Printing a Self Test

Running the printer’s self test helps you determine whether the printer or the computer is causing the problem:

If the self test results are satisfactory, the printer is working properly and the problem is probably caused by your printer driver settings, application settings, computer, or interface cable. (Be sure to use a shielded interface cable.)

If the self test does not print properly, there is a problem with the printer. See Problems and Solutions for possible causes and solutions to the problem.

You can print the self test using either single sheets or continuous paper. See Loading Continuous Paper or Loading Single Sheets for paper-loading instructions.

Follow these steps to perform a self test:

When using continuous paper, make sure paper is loaded, and the paper release lever is set to the correct position. Then turn off the printer.

Caution:

Whenever you turn off the printer, wait at least five seconds before turning it back on; otherwise you may damage the printer.

To run the test using the Draft font, turn on the printer while holding down the LF/FF button. To run the test using the printer’s letter-quality fonts, turn on the printer while holding down the Load/Eject button. Either self test can help you determine the source of your printing problem; however, the draft self test prints faster than the letter-quality test.

When using single-sheet paper, load paper in the printer.

After a few seconds, the printer loads the paper automatically and begins printing the self test. A series of characters is printed.

Note:

To temporarily stop the self test, press the Pause button. To resume the test, press the Pause button again.

To end the self test, press the Pause button to stop printing. If paper remains in the printer, press the Load/Eject button to eject the printed page. Then turn off the printer.

Caution:

Do not turn off the printer while it is printing the self test. Always press the Pause button to stop printing and the Load/Eject button to eject the printed page before you turn off the printer.