| Home > Problem Solver # Problems and Solutions Power Supply Printing Paper Handling Network problems Most problems you may encounter while operating your printer have simple solutions. You can also use the self test to determine whether the printer or the computer is causing the problem. See Printing a Self Test for instructions on printing a self test. To pinpoint communication problems, experienced users may want to use the printer’s hex dump mode, described on Printing Hex Dump. To clear a paper jam, see Clearing a Paper Jam. ## Power Supply ### Power is not being supplied
The lights on the control panel do not go on.
Cause | What to do
The power cord may be unplugged. | Check that the power cord is properly plugged into the electrical outlet.
The outlet may not be operating. | If the electrical outlet is controlled by an outside switch or automatic timer, use a different outlet. Plug another electrical device, such as a lamp, into the outlet to determine whether the outlet is operating properly.
The lights come on briefly and then go off. The lights stay off even when the power is turned on again.
Cause | What to do
The voltage ratings of the printer and electrical outlet may not match. | Check that the printer’s voltage rating matches the voltage of your electrical outlet. If the voltages do not match, unplug the printer and contact your dealer immediately. Do not reconnect the power cord to an electrical outlet.
The printer does not work and the control panel lights are off.
Cause | What to do
The printer is turned off. | Turn on the printer. The Power light comes on.
The power cord is not properly plugged into the electrical outlet; or if your power cord is not permanently attached to your printer, the power cord is not properly plugged into the printer. | Turn off the printer and make sure the power cord is firmly plugged into the electrical outlet and the printer. Then turn on the power switch.
The electrical outlet is controlled by an outside switch or automatic timer. | Use a different outlet.
The electrical outlet does not work. | Plug another electrical device, such as a lamp, into the outlet to check if the outlet is working properly. If it is not, use a different outlet.
Top ## Printing ### Printing or printout quality problems
The Pause light is off but the printer does not print.
Cause | What to do
The interface cable is not plugged in securely. | Check that both ends of the cable between the printer and the computer are plugged in securely. If the cable is connected correctly, run a self test as described in Printing a Self Test.
Your interface cable does not meet the printer and/or computer specifications. | Use an interface cable that meets the requirements of both the printer and computer. See the Setup Sheet and your computer documentation.
Your software is not properly set up for your printer. | Make sure that your printer is properly selected in your application software. If necessary, install or reinstall the printer driver software. Refer to the Setup Sheet for detailed instruction.
The Paper Out and Pause lights are on and the printer does not print.
Cause | What to do
The printer is out of paper for the selected paper source. | Make sure the correct paper source is selected by the paper release lever, and load paper in the current paper source. Press the Pause button to resume printing.
Paper on the paper guide is positioned too far to the left, right or inside for the paper sensor to detect it. | Move the paper a little to the right, left or inside. When it is positioned properly, the Paper Out and Pause lights go off.
The printer sounds like it is printing, but nothing prints.
Cause | What to do
The ribbon cartridge is not installed properly. | Reinstall the ribbon cartridge as described in Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge.
The ribbon is worn out. | Replace the ribbon cartridge as described in Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge.
The paper source is not selected correctly. | Select the desired paper source. See Selecting a Paper Source for more information.
The printer makes a strange noise and stops abruptly.
Cause | What to do
The paper is jammed. | Clear the paper jam as described in Clearing a Paper Jam.
The ribbon is jammed because it has too much slack or it is worn out. | Remove any slack from the ribbon by turning the ribbon-tightening knob, or replace the ribbon cartridge. See Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge for more information.
The printer stops printing and the Pause light flashes and the Power light is on.
Cause | What to do
The print head is overheated. | Wait for a few minutes; the printer resumes printing automatically once the print head cools.
Part of the printout is missing, or dots are missing in random positions.
Cause | What to do
The ribbon cartridge is not installed properly. | Reinstall the ribbon cartridge as described in Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge.
There is too much slack in the ribbon or the ribbon has come loose. | Remove any slack in the ribbon by turning the ribbon-tightening knob, or replace the ribbon cartridge as described in Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge.
Lines of dots are missing in the printout as shown below.
Cause | What to do
The ribbon cartridge is not installed correctly, and the ribbon is twisting or slackening. | Stop printing and reinstall the ribbon cartridge as described Replacing the Ribbon Cartridge.
The print head is damaged. | Print the printer's default settings to check the condition of the print head. See Changing default settings for instructions on how to print the printer's default settings. If there are any missing segments in the check pattern printed at the top of the printer's default settings, the print head is damaged. Contact your dealer to have the print head replaced. Warning: Never try to replace the print head yourself because other parts of the printer must be checked at the same time.
The characters are shortened vertically or the line spacing is entirely closed.
Cause | What to do
The proper setting has not been made for the multipart forms with cut-paper tab binding. | Set the multipart forms with cut-paper tab binding setting in the default-setting mode to on.
Incorrect characters are printed.
Cause | What to do
Your printer and the computer may not be communicating correctly. | Make sure that you use the correct interface cable and that the communications protocol is correct. Refer to the Setup Sheet and your computer documentation. If you installed the optional interface card, also see the Administrator’s Manual packaged with it.
