[H-04] Print Quality Problems

If a print quality problem occurs, you can use the measures indicated in this section to try to solve the problem.
NOTE
Contacting your local authorized Canon dealer

If a problem that is not indicated in this section occurs, if none of the suggested measures solve the problem, or if you cannot determine the problem, contact your local authorized Canon dealer.

Paper is output in a certain color with nothing printed on it.

Cause 1: The drum in a toner cartridge has deteriorated.

Solution: Replace with a new toner cartridge.
"Replacing Toner Cartridges"

Cause 2: A problem occurred inside the printer.

Solution 1: If a service message is displayed in the Printer Status Window, turn off the printer, wait at least 10 seconds, and then turn on the printer. This may clear the message.
Solution 2: If the message is still displayed after performing Solution 1, contact your local authorized Canon dealer.
"If the Alarm Indicator Turns On"

White streaks appear.

Cause: The drum in a toner cartridge has deteriorated.

Solution: Replace with a new toner cartridge.
"Replacing Toner Cartridges"

Printed pages have white specks.

Cause 1: You are not using appropriate paper.

Solution: Replace with paper that meets printing specifications.
"Paper Requirements"

Cause 2: The paper is moist.

Solution: Replace with new paper.
"Paper Requirements"

Cause 3: The drum in a toner cartridge has deteriorated.

Solution: Replace with a new toner cartridge.
"Replacing Toner Cartridges"


Residual images appear on non-printed areas.

Cause 1: You are not using appropriate paper.

Solution: Change the paper.
"Paper Requirements"

Cause 2: Because of the printing pattern or type of paper, when continuously printing, images from two pages prior are printed faintly.

Solution 1: Set [Special Print Mode] to [Special Settings 10] on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Click the [Finishing] tab → [Finishing Details].
  2. Click [Advanced Settings].
  3. Select [Special Settings 10] for [Special Print Mode].
  4. If this solves the problem, reset [Special Print Mode] to [Off].
Solution 2: If Solution 1 does not solve the problem, perform ITB cleaning from the Printer Status Window.
  1. Click the icon of the printer () in the taskbar.
  2. Select [Canon LBP5050].
  3. Click [Options] → [Device Settings] → [Assisting Print Settings].
  4. Select the [Clean Every 2 Sheets in Continuous Print] check box.
  5. If this solves the problem, clear the [Clean Every 2 Sheets in Continuous Print] check box.
Cause 3: The drum in a toner cartridge has deteriorated.

Solution: Replace with a new toner cartridge.
"Replacing Toner Cartridges"

Cause 4: Because of the printing pattern or type of paper, residual images appear on the same sheet of paper.

Solution: Setting [Special Print Mode] to [Special Settings 6] on the printing preferences dialog box may solve this problem.
  1. Click the [Finishing] tab → [Finishing Details].
  2. Click [Advanced Settings].
  3. Select [Special Settings 6] for [Special Print Mode].
  4. If this solves the problem, reset [Special Print Mode] to [Off].
IMPORTANT
Precautions when setting [Special Settings 6]

If setting [Special Print Mode] to [Special Settings 6] does not solve the problem, set [Special Print Mode] to [Off] and set [Paper Type] as follows.
However, the toner may not fix onto paper well, and the printing may come out faint.
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Plain Paper], set it to [Plain Paper L].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Heavy Paper 1], set it to [Plain Paper].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Heavy Paper 2], set it to [Heavy Paper 1].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Envelope H], set it to [Envelope].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Coated Paper 2], set it to [Coated Paper 1].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Coated Paper 3], set it to [Coated Paper 2].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Coated Paper 4], set it to [Coated Paper 3].

The paper is wrinkled.

Cause: Because of the type of paper or operating environment (especially high humidity or high temperature), the paper may become wrinkled.

