How to Repair a Laser Scanner

Laser printer and scanner problems are similar. Usually, error codes will appear on the machine's display when a problem occurs. Both have imaging drum components and rollers. In fact, scanners and laser printers can be combined in a multi-function center (MFC) machine, and it is common to see a fax/printer/scanner unit all in one. Troubleshooting and repairing these machines is similar, as well. A few basic tips will help you fix either one efficiently and within a reasonable amount of time.

Things You'll Need

• A can of compressed air
• A dry, soft, lint-free cloth

Instructions

1. Look at the scanner's display screen. It will state what the problem is or display a code for you to cross-reference to find out more details. Check your scanner's user manual for what these codes mean and follow recommendations for repair.

2. Use compressed air to clean the inside of the scanner. If you remove the fuser assembly prior to cleaning, the dirt will have a path to flow out of the machine. Wipe off the inside of the scanner and the rollers using a clean, dry, soft, lint-free cloth.

3. Check the imaging drum if print quality issues, such as lines on the sides of printouts, appear. Imaging drums are consumables and, just like toner, have a limited life cycle. After 40,000 pages, print quality problems may appear more regularly, and if so, an imaging drum replacement may be needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Refer to your laser printer or scanner's user manual for additional details on how to repair your printer model.

References

• TechRepublic: SolutionBase: Learn How to Troubleshoot and Repair Laser Printers