The wrong character table is selected in your software. | Select the correct character table in your software or the printer’s default settings. Note that the character table setting in your software overrides the settings made in the default-setting mode.
The font or characters set in your application software cannot be printed.
Cause | What to do
Your application software is not correctly configured for your printer. | Make sure that your application software is correctly configured for your printer. See your application documentation.
The printer does not print the font you selected in the default settings.
Cause | What to do
Software settings override settings you make in the default settings. | Use your software to select the font.
Printing starts too high or too low on the page.
Cause | What to do
The paper size settings in your application software do not match the size of the paper loaded in the printer. | Change the paper size settings in your application software or printer driver to match the size of the paper you are using.
The top margin or loading position setting is incorrect. | Check and adjust the top margin and loading position settings in your software, or adjust the top-of-form position using the Micro Adjust function. See Recommended printable area and Adjusting the top-of-form position for more information. However, settings made in Windows applications override settings made on the control panel.
Top margin and loading position settings made in your Windows applications override settings you make in the SelecType mode. | Use your application software to make these settings. Note: If you want to eliminate the top margin and print at the very top of the page, adjust the top margin in your Windows application little by little until text is printed at the very top of the page.
Pull the loaded paper out of the tractor unit while the printer is on. Or pull out paper that is not ejected completely after pressing the Load/Eject button. | Turn the printer off and remove the loaded paper, then turn the printer on and reload the paper.
All the text is printed on the same line.
Cause | What to do
No line feed command is sent at the end of each line of text. | Turn on the auto line feed option in the default-settings mode, so that the printer automatically adds a line feed code to each carriage return. See Changing default settings for more information.
The printout has extra blank lines between lines of text.
Cause | What to do
Two line feed commands are being sent at the end of each line of text. | Turn off the auto line feed option in the default-settings mode. See Changing default settings for more information.
The line space setting in your application software is incorrect. | Adjust the line space setting in your application software.
The length of the printing on the page does not match your paper length.
Cause | What to do
The paper size setting in your application or the printer driver may not match the size of the paper you are using. | Check the paper size setting in your application or the printer driver.
The printer’s page length setting for the tractor may not match the size of the continuous paper you are using. | Check Page length for tractor of the printer’s default settings. See Changing default settings for more information.
Printing starts lower on the page than you expect, or the bottom of a page is printed at the top of the next page.
Cause | What to do
The lines-per-page, top and bottom margin, or form length setting is incorrect. | Adjust these settings in your application software, as follows: If your application software has a lines-per-page setting, set it to 66 for letter size paper or 70 for A4 size paper. If your software does not have a lines-per-page setting, try decreasing the top margin or increasing the bottom margin, or both, until you get the results you want. Adjust the form length setting if your software has this option.
Vertical printed lines are not aligned.
Cause | What to do
Bidirectional printing, which is the printer’s standard printing mode, may be out of alignment. | Use the printer’s bidirectional adjustment mode to correct this problem. See Aligning Vertical Lines in Your Printout for more information.
### Printing position problems
Your printing appears too high or low on the page.
Cause | What to do
The paper size setting in your application software or printer driver does not match the size of the paper you are using. | Check the paper size setting in your application or printer driver.
The printer’s page length setting for the tractor does not match the size of the continuous paper you are using. | Change Page length for tractor setting using the printer’s default-setting mode. See Changing default settings for more information.
The top margin or top-of-form position setting is incorrect. | Check and adjust the margin or top-of-form position settings in your application software. See Recommended printable area for more information. You can also adjust the top-of-form position using the Micro Adjust function. However, settings made in Windows applications override settings made in the Micro Adjust mode. See Adjusting the top-of-form position for more information.
The printer driver settings you want to use are not selected in your software. | Choose the correct printer driver setting from the Windows desktop or in your application before printing.
Pull the loaded paper out of the tractor unit while the printer is on. Or pull out paper that is not ejected completely after pressing the Load/Eject button. | Turn the printer off and remove the loaded paper, then turn the printer on and reload the paper.
The printer prints on (or too far away from) the perforation of your continuous paper.
Cause | What to do
The tear-off position setting is incorrect. | Adjust the tear-off position using the Micro Adjust function. See Adjusting the tear-off position for more information.
The printer you want to use is not selected in your software. | Choose the correct printer from the Windows desktop or in your application before printing.
The paper size setting in your application or printer driver does not match the size of the paper you are using. | Check the paper size setting in your application or printer driver.
The printer’s page length setting for the tractor does not match the size of the paper you are using. | Change Page length for tractor setting using the printer’s default-setting. See Changing default settings for more information.
Pull the loaded paper out of the tractor unit while the printer is on. Or pull out paper that is not ejected completely after pressing the Load/Eject button. | Turn the printer off and remove the loaded paper, then turn the printer on and reload the paper.
Top ## Paper Handling ### Single sheets do not feed properly
Paper does not feed.
