220-1101 Question 339
Single answerMaintenance: Replace toner, apply maintenance kit, calibrate, and cleanA technician replaces the toner cartridge in a color laser printer after users report faded output. The printer no longer shows a low-toner warning, but printed pages now have uneven color density and the colors do not align correctly across the page. There are no paper jams or error codes. Which action should the technician perform NEXT to resolve the print-quality issue?
- A
Run the printer's calibration routine from the printer menu or management utility
- B
Install a maintenance kit because misaligned colors indicate worn feed rollers
- C
Clean the print head with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free swab
- D
Replace the fuser assembly because uneven color density indicates improper toner bonding
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This scenario tests practical printer maintenance knowledge for A+ Core 1. In a color laser printer, replacing toner can be followed by calibration or color registration to ensure proper alignment and density across all toner cartridges. This is especially important when the printer produces uneven color or misaligned output after a cartridge change. A maintenance kit is not the first response unless the printer indicates scheduled maintenance or shows symptoms tied to worn consumable parts. Likewise, laser printers do not use print heads like inkjet devices, and replacing a fuser would be premature without symptoms such as smearing, poor toner adhesion, or maintenance alerts. Best practice is to follow the manufacturer's maintenance procedures: verify correct toner installation, run calibration from the device menu or management software, and then reassess print quality before replacing additional components.
- A. Correct.
Correct. After replacing toner in a color laser printer, running the built-in calibration or color registration process is the appropriate next step when colors are misaligned or density is inconsistent. Calibration allows the printer to adjust toner placement and color balance, which commonly resolves post-replacement print-quality issues without replacing additional parts.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A maintenance kit typically includes consumable wear items such as rollers, transfer components, or a fuser, depending on the model, and is installed based on page count or specific maintenance alerts. Color misregistration immediately after toner replacement points more directly to a need for calibration, not routine maintenance-kit replacement.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Print heads are associated with inkjet printers, not laser printers. A color laser printer uses toner, imaging components, and a laser/scanning assembly rather than an inkjet-style print head. This option reflects a common misconception of applying inkjet maintenance steps to laser printers.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A failing fuser can cause toner to smear, rub off the page, or appear unfused, but it does not typically cause color alignment problems right after a toner change. Since there are no fuser-related symptoms and the issue began after toner replacement, calibration is the most appropriate next step before replacing major assemblies.