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 From the control panel, navigate to: Settings > Print > Quality > Advanced Imaging > Color Adjust Note: The Color Adjust calibrates the printer to adjust the color variations in the printed output. b Do a print test. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 7.	The problem is solved.
Step 7 a Firmly shake the cartridge to redistribute the toner. b Make sure that the affected cartridge is properly installed. Note: The cartridge must fit and lock properly with the print cartridge tray. No packing material must be left on the cartridge. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 8.	The problem is solved.
Step 8 a Check the cartridge for damage and leaks. b Check the cartridge smart chip contacts for improper connections. • Corrosion and contamination • Loose connection with the HVPS contacts Is the cartridge free of damage, leaks, and contamination?	Go to step 10.	Go to step 9.
Step 9 Clean the contaminated contacts or replace the affected cartridge. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 10.	The problem is solved.
Step 10 a Pull out the print cartridge tray, and then remove all the print cartridges. b Check the cartridge tray for proper movement. Does the cartridge tray open and close properly?	Go to step 12.	Go to step 11.
Step 11 a Remove any obstructions that hinder the cartridge tray. b Reinstall the cartridge tray. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 12.	The problem is solved.
Step 12 Check the cartridge tray and its components for damage. • Print cartridge locking mechanisms • Sliding mechanism under the cartridge tray • Latch mechanism Is the cartridge tray free of damage?	Go to step 14.	Go to step 13.
Step 13 Replace the cartridge tray. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 14.	The problem is solved.
Step 14 a From the control panel, navigate to: Settings > Print > Quality > Toner Darkness b Adjust the values to find the best result. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 15.	The problem is solved.
Step 15 a Enter the Diagnostics menu, and then navigate to: Printer setup > EP setup > Charge adjust > Black & Color (DC bias voltage) b Find the setting that produces the best result. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 16.	The problem is solved.
Step 16 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 17.	The problem is solved.
Step 17 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 18.	The problem is solved.
Step 18 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 19.	The problem is solved.
Step 19 a Use the table on the Print Quality Test Pages to match the distance between vertically repeating defects. b Replace the part or supply item that best matches the distance. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 20.	The problem is solved.
Step 20 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 21.	The problem is solved.
Step 21 Check the cables for damage. Are the cables free of damage?	Go to step 23.	Go to step 22.
Step 22 Replace the affected cable. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 23.	The problem is solved.
Step 23 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 24.	The problem is solved.
Step 24 Check the HVPS contacts for contamination and damage. Are the HVPS contacts free of contamination and damage?	Go to step 26.	Go to step 25.
Step 25 Clean or replace the HVPS. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 26.	The problem is solved.
Step 26 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 27.	The problem is solved.
Step 27 Check the cables for damage. Are the 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 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 31.	Go to step 30.
Step 30 Clean or replace the printhead. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 31.	The problem is solved.
Step 31 Check the firmware version. Is the firmware updated to the latest version?	Go to step 33.	Go to step 32.
Step 32 Update the firmware. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 33.	The problem is solved.
Step 33 Make sure that the controller board is properly installed. Reseat all the cables on the controller board. Does the problem remain?	Go to step 34.	The problem is solved.
Step 34 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 35.
Step 35 Replace the controller board. Does the problem remain?	Contact the next level of support.	The problem is solved.