CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)Hardware and Network TroubleshootingHard
A user reports that when they print a document, the laser printer produces pages with ghosting, where a faint image of a previous print appears repeatedly down the page. The technician has already replaced the toner cartridge. What is the MOST likely cause of this issue?
- AA defective cleaning blade in the drum unit
- BA faulty transfer roller
- CA dirty primary charge roller (PCR)
- DA worn-out fuser assembly
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. A defective cleaning blade in the drum unit
Ghosting (repeated faint images) in a laser printer occurs when the drum is not properly cleaned of residual toner from the previous image. This is typically caused by a defective or worn cleaning blade within the drum unit, which fails to scrape off all the toner.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A faulty transfer roller would cause uneven toner transfer, leading to light or missing areas on the page, or toner scattered on the back of the paper.
- C. A dirty primary charge roller (PCR) would typically cause vertical lines, streaks, or overall faded print, due to improper charging of the drum.
- D. A worn fuser assembly would cause toner smudging, flaking, or not fusing properly to the paper, not ghosting.
Laser Printer Ghosting
Ghosting in a laser printer, characterized by faint repeated images down the page, is usually caused by a defective cleaning blade in the drum unit failing to remove residual toner.
- Faint image repeats down page
- Drum not fully cleaned
- Cleaning blade is part of drum unit
- Often requires drum replacement
Memory trick: Cleaning Blade is Bad: Ghosting is Glad.