Solution: Setting [Special Print Mode] to [Special Settings 6] on the printing preferences dialog box may solve this problem.
  1. Click the [Finishing] tab → [Finishing Details].
  2. Click [Advanced Settings].
  3. Select [Special Settings 6] for [Special Print Mode].
  4. If this solves the problem, reset [Special Print Mode] to [Off].
IMPORTANT
Precautions when configuring [Special Settings 6]

If setting [Special Print Mode] to [Special Settings 6] does not solve the problem, set [Special Print Mode] to [Off] and set [Paper Type] as follows.
However, the toner may not fix onto paper well, and the printing may come out faint.
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Plain Paper], set it to [Plain Paper L].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Heavy Paper 1], set it to [Plain Paper].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Heavy Paper 2], set it to [Heavy Paper 1].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Envelope H], set it to [Envelope].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Coated Paper 2], set it to [Coated Paper 1].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Coated Paper 3], set it to [Coated Paper 2].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Coated Paper 4], set it to [Coated Paper 3].

The overall print result is faint.

Cause 1: The packing material was not removed from the transfer roller when the printer was installed.

Solution: Remove the packing material on both sides of the transfer roller.
"Moving the Printer Unit to the Installation Site"

Cause 2: The [Toner Density] setting is not appropriate.

Solution: Adjust [Toner Density] on the printing preferences dialog box to a darker setting.
"Adjusting the Toner Density"

Cause 3: [Toner Save] is enabled.

Solution: Clear the [Toner Save] check box on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Click the [Quality] tab → [Settings].
  2. Clear the [Toner Save] check box.
Cause 4: The printer is exposed to direct sunlight or strong light.

Solution: Move the printer to a location not exposed to direct sunlight or strong light.
If the printer is exposed to a strong light source, move the printer away from the light source.

The overall print result is dark.

Cause 1: The [Toner Density] setting is not appropriate.

Solution: Adjust [Toner Density] on the printing preferences dialog box to a lighter setting.
"Adjusting the Toner Density"

Cause 2: The printer is exposed to direct sunlight or strong light.

Solution: Move the printer to a location not exposed to direct sunlight or strong light.
If the printer is exposed to a strong light source, move the printer away from the light source.

Printing is uneven.

Cause 1: The paper is too moist or too dry.

Solution: Replace with paper that meets printing specifications.
"Paper Requirements"

Cause 2: The toner cartridge is empty, has deteriorated, or is damaged.

Solution: Check the remaining amount of toner.
Replace any old toner cartridges with a new toner cartridge.
"Checking the Remaining Amount of Toner and Handling Toner Cartridges"
"Replacing Toner Cartridges"

The front or back of the printed paper has smudge marks.

Cause: The fixing roller inside the printer is dirty.

Solution: Clean the fixing roller.
"Cleaning the Inside of the Printer"
IMPORTANT
Cleaning the fixing roller

  • The cleaning paper is first output partially after the front side is printed, and then it is fed again to be printed on the back side. Do not touch the cleaning paper until it is output completely.
  • The cleaning process takes approximately 80 seconds to complete.
  • The cleaning process cannot be canceled.

Smudge marks of spattering toner appear around the text or patterns.

Cause 1: You are not using appropriate paper.

Solution: Replace with paper that meets printing specifications.
"Paper Requirements"

Cause 2: Because of the type of paper or operating environment (especially low temperatures), smudge marks of spattering toner appear.

Solution 1: Set [Special Print Mode] to [Special Settings 4] on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Click the [Finishing] tab → [Finishing Details].
  2. Click [Advanced Settings].
  3. Select [Special Settings 4] for [Special Print Mode].
  4. If this solves the problem, reset [Special Print Mode] to [Off].
Solution 2: If Solution 1 does not solve the problem, setting [Special Print Mode] to [Special Settings 8] on the printing preferences dialog box may solve this problem.
  1. Click the [Finishing] tab → [Finishing Details].
  2. Click [Advanced Settings].
  3. Select [Special Settings 8] for [Special Print Mode].
  4. If this solves the problem, reset [Special Print Mode] to [Off].
IMPORTANT
Precautions when selecting [Special Settings 4]

Do not select [Special Settings 4] when using paper that has been stored in a location with high temperature or humidity. This may result in a deterioration in print quality.

Thin, horizontal lines appear on the printout.

Cause: When printing for an extended period of time, thin horizontal lines may appear in halftone portions of the document being printed.

