Lexmark 3500-876 MC3426i

Note: Before performing this print quality check, print the Print Quality Test Pages. From the control panel, navigate to Settings > Troubleshooting > Print Quality Test Pages, and then perform the initial print quality check.

Action	Yes	No
Step 1 a Make sure that the paper is properly loaded in the tray and manual feeder. b Make sure that the tray and manual feeder are properly installed. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 2.	The problem is solved.
Step 2 a From the control panel, navigate to: Settings > Paper > Tray Configuration > Paper Size/Type b Make sure that the setting matches the paper loaded. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 3.	The problem is solved.
Step 3 a From the control panel, navigate to: Settings > Paper > Media Configuration > Media Types b Make sure that the Texture and Weight settings match the paper loaded. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 4.	The problem is solved.
Step 4 Make sure that the paper loaded is supported and free of damage and defect. Note: To check for paper curl, print on both sides of the paper. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 5.	The problem is solved.
Step 5 Load paper from a fresh package. Note: Paper absorbs moisture due to high humidity. Store paper in its original wrapper until you are ready to use it. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 6.	The problem is solved.
Step 6 a Remove the print cartridge tray. b Enter the Diagnostics menu, and then navigate to: Printer diagnostics and adjustments > Sensor tests > TPS L and R c Insert a white sheet of paper between the transfer belt and sensor (TPS), and then check if the sensor values increase to almost 100%. d Insert a color-printed sheet of paper between the transfer belt and sensor (TPS), and then check if the sensor values change. Do the sensor values change properly?	Go to step 10.	Go to step 7.
Step 7 a Remove the controller board shield. b Reseat the TPS sensor cables on the controller board. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 8.	The problem is solved.
Step 8 Check the TPS sensor cables for damage. Are the cables free of damage?	Go to step 37.	Go to step 9.
Step 9 Replace the affected TPS sensor cable. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 37.	The problem is solved.
Step 10 Enter the Diagnostics menu, and then navigate to: Printer diagnostics and adjustments > Weather station Is the weather station detecting properly?	Go to step 11.	Go to step 35.
Step 11 a Enter the Diagnostics menu, and then navigate to: Printer setup > EP setup > Developer adjust > Black & Color (DC bias voltage) b Find the setting that produces the best result. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 12.	The problem is solved.
Step 12 a Enter the Diagnostics menu, and then navigate to: Printer setup > EP setup > Transfer adjust > Black & Color (DC bias voltage) b Find the setting that produces the best result. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 13.	The problem is solved.
Step 13 a From the Diagnostics menu, navigate to: Printer setup > EP setup > Transfer adjust > 2nd transfer roller (DC bias voltage) b Find the setting that produces the best result. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 14.	The problem is solved.
Step 14 a Enter the Diagnostics menu, and then navigate to: Printer diagnostics and adjustments > Motor tests b Select K/Transfer belt, and then start the test. Does the transfer belt or transfer roller move?	Go to step 19.	Go to step 15.
Step 15 Check the transfer module and its components for improper installation and damage. • Transfer belt • Transfer roller • Coupler gears Is the transfer module properly installed and free of damage?	Go to step 16.	Go to step 18.
Step 16 a Remove the right cover. b Make sure that the transfer module cable on the HVPS is properly connected. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 17.	The problem is solved.
Step 17 a Remove any toner spills or contamination from the transfer module. b Check the transfer belt cleaner and its waste toner nozzle for leaks and damage. Note: If the transfer belt cleaner is defective, then excess toner may build up on the transfer belt. If there are leaks on the waste toner nozzle, then toner spills will occur. Is the transfer belt cleaner free of leaks and damage?	Go to step 19.	Go to step 18.
Step 18 Reinstall or replace the transfer module. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 19.	The problem is solved.
Step 19 a Remove the right cover. b Remove the controller board shield. c Reseat the HVPS flat cables on the HVPS and controller board. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 20.	The problem is solved.
Step 20 Check the cables for damage. Are the cables free of damage?	Go to step 22.	Go to step 21.
Step 21 Replace the affected cable. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 22.	The problem is solved.
Step 22 a Make sure that the HVPS is properly installed. b Reseat all the cables on the HVPS. c Properly align the spring contacts. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 23.	The problem is solved.
Step 23 Check the HVPS contacts for contamination and damage. Are the HVPS contacts free of contamination and damage?	Go to step 25.	Go to step 24.
Step 24 Clean or replace the HVPS. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 25.	The problem is solved.
Step 25 Check if the fuser voltage rating matches the printer and electrical outlet voltage rating. Does the fuser have the correct voltage rating?	Go to step 26.	Go to step 30.
Step 26 a Enter the Diagnostics menu, and then navigate to: Printer diagnostics and adjustments > Motor tests b Select Fuser, and then start the test. Do the fuser rollers and exit rollers turn?	Go to step 29.	Go to step 27.
Step 27 a Make sure that the fuser is properly installed. b Remove the controller board shield. See “Controller board shield removal” on page 385. c Remove the right cover. d Reseat the fuser cables from the following components, and then check the cables for damage: • HVPS • LVPS • Fuser to controller board connections Are the fuser cables free of damage?	Go to step 29.	Go to step 28.
Step 28 Replace the affected cable. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 29.	The problem is solved.
Step 29 Check the fuser and its components for damage. • Gears • Rollers • Cable • Guides and actuators • Thermistor Is the fuser free of damage?	Go to step 31.	Go to step 30.
Step 30 Replace the fuser. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 31.	The problem is solved.
Step 31 a Remove the top cover. b Reseat the flat cables on the printhead. c Reseat the printhead cables on the controller board. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 32.	The problem is solved.
Step 32 Check the cables for damage. Are the cables free of damage?	Go to step 34.	Go to step 33.
Step 33 Replace the affected cable. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 34.	The problem is solved.
Step 34 a Check the printhead and its components for damage. • Flat cable • Connector sockets b Check the printhead mirrors for contamination. Is the printhead free of damage and contamination?	Go to step 36.	Go to step 35.
Step 35 Clean or replace the printhead. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 36.	The problem is solved.
Step 36 Check the firmware version. Is the firmware updated to the latest version?	Go to step 38.	Go to step 37.
Step 37 Update the firmware. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 38.	The problem is solved.
Step 38 Make sure that the controller board is properly installed. Reseat all the cables on the controller board. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 39.	The problem is solved.
Step 39 Check the controller board and its connector pins for damage. Are the controller board and its connectors free of damage?	Contact the next level of support.	Go to step 40.
Step 40 Replace the controller board. Does the problem remain?	Contact the next level of support.	The problem is solved.