills, good common sense, a Service Sheet, a Phillips Head Magnetic Screwdriver, a small thin bladed screwdriver, and a pair of small circlip pliers. With this you could possibly save your machine and save yourself perhaps hundreds of dollars.

Paper Jams... Lets speak frankly.

Well that Paper Jamming ___,___,___ !!... I Can't tell you how many times I heard that one ! Well here is the low down on Paper Jams and the frustration it causes for you and yes possible damage to the machine. Fact 80% of ALL Paper Jams are either inferior paper quality, poor paper condition, or a operator related problem and have nothing to do with the performance of the machine. Note : There's nothing a Service Technician likes better than going out on a service call for paper jamming and solving the problem, by simply bringing out some fresh high quality paper, and also showing the operator proper care & handling of that copy paper. Easy Money ! Regarding Paper Quality : Paper Quality is crucial to the copier for preventing paper jams and achieving good copy quality. Often uneducated operators think that "paper is paper" and why spend $10-$15 more per case. These users go out and purchase the cheapest paper that they can find. This is a Major Mistake. With those few dollars saved on paper your surely are going to have plenty of frustration and poor image quality. Also those few dollars saved will be spent again ten fold over when you have to call the serviceman out because of your machine paper jamming. Save yourself money overall and headaches. Buy Only Name Brand High Quality Paper !!

Physical Characteristics of Cheap Paper : Cheap paper has less of a structured grain pattern and therefore will feel slick to the touch. It also is generally of substandard weight / thickness, and also will not be as white/bright in color. A Simple Clue : Inferior quality paper is generally priced between $15-$30 per case (10 reams) for Letter Size paper.

Basic Factors That Determine Paper Quality :

1. Paper Finish, Texture, and Grain. Seek only paper that does not exhibit a glossy or slick feel and has a well defined grain structure. Cheap paper is in likeness to driving a car on a slick icy surface the car goes nowhere as does the paper (instant mis-feed / jam). Also for copy quality, copiers like to have a properly finished paper for the machine to lay down and fuse the toner effectively. 2. Substance Weight/Thickness. Most all copiers require a minimum of 20lb. Substance Weight/Thickness. Generally cheap paper manufactures will fudge a bit on this specification making the paper lighter/thinner than quality paper with the same specs 3. Structure and Strength. Paper structure and strength are a very important factors. For the copier draws paper from the paper cassette into the machine and then generally pushes the trailing edge of the paper to the next set of rollers. If the paper lacks sufficient strength it will buckle under this pressure creating an instant paper jam. 4. Color/Whiteness often referred to as "Brightness." The cheaper paper will not exhibit the whiteness/brightness of a quality paper. This however is only aesthetics and does not affect the performance of the machine. You will be however amazed at the difference if you dare to compare.

Other Influences Regarding Paper Jamming :

Condition of Paper : One of most common causes of paper jamming other than poor quality paper is humidity. Humidity disrupts the integrity of the paper, reduces its strength, and strongly inhibits copy quality. Its easy to determine if humidity is the cause of your problem. Look at the paper loaded in your cassette if it appears to be uneven or lumpy and bumpy discard it for this is an immediate paper jam. Also old paper that has absorbed humidity and dried out again is also useless. Paper can be ruined in as little as two hours time if the copier is not located in a climate controlled office or if you live in such a place as the Pacific Northwest were rain and humidity are commonplace. I recommend only loading enough paper in your cassettes for one day. In humid climates keep your opened packages of paper sealed in a plastic bag. Keep your cases of paper always with the lid on for the cardboard acts as a moisture barrier.

Proper Paper Handling : Proper paper handling is essential. Settle your paper against a flat surface being careful not do damage the leading edge of the paper. Fan the stack of paper also, this provides a layer of air between each of paper and therefore limits the possibility of mis-feeding or double feeding. Fill the cassette a maximum 3/4 Full. If your still having jamming problems now you can blame the machine !