Solution: Use the Printer Status Window to configure the setting to prevent poor print quality after a long idle time.
  1. Click the icon of the printer () in the taskbar.
  2. Select [Canon LBP5050].
  3. Click [Options] → [Device Settings] → [Assisting Print Settings].
  4. Select the [Prevent Poor Quality after Long Idle] check box.
  5. If this solves the problem, clear the [Prevent Poor Quality after Long Idle] check box.

Toner was placed on areas not intended for printing.

Cause: When printing on glossy paper, toner may be placed on areas not intended for printing.

Solution: Set [Special Print Mode] to [Special Settings 9] on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Click the [Finishing] tab → [Finishing Details].
  2. Click [Advanced Settings].
  3. Select [Special Settings 9] for [Special Print Mode].
  4. If this solves the problem, reset [Special Print Mode] to [Off].

An image with two or more toner colors is appears faded.

Cause: The printer is being used in an environment with high humidity.

Solution: Set [Special Print Mode] to [Special Settings 1] on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Click the [Finishing] tab → [Finishing Details].
  2. Click [Advanced Settings].
  3. Select [Special Settings 1] for [Special Print Mode].
  4. If this solves the problem, reset [Special Print Mode] to [Off].

Thin lines are faded or halftone images are faint.

Cause: You are not using appropriate paper.

Solution 1: Replace with paper that meets printing specifications.
"Paper Requirements"

Solution 2: Set [Special Print Mode] to [Special Settings 3] on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Click the [Finishing] tab → [Finishing Details].
  2. Click [Advanced Settings].
  3. Select [Special Settings 3] for [Special Print Mode].
  4. If this solves the problem, reset [Special Print Mode] to [Off].

Colors are uneven or not printed smoothly.

Cause: Large characters, wide lines, or diagrams with high color density were printed.

Solution: Set [Special Smoothing Mode] on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Click the [Finishing] tab → [Finishing Details].
  2. Click [Advanced Settings].
  3. Select the appropriate mode for [Special Smoothing Mode].
Normally, select [Mode 1] for [Special Smoothing Mode].
If the following conditions occur when [Mode 1] is selected, select [Mode 2] to [Mode 6].
IMPORTANT
Precautions when configuring [Special Smoothing Mode]

  • When [Mode 2], [Mode 3], or [Mode 5] is selected, the area around a diagram may not be printed smoothly.
  • When [Mode 5] is selected, characters and lines may not be printed smoothly.
  • When [Mode 3] or [Mode 4] is selected, large characters and thick lines may be printed with uneven colors.
  • When [Mode 6] is selected, characters, lines, diagrams, and photos may be printed with uneven colors.

A portion of the page is not printed.

Cause 1: The scaling factor is not appropriate.

Solution 1: Clear the [Manual Scaling] check box on the [Page Setup] sheet.
When the [Manual Scaling] check box is cleared, the scaling factor is automatically increased or decreased according to the [Page Size] and [Output Size] settings.

Solution 2: Specify the appropriate scaling factor according to the paper size to be used.
"Enlarging or Reducing the Page to Print"

Cause 2: The position of the paper is not correct.

Solution: Load the paper properly.
"Loading Paper and Registering the Paper Size"

Cause 3: The document was printed without margins.

Solution: Data is printed with a margin of 5 mm (10 mm for envelopes). Provide a margin around the data.
IMPORTANT
Printing on envelopes

Printing data in the entire printable area of an envelope may result in a deterioration in print quality.
Arrange the data to a size slightly smaller than the printable area.

The printing position is skewed.

Cause 1: [Gutter] is specified.

Solution: Set [Gutter] to [0] on the printing preferences dialog box.
"Printing with a Gutter on the Edge of the Paper"

Cause 2: The top margin or paper position setting in the application is not specified properly.

Solution: Properly specify the top margin or paper position setting in the application.
For details on specifying these settings, see the instruction manual supplied with the application.

The data from one page is printed on the next page.

Cause: The line spacing or lines per page setting in the application is not specified properly.

Solution: Specify the line spacing or lines per page setting in the application so that the data fits onto one page, and then print again.
For details on specifying these settings, see the instruction manual supplied with the application.

