How to Repair a Fax Machine

Getting paper stuck in a fax machine and causing damage is a common fax machine problem, among other; you can often repair fax machines problems yourself.

Instructions

1. Check the phone line connected to your fax machine for problems. This is one of the most common reasons fax machines don't work. Connect the phone line to a regular telephone and listen for a dial tone. If you don't have a dial tone, replace the phone cord to see if that was the problem. If that isn't the problem, test the other phone lines in the office. If the other lines aren't working, contact your phone provider to have them fix the phone line.

2. Look at the electrical cord of your fax machine if the unit won't power on or work at all. Check that the cord is properly plugged into the wall and into the back of your fax machine. If it is, and it still isn't working, replace the cord.

3. Inspect the lamp on your fax machine to see if it is working properly. Fax machines may receive faxes, but not send them if the bulb is burned out.

4. Open the cover to your fax machine if you are getting complaints that your fax machine isn't sending quality faxes. Do this by pulling on the front panel of the unit. Using a soft cloth, clean out the dust and debris from this front panel. Accumulation of dirt here could definitely be the problem.

5. Watch for any toner or ink splotches on the inside of your fax machine. If your copies or faxes aren't printing at a high quality, you may have an ink problem. When you shake your toner cartridge, it should shake cleanly and no toner should leak out. If you have a leaky cartridge, it is bad.