1. Paper path door (IIP/IIIP) or top cover open. On the IIP/IIIP this can be caused by a defective toner cartridge, defective cooling fan, PS4 or PS5 sensors. Also caused by the density adjusting PCA located behind the density adjusting slide switch. This board takes the input from the two sensors and provides info to the DC controller. If the board becomes defective, you will receive an error 12. Easily replaced after removing the top cover and three wiring harness connectors. If you want to attempt board level repair try the electrolytic capacitor, C702, 10 uF 50 VDC. On the 4P/5P printers, the top cover is open or no toner cartridge is installed. This error can also be caused by a defective interlock switch assembly.
2. On the Laserjet 4/4+ an error 12 can indicate the top cover open or a broken tab on the cover assembly. On rare occasions a defective paper control assembly or actuator can cause this problem. Verify the tab on the cover is not broken.
We have some pages that users may have a problem printing. These are the pages with white and yellow text on a blue background.
They can be printed by changing the color options in the browser.
In Netscape Navigator 4.0:
* From the Edit menu, select Preferences
* Under the Appear category, select Colors
* Select the option:
Always use my colors, overriding document
* The page will now have dark text on a white background, and you will be able to print it.
* When finishing printing, you may want to uncheck that option to return to the pages with the blue background.
In Netscape Navigator 3.0:
* From the Option menu, select General Preferences
* Select the Colors tab
* Select the option at the bottom:
Always Use My Colors, Overriding Document
* The page will now have dark text on a white background
In Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0:
* No changes are needed; these pages print properly with black text
All our other pages, with dark text on a white background, should print properly without changing the color options.
It may be required to do basic troubleshooting in Windows 3.x to get your printer to work properly.
Solution:
Windows 3.0 Users -Unfortunately, Windows 3.0 had several printing limitations and it is recommend that you upgrade to at least Windows 3.1.
Windows 3.1 and 3.11 - Incorrect or out of date video drivers may cause issues with printing in Windows 3.1 and Windows 3.11. Attempt to change your video card to "Standard VGA" by going to MS-DOS prompt and type cd\windows and then type setup; this can also be done through Windows.
If this resolves your issue, update your video card drivers.
If this does not work, attempt to reinstall the printer.
If your Lexmark inkjet or laser printer is printing erratically, printing incorrect colors or not functioning at all, you don't need to return the unit or find a service center for a repair immediately. There are a series of simple troubleshooting steps you can follow at home to fix the printer on your own
1. Check to make sure the printer's AC adapter is firmly plugged into a wall outlet and its USB cable is connected to the USB port on your computer. Try plugging the AC adapter into a different wall outlet, in case your outlet has stopped working or try a different USB cable in the event that it has gone bad. Pop open the top cover of the printer and check to see if any paper is jammed inside and needs to be physically removed.
2. Open the plastic cover over the ink cartridges or laser toner and pull them out. Check the orientation of the ink or toner. Replace them to make sure they are properly installed. Snap the plastic cover back into place.
3. Read the information on the LCD screen that shows the printer's status if you have a Lexmark laser printer. Check to see if there is a specific error message being displayed and then consult your manual to see what steps can be taken to fix the problem. Take the printer to a Lexmark authorized service center or purchase your own maintenance kit and replace the print head if you see the error message "Error 80 Scheduled Maintenance" (see Resources below). Remove and then return the toner cartridge if you see the error message "Error 20." Replace the cartridge entirely if you see the error message "Error 31," which indicates a defective cartridge.
4. Power your computer off and then back on. Attempt to print your document again in case your computer stopped recognizing your printer temporarily. Click "Start" on your task bar and then access the Control Panel. Choose the option to "Remove Programs." Uninstall the Lexmark software you installed when you first setup your printer. Locate the CD or floppy disk that came with your printer and put it in your computer. Follow the instructions on the screen to re-install the software.
5. Access the Control Panel again. Click "Printers." Verify that your Lexmark printer is in the list of available printers. Click "Add a Printer" if your printer is not showing up. Follow the instructions to add your printer. Navigate back to the Control Panel and click "Devices." Click on the plus sign next to "Printer" and then right-click on the name of your printer. Click "Settings" and then click "Drivers." Download the new software if a more up-to-date driver is available.
6. Open the Lexmark printer software by double-clicking on its desktop icon or navigating to it through the Start bar. Click on the option to print a test alignment page to ensure that your printer is now working properly.