Nothing is printed on the paper.

Cause: Multiple sheets of paper were fed at a time.

Solution: If you are using transparencies, labels, or coated paper, fan it thoroughly and load it again.

The toner did not fix onto the paper properly.

Cause 1: You are not using appropriate paper.

Solution: Replace with paper that meets printing specifications.
"Paper Requirements"

Cause 2: You are using heavy paper with a rough surface.

Solution 1: Set [Paper Type] to [Heavy Paper 1] or [Heavy Paper 2] on the printing preferences dialog box.
Set [Paper Type] on the [Paper Source] sheet.

Solution 2: Set [Special Print Mode] to [Special Settings 5] on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Click the [Finishing] tab → [Finishing Details].
  2. Click [Advanced Settings].
  3. Select [Special Settings 5] for [Special Print Mode].
  4. If this solves the problem, reset [Special Print Mode] to [Off].
Solution 3: Setting [Special Print Mode] to [Special Settings 7] on the printing preferences dialog box may solve this problem.
  1. Click the [Finishing] tab → [Finishing Details].
  2. Click [Advanced Settings].
  3. Select [Special Settings 7] for [Special Print Mode].
  4. If this solves the problem, reset [Special Print Mode] to [Off].
IMPORTANT
Precautions when setting [Special Settings 7]

If setting [Special Print Mode] to [Special Settings 7] does not solve the problem, set [Special Print Mode] to [Off] and set [Paper Type] as follows.
However, residual images may appear on non-printed areas.
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Plain Paper L], set it to [Plain Paper].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Plain Paper], set it to [Heavy Paper 1].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Heavy Paper 1], set it to [Heavy Paper 2].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Envelope], set it to [Envelope H].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Coated Paper 1], set it to [Coated Paper 2].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Coated Paper 2], set it to [Coated Paper 3].
  • If [Paper Type] was set to [Coated Paper 3], set it to [Coated Paper 4].
Cause 3: A problem occurred inside the printer.

Solution 1: If a service message is displayed in the Printer Status Window, turn off the printer, wait at least 10 seconds, and then turn on the printer. This may clear the message.

Solution 2: If the message is still displayed after performing Solution 1, contact your local authorized Canon dealer.
"If the Alarm Indicator Turns On"

Colored lines and text appear faded.

Cause: The document contains thin lines or text.

Solution: Select the [Prioritize Printing of Colored Lines and Text] check box on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Click the [Quality] tab → [Settings].
  2. Select the [Prioritize Printing of Colored Lines and Text] check box.

Colored text appears blurred.

Cause: The colored text is in boldface.

Solution: Change the matching method on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Select the [Manual Color Settings] check box on the [Quality] sheet.
  2. Click [Color Settings].
  3. Click the [Matching] tab and select [Perceptual [Monitor Color Matched]] for [Matching Method].

The printing position is skewed slightly depending on the color to be printed.

Cause: Although laser printers are manufactured with high-precision technology, a phenomenon called "out-of-register colors" may be noticeable depending on the printed image. Please note that this is due to the structure of laser printers and is not a printer malfunction.

Solution 1: Correct the "out-of-register colors" on the Printer Status Window.
"Correcting 'Out-of-Register Colors'"

Solution 2: Set [Use Pure Black] to [Never] on the printing preferences dialog box. This may help prevent poor print quality ("out-of-register colors").
  1. Click the [Quality] tab → [Settings].
  2. Select [Never] for [Use Pure Black].

Data is not printed in the correct color (specified color), or colored text appears blurred due to "out-of-register colors."

Cause 1: A toner cartridge is not installed properly.

Solution: Make sure that the toner cartridges are installed properly.
"Preparing the Toner Cartridges"
"Replacing Toner Cartridges"

Cause 2: A toner cartridge is almost empty, or the drum of one of the toner cartridges has deteriorated.

Solution 1: Calibrate the printer using the Printer Status Window.
"Calibrating the Printer"

Solution 2: Check the toner cartridge.
Replace any old toner cartridges with a new toner cartridge.
"Checking the Remaining Amount of Toner and Handling Toner Cartridges"
"Replacing Toner Cartridges"

Cause 3: You are not using appropriate paper.

