How to Troubleshoot Panasonic Toner

Panasonic is a computer and home appliance manufacturer that also designs copier machines for businesses. These copiers use Panasonic's proprietary toner cartridges to print, scan and copy media. Poor print quality and other problems may occasionally arise when using Panasonic toner. Learn how to troubleshoot these issues to restore your office's productivity.

Instructions

1. Install a new toner cartridge. Toner is used every time you print and can quickly become depleted in high-volume offices. White lines on printed material signal a low toner reserve, and the Panasonic copier will flash a warning on its digital display when the cartridge is empty. Consult your user manual to determine which Panasonic toner is appropriate. Open the front panel of the copier and slide the cartridge into the toner slot, following the instructions printed on the top edge of the cartridge.

2. Make sure the cartridge has been fully inserted into the toner slot and that you have pulled the plastic tab running along the end of the cartridge. This opens the cartridge and dispenses the toner into the machine. This may resolve problems with blank print jobs; it may also resolve issues with the copier not recognizing a new cartridge.

3. Print several pages of media to prime the copy machine after installing a new cartridge. New cartridges may take several print jobs to begin working properly with the machine.

4. Replace or clean the copier's drum roller, the surface that applies the toner evenly to the paper. Foreign objects on the roller can cause black or white dots on your print jobs. Significant deposits may cause permanent damage to the roller, which will then need to be serviced by a Panasonic support technician.

5. Open the front panel of the copier and briefly touch the toner cartridge to disperse static electricity. Static buildup may cause fuzzy lines on print jobs as the energy charge disrupts the application of the toner particles.

6. Change your printer paper, which may resolve issues with smeared or blurry printing. Damp, wrinkled or curly paper may prevent the toner from adhering properly. In addition, heavy double-sided print jobs can soak one side of the paper and prevent clear printing on the opposite side.

Tips & Warnings

• Copier toner may pose a health risk if disposed improperly, or if the cartridge is opened in a small enclosed space.

References

• Multifunction Peripherals for PCs: Technology, Troubleshooting and Repair; Marvin Hobbs; 2001
• Panasonic Copier Quick Guide

Resources

• List of Panasonic Toner Supplies
• Panasonic Support