Machine Induced Factors Causing Paper Jamming :

Feed Tires / Rollers are dirty, glazed, hardened, or worn . See Do it Yourself Maintenance & Service Tips ! Step # 5 for cleaning,de-glazing, and rejuvenating. If this does not work call your local service tech. Pick-Off / Separator Fingers dirty or damaged. See Do it Yourself Maintenance & Service Tips ! Step # 4 for cleaning. If damaged replace (Request Parts Quote) or call service tech. Fuser Rollers worn. Causes paper wrinkling / jamming. Replace (View On-line Catalog) or call service tech. Mylar(s) or separator belts damaged. Call service tech. Sensors / Timing Switches are not functioning properly. Call service tech. Clutches are not functioning properly. Call service tech.

Unable to Clear Paper Jam or Non-Existing Jam Causes :

If you are unable to clear a paper jam that is badly jammed by all means call your local service tech. I have seen more machines damaged from clients trying to remove paper jams with screw drivers, hair pins, coat hangers, etc. The net result of this is generally damaging the most expensive parts of the machine the Drum or the Fuser Rollers. If you are fairly sure that you removed all of the paper from the paper jam area(s) and the machines still reads a jam ("Non-Existing Jam") do the following 1) make sure you reset the machine most machines generally have a reset button, 2) Unplug the machine for 30 seconds then plug in, turn power on, and 3) reset as usual. If this does not work call your local service tech you probably have a faulty or hung-up paper sensor switch. Very Important !... When Removing a Paper Jam Always Avoid Tearing and Never Leave Any Paper Residue In Machine. Any Remaining Residue May Result In continual jamming or a Non-Existing Jam / Service Call.

Error Code Displayed

Diagnostic codes such as Error Codes, Service Man Displayed, Wrench Displayed, and Any Other Unusual Symbols Displayed are indications of a preset maintenance call due, machine service needed, developer change needed, blown lamp, or a serious machine malfunction.

The severity or immediacy of these codes and symbols range from nil to unplug the machine immediately. With some machines and or with some diagnostic codes displayed, the machine may or may not "Lock You Out" of operating the control panel and prevent continued operation. To know what is actually going on you need a Service Code Sheet. Often times you may be able to temporarily reprogram the copier to allow continued operation until you or a service tech can remedy the situation or problem.

Copy Quality Problems :

This basic diagnostic chart should help you diagnose and locate the most common cause(s) of the symptom. And also help you determine if you want to attempt the the repair yourself. However the information contained below is Only a Reference and may or may not be applicable to your specific machine. Many of the following symptoms are easily corrected either by simple maintenance, parts replacement, or an appropriate service procedure. Described with each symptom is a course of action to remedy the situation with the first diagnostic check or corrective procedure being the most common cause. Be sure to always have your Service Sheet on hand while attempting any diagnosis, repairs, or adjustments. WARNING !! ... Disclaimer, the author advises that you have a competent service tech demonstrate to you appropriate procedures before trying it yourself.

Copy Quality Trouble Shooting Chart

SYMPTOM CAUSES REMEDY

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Light Copy : Improper Exposure Adjustment Dark Setting. Damp or Poor Quality Paper with Fresh Quality Paper. Replace Adjust Light /

Low Toner Concentration Toner. Improper Primary Corona Wire Height applies. See Service Sheet. Scratched, Nicked, or Pin Holed Drum Call Service Tech. Improper Toner Concentration See Service Sheet.

Check for

Adjust if

Replace or

Replace Developer.

Burned Corona Wires (will appear blue) Call Service Tech for replacement.

Dark Copy : Improper Exposure Adjustment Dark Setting. Dirty Optics, Lenses, and Mirrors Maintenance Section Step #6. Improper Primary Corona Wire Height applies. See Service Sheet. Improper Toner Concentration See Service Sheet. Clean, see Adjust Light /

Adjust if

Replace Developer.