Solution: Replace with paper that meets printing specifications.
"Paper Requirements"

Cause 4: Data was sent before completing calibration, such as when the printer was turned on.

Solution: Make sure that calibration is completed before sending data to the printer.
NOTE
Calibrating the printer after it is turned on

Use [Startup Settings] on the Printer Status Window to configure this setting.
"Calibrating the Printer"

Thin lines or fill patterns are not printed with the specified colors or do not appear at all.

Cause 1: Some of the colors cannot be reproduced because of the combination of colors or patterns.

Solution 1: Adjust the colors in the application and print again.
For details on adjusting the colors, see the instruction manual supplied with the application.

Solution 2: Change the patterns in the application and print again.
For details on adjusting the patterns, see the instruction manual supplied with the application.

Cause 2: The colors may appear different depending on the halftone pattern.

Solution 1: Adjust to a darker color and print again.
For details on adjusting the color, see the instruction manual supplied with the application.

Solution 2: Reload the paper with a different feeding direction and print again.
"Loading Paper and Registering the Paper Size"

Shaded patterns are not printed in the correct color (specified color).

Cause: The shaded pattern of the print data and the dither pattern of the printer are interfering with one another.

Solution 1: Print again without specifying a shaded pattern in the application.
For details on specifying this setting, see the instruction manual supplied with the application.

Solution 2: Change the [Color Halftones] or [B & W Halftones] setting on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Click the [Quality] tab → [Settings].
  2. Set [Color Halftones] or [B & W Halftones] to [Gradation] or [Color Tone].

The displayed color and printed color differ when printing photos.

Cause: The methods for adjusting the color on the screen (RGB) and in the printer (YMC) are different. Therefore, the color on the screen may not be printed out exactly as it appears.

Solution 1: Change the [Matching Method] setting on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Select the [Manual Color Settings] check box on the [Quality] sheet.
  2. Click [Color Settings].
  3. Click the [Matching] tab → select [Perceptual [Monitor Color Matched]] for [Matching Method].
Solution 2: Adjust the [Gamma] setting on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Select the [Manual Color Settings] check box on the [Quality] sheet.
  2. Click [Color Settings].
  3. Select [Gamma Adjustment] for [Matching Mode] on the [Matching] sheet.
  4. Select the gamma value for [Gamma].
NOTE
About the gamma value

The higher the gamma value, the darker the colors in the image become when printed.

Streaks appear in gradated portions of printed diagrams.

Cause: [Use Pure Black] is applied to the gray color portions of the streaks in the diagram.

Solution: Change the [Use Pure Black] setting on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Click the [Quality] tab → [Settings].
  2. Select [Never] for [Use Pure Black].

Fill patterns and borders are not printed in the correct color (specified color) even when specified with the same color.

Cause: To print thin lines clearly, a special process may be used depending on the line width of the border.

Solution 1: Change the matching method on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Select the [Manual Color Settings] check box on the [Quality] sheet.
  2. Click [Color Settings].
  3. Click the [Matching] tab and select [Perceptual [Monitor Color Matched]] for [Matching Method].
Solution 2: Adjust the [Gamma] setting on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Select the [Manual Color Settings] check box on the [Quality] sheet.
  2. Click [Color Settings].
  3. Select [Gamma Adjustment] for [Matching Mode] on the [Matching] sheet.
  4. Select the gamma value for [Gamma].
NOTE
About the gamma value

The higher the gamma value, the darker the colors in the image become when printed.

The back of the printed paper has smudge marks.

Cause: The size of the print data was larger than that of the loaded paper.

Solution: Make sure that the size of the print data matches that of the loaded paper.

A portion of the printout is printed differently than what is displayed on screen. (Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003)

Cause: Depending on the application, the page printer may be using EMF data that cannot be processed.

Solution: Change the [EMF Spooling] setting on the printing preferences dialog box.
  1. Click the [Finishing] tab → [Finishing Details].
  2. Click [Advanced Settings].
  3. Clear the [EMF Spooling] check box.
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