Our experience has proven that proper care and maintenance of printers can easily double their useful life. Read the following to find out what you can do to keep your printer in top operating condition. When you need printer repairs, call us with as much information as possible about how your printer is malfunctioning - unusual noises, smells and behaviors, for example. The more information you can give us, the faster and better we'll be able to respond when we arrive at your work site.

Laser printers were designed for easy maintenance and reliable, high-quality output. But, easy maintenance doesn't mean no maintenance. By occasionally taking a few minutes to care for your printer, you can extend its life, reduce service calls and ensure optimum, trouble-free operation for many thousands of copies.

Printers need to breathe. Make certain the area around your printer's air vents is kept free of clutter - paper, books or other office paraphernalia - that can prevent air movement to and from the printer.
Printers don't drink. In fact, they strongly object to any kind of liquid intake. Avoid spills on your printer by keeping coffee and soft drinks at a distance.
Printers are allergic to dust. Routinely wipe off your printer's exterior, and the area around it, with a slightly dampened cloth. (Pay particular attention to the paper tray, where paper dust accumulates regularly.) Never clean with aerosol or liquid chemical cleaners.
Printers are nonviolent. Don't try to force anything into your printer - toner cartridge, paper, paper tray, etc. All components of your printer were designed for easy use and installation. Whatever you're trying to do, forcing it is the wrong way.

When your print quality changes - light copy, streaks, unintended lines or dots - try changing the toner cartridge. It may be that your cartridge has run out of toner or that a recently installed cartridge is defective (though this is unusual).
If your print quality has deteriorated slowly over time, dust and excess toner may be the cause. By cleaning a few of your printer's internal parts, you may be able to solve the problems. Check your printer's user guide to find out how to locate and clean such parts as the transfer corona wires, transfer guide, paper feed guide, fuser assembly, etc. Be certain that you unplug your printer before cleaning any internal parts and be careful around the fuser - it's hot!
A change in print output that occurs after a change of paper may mean you are using the wrong paper for your printer (again, check the user guide) or that the paper was installed upside down. Most reams of paper have an arrow on their packaging that indicates which side of the paper is designed to be printed on. Try flipping the paper over and run a print test.
Your printer's parts will wear out in time. The best way to ensure that your printer produces consistent, high-quality output is to have it checked annually be a professional service technician. If you call us for a maintenance checkup, we'll examine all of your printer's parts, clean them and replace those that are worn or damaged.

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

What does a transfer corona wire do?
In the older SX engines (Series II & III), the transfer corona wire in your printer gives the paper a negative charge so it will attract the toner, which is positively charged. If the wire becomes dirty, you'll see streaks down the paper.

Can I clean the transfer corona wire?
In the SX engine printers (Series II&III), you can clean the transfer corona wire using the corona wire cleaning tool - a small brush usually located inside your printer on the left side of the paper feed guide. (If you can't find the brush, substitute a cotton swab or Q-Tip slightly dampened with rubbing alcohol.) Check your printer's user manual to locate the corona wire in your machine; clean it very gently following the manual's instructions.

What does the fuser assembly do, and does it need periodic replacement?
The fuser assembly is located at the back of your printer. After toner has been deposited on the paper, the fuser (which gets very hot) melts the toner so that it adheres permanently to the paper. If the fuser is not cleaned properly and regularly, it could need to be replaced as early as 35,000 prints. Dirt and debris can damage the fuser by scoring its surface. If you notice a ring around the roller, it may be time to replace the mechanism. Under our preventive maintenance program, this item is always fully warranted.

Should I adjust my density control setting?
If your print is too dark or too light, you may be able to correct the problem by adjusting the print density control inside your printer. You might also want to print at low density to conserve toner. Open your printer and look for a numbered dial, usually located on the left side. The lower the number on the print density adjustment dial, the darker your print will be (and the more toner you'll use). A setting of ³I² will print the darkest, while "9" will give you the lightest copy. For Series 4 and up printers, the print density setting is a software adjustment; check your user manual for instructions or give us a call if you need further help.

What's the difference between a new toner cartridge and a remanufactured one?
If you buy remanufactured toner cartridges from us, you won't notice any difference in print quality compared to the output of new cartridges. When we recycle cartridges, we replace 55 percent of their internal parts, reusing only those long-life components that are in good condition. Many new OEM (original equipment manufacturer) cartridges, such as Hewlett-Packard's, are also built from new and used parts. What you will notice is a difference in price; our remanufactured cartridges cost 40 percent less than OEM cartridges. Over time, you'll achieve substantial savings with remanufactured cartridges cost 40 percent less than OEM cartridges. Over time, you'll achieve substantial savings with remanufactured cartridges, while maintaining high-quality print output.

Will using a remanufactured toner cartridge void my printer's warranty?
No. According to all printer manufacturers, using a remanufactured toner cartridge will not affect coverage under the printer's warranty.

For more IN DEPTH troubleshooting and part REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT procedures, we suggest you use the appropriate SERVICE MANUAL.