Cause | What to do
Continuous paper is in the paper path. | Press the Load/Eject button to remove the continuous paper. Set the paper release lever to the single-sheet feeding position and insert a new sheet. See Switching to single sheets for more information.
The paper source is set to tractor feeding. | Set the paper release lever to the single-sheet feeding position. See Setting the paper release lever.
The paper on the paper guide is positioned too far to the left or right far the printer to detect that it is there. | Move the paper (and the edge guides) a little to the left or right.
Paper feeding is crooked or the paper jams.
Cause | What to do
The paper was not fed correctly or is of the wrong type. | Turn off the printer and pull out the paper. Insert a new sheet straight into the paper guide. Make sure you’re using the right type of paper. See the paper specifications under Paper.
The paper guide is not properly installed. | Remove the paper guide and install it as described in the Setup Sheet.
The edge guide is not positioned correctly. | Move the edge guide so that they match the width of your paper.
You may not be using the right type of paper for the printer. | Be sure you are using the right type of paper. See Paper.
The paper is old or creased. | Use only new, clean sheets of paper. Note: If paper is jammed in the paper path, see Clearing a Paper Jam.
The paper-thickness lever is set incorrectly. | Set the paper-thickness lever to match the thickness of your paper. See Adjusting the Paper Thickness Lever.
Paper does not eject completely.
Cause | What to do
You may not be able to fully eject your paper using the LF/FF button. | Use the Load/Eject button to eject the paper.
The paper may be too long. | Press the LF/FF button to eject the page. Use paper that is within the specified range. See the paper specifications in Paper.
When the printer ejects the paper, the Paper Out light flashes and the Power and Pause lights come on.
Cause | What to do
The printer has not fully ejected your paper. | Remove the paper by hand; the Paper Out light goes out. If you are printing a multiple-page document, insert a new sheet of paper into the paper guide. The Pause light goes out and the printer automatically loads the paper and resumes printing.
### Continuous paper does not feed properly
The tractor does not feed the paper.
Cause | What to do
The paper source is set to single-sheet feeding. | Set the paper release lever to the tractor feeding position. See Setting the paper release lever for more information.
The paper may have come off the tractor. | Reattach the paper to the tractor as described in Loading Continuous Paper.
The paper has been fed back to the standby position. | Press the Load/Eject button to load the paper.
The tear-off position setting is incorrect. | Adjust the tear-off position using the Micro Adjust function. See Adjusting the tear-off position for more information.
Paper feeding is crooked or the paper jams.
Cause | What to do
The paper supply is obstructed. | Make sure the paper supply is not obstructed by a cable or some other object.
The paper supply is too far away from the printer. | Make sure that your paper supply is within 1 meter (3 feet) of the printer.
The paper supply is not aligned with the printer. | Make sure you align your paper supply with the paper loaded in the tractor so the paper feeds smoothly into the printer. See Positioning your continuous paper supply.
The holes on the sides of the paper are misaligned. | Check that the holes on the sides of the paper are aligned with each other. Also make sure the sprocket units are locked and their covers are closed.
The paper-thickness lever is set incorrectly. | Set the paper-thickness lever to match the thickness of your paper. See Adjusting the Paper Thickness Lever.
Your paper may be the wrong size or thickness for the printer. | Make sure that the paper size and thickness are within the specified ranges. See Paper for information on the continuous paper specifications.
The paper supply is not aligned with the printer. | Make sure you align your paper supply with the paper loaded in the tractor so the paper feeds smoothly into the printer. See Positioning your continuous paper supply.
The sprocket units are positioned incorrectly for the width of paper you are using. | Adjust the position of the sprockets to remove any slack along the width of the paper. Note: If paper is jammed in the paper path, see Clearing a Paper Jam for instructions.
The paper does not eject properly.
Cause | What to do
Your paper may be too long or too short. | Make sure the page length of your paper is within the specified range. See Paper for information on the continuous paper specification.
You may be trying to feed too much paper backward. | If you are using normal continuous paper, tear off the last printed page and press the Load/Eject button to feed the paper backward. If you are using labels, tear off the paper entering the printer, and then press the LF/FF button to feed the labels forward.
The paper size setting in your application or the printer driver may not match the size of the paper you are using. | Check the paper size setting in your application or the printer driver.
The printer’s page length setting for the tractor may not match the size of the continuous paper you are using. | Check Page length for tractor of the printer’s default settings. See Changing default settings for more information.
Paper is jammed inside the printer. | Clear the paper jam as described in Clearing a Paper Jam.
When you send data or press the Load/Eject button, the paper feed roller rotates but the printer does not feed the paper.
Cause | What to do
The paper source is set to single-sheet feeding. | Set the paper release lever to the tractor feeding position. See Setting the paper release lever for more information.
Top ## Network problems
A communication error occurs
Cause | What to do
Are multiple users are logged into a single computer at the same time? | On a Windows 7, Vista, or XP (x64) system with multiple users, a communication error may occur when switching to a new user and starting a new print job while the previous user is still printing. Make sure that the print job for the first user is complete and that user is logged off before switching to a new user and starting a new print job.
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