How to Troubleshoot a Copier

Troubleshooting a copier when it has problems is essential to saving time and money. Many problems are common and easy to fix, while others will require a visit from a repair technician. Learn how to fix the easier issues and when to call a repair person.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Remove jammed paper, probably the most common copier problem, by opening the front of the copier and following the instructions which are usually printed inside the unit.

2. Store paper in a cool, dry place. Jams can be caused by paper that is slightly curled or has been exposed to moisture. Sometimes starting over with a fresh ream of paper solves recurrent paper jamming problems.

3. Clean the copier of paper dust with a cloth and clean the glass to remove ink and other materials that have transferred from originals. Do this regularly and be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Learn how to replace the copier's toner cartridge. This will help you to troubleshoot copier problems such as lighter or darker areas on the page and is an easy thing to try as a possible solution before calling in a technician.

5. Call a repair person if you've checked for the simpler issues and are still experiencing problems. These might include unexplained noises, spots on the page--which are likely a problem with the developer unit--or if you suspect the problem lies in the drum unit. Drums can rarely be rebuilt, so a new one will need to be installed by a professional.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to close all the doors, in the right order, when you've removed the paper jam, or the unit will still register that there's a paper jam and won't operate.