Multifunction printers have become indispensable in modern offices—always on standby and relentlessly efficient. But when multifunction printer problems arise, they can throw daily operations into chaos, prompting a flurry of repair calls or desperate attempts to get things running again, even if it means giving the machine a gentle kick.
However, common problems with multifunction printers don’t always need expert help and can be easily avoided. Let’s take a look.
6 Common Multifunction Printer Problems:
1. Paper Jams
Paper jams are probably the most common issue with all printers, often plaguing multifunction printers as well. It’s easily frustrating, as you’ll need to get your hands dirty trying to fix them, and they can happen due to various reasons:
- Dust: In dry climates and dusty offices, dust particles inevitably find their way into printers and jam them. To avoid this, regularly dust your multifunction printer outside and inside.
- Tray Issues: Incorrectly loaded or misaligned (portrait/landscape alignment) papers can also jam printers. Always check if your paper stock is aligned correctly and the tray isn’t overflowing.
- Paper Weight: Before loading paper stock, always check if the paper weight is compatible with your multifunction printer. Sometimes, paperweights cause issues with a printer’s toner drums and get stuck, especially when they aren’t what the printer is designed to handle.
2. Duty Cycles Exceeded
Every multifunction printer has a ‘duty cycle’—the number of pages it can print before its error rate increases. Standard printers typically have this at about 15,000 pages per month. To avoid issues like jammed printers or printing malfunctions, it’s best to note this number and not exceed it very often.
3. Smudged or Spotty Pages
Pages with streaky pictures or ink splotches are also common and have a few key causes that you can resolve yourself:
- Scanner Screen: If spots appear in the same area on a streak of pages, it might be a dirty scanner. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the scanner glass.
- Overloaded Ink: When monochrome printing darker or high-contrast images, the printer’s drums may clog with extra toner. Thinner paper may also become too wet and jam the printer. Try reducing contrast settings or replacing toners to see if they help.
Sometimes, parts like drum blades or fusers can also cause splotching or smudging on printed pages. For such issues, you will need a technician’s help.
4. Slow Printing
Multifunction printer problems often stem from overlooked software and operating system issues. Sluggish printing speeds or extended queues may point to poor internet connectivity, limited RAM capacity, or outdated drivers—all common culprits behind performance hiccups.
Check if the printer software, RAM, or network cables need to be replaced or updated. Since these printers consume more power, check if they’re connected to high-voltage power outlets.
5. Low-Quality Prints
If your print quality isn’t what it usually is, and your printer’s toner drums are also full, chances are that it’s a software issue. Hence, check if your printer’s drivers are updated and its colour profiles are regularly and properly calibrated.
The problem may also be in the quality of the file you’re printing, especially if it’s an image. So, ensure its colour profiles and size match your printer.
6. Printer is Undetectable
If your multifunction printer isn’t detectable, that can be a sign of a connection issue. At times, this issue can be something as minor as an unplugged cable, but it may also be a software problem.
Aging firmware can also cause connectivity issues, so it’s best to ensure all the drivers for the printer and connected devices are updated. You may try to restart the printer or refresh it, and if those don’t work either, get professional help.
Wrapping Up
It’s understandable when something as frequently used as a multifunction printer goes dead on you. Or simply breaks down. It almost becomes a flight risk at the workplace, and you inevitably start to think about how you can fix it.
Regular maintenance is key to preventing multifunction printer problems and keeping your device running smoothly over time. When all else fails, calling in a technician is often the quickest way to bring your reliable machine back to life.