Blank Copy : Broken or Missing Corona Wire to repair. Faulty Corona Block Contacts to repair. Call Service Tech Call Service Tech

Black Copy : Blown Exposure Lamp Service Tech. Faulty Exposure Lamp Thermo Fuse Call Service Tech. Contaminated Lamp Contacts Replace. Light Path/Optics Obstructed Clear Obstruction. Replace or Replace or Call

Clean or

Vertical Lines On Copy : (top to bottom, perpendicular to paper path)

Scratched Drum/Photoreceptor Service Tech. Faulty Drum Cleaning Blade Call Service Tech. Scratched Upper Fuser Roller Service Tech.

Replace or Call

Replace or

Replace or Call

Horizontal Lines On Copy : (left to right, parallel to paper path)

Scratched Upper Fuser Roller Service Tech. Scratched Drum/Photoreceptor Service Tech. Faulty Drum Cleaning Blade Call Service Tech. Exposure Lamp has Blackened Cell Call Service Tech.

Replace or Call

Replace or Call

Replace or

Replace or

Horizontal Deletion Lines : (left to right, parallel to paper path)

Dirty Corona Wires Maintenance Section Step #3.

Clean, see

White Spots On Copy : Nicked/Pin Holed Drum/Photoreceptor Call Service Tech. Replace or

Black Spots On Copy : Dirty Copyboard Glass or Optics Maintenance Section Step #6. Nicked/Pin Holed Drum/Photoreceptor Call Service Tech. Contaminants on Drum Call Service Tech. Nicked Upper Fuser Roller Call Service Tech. Contaminated Developer or Toner Call Service Tech. Contaminated Drum Cleaning Roller Call Service Tech. Clean, see

Replace or

Clean, Replace, or

Replace or

Replace or

Clean or

Copy Wipes Off or Smudges : Depleted Fuser Oil applies. See Service Sheet. Spent Upper Fuser Cleaning Roller applies, Replace. Add Oil if

If

Blown Lamp, Thermistor, or Thermo-Fuse Replace or Call Service Tech.

Deletions On Copy : Scratched or Nicked Drum/Photoreceptor Replace or Call Service Tech. Scratched or Nicked Upper Fuser Roller Replace or Call Service Tech.

Latent Image Stamped On Copy :

Faulty Drum Cleaning Blade Call Service Tech. Faulty Upper Fuser Cleaning Blade Call Service Tech. Fault Upper Fuser Cleaning Roller Call Service Tech.

Replace or

Replace or

Replace or

Uneven Image Density : Uneven Primary Corona Wire Height applies. See Service Sheet. Scratched, Nicked, or Pin Holed Drum Call Service Tech. Uneven Toner Concentration Service Tech to repair. Exposure Lamp has Blackened Cell Call Service Tech. Adjust if

Replace or

Call

Replace or

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Note : Canon NP Series Copiers do not use developer. Optional Color (red, blue, etc.) Units do however.

Diagnosis of Spots or Marks on Copy

Regarding Spots, Marks, etc. on copy can easily be diagnosed as follows. Run 3-5 copies of an original. If the imperfection on the copy stays stationary on each copy during multiple copy runs, the problem can be pin pointed to dirty copyboard glass or dirty optics. Look at your copyboard real close, for any small residue on the glass will leave a subsequent black mark on your copy. If the imperfection moves from left to right horizontally (parallel to the paper path) but stays the same vertical height from top to bottom, it will then be a defective Drum, Upper Fuser Roller, and or contamination on the DV Developer/Toner Magnetic Roller. To narrow it down to the precise cause/damaged roller : Each roller is unique in its diameter (i.e. Drum = 4"dia., Upper Fuser Roller = 2" dia, and Developer/Toner Roller = 1" dia.) and has a significant difference in circumference. With a imperfection on the

problem roller that imperfection will be reproduced on the copy equal to the circumference of the damaged drum or roller. A Simple Trick, generally the imperfection on the copy will appear at least twice, take the copy with the imperfection and roll it up aligning the two closest alike imperfections, that will give you the diameter of the Drum or Roller causing the imperfection.