220-1101 Question 399
Single answerCommon symptomsA user reports that their laser printer has started producing pages with a light gray haze over the entire sheet, even on simple text documents. The toner cartridge was replaced last week, but the symptom continues. Which component is the MOST likely cause of this print quality problem?
- A
Transfer roller
- B
Fuser assembly
- C
Pickup rollers
- D
Duplexing assembly
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This question tests recognition of common laser printer symptoms and the ability to match the symptom to the most likely failing component. A uniform gray background or haze on the page points to a print process problem rather than a paper transport issue. In CompTIA A+ Core 1 objectives, candidates are expected to identify common printer symptoms and perform basic troubleshooting. Laser printer best practices involve isolating whether the issue is with consumables, image transfer, fusing, or paper movement. Since the toner cartridge was already replaced and the symptom remains, the next likely cause is the transfer roller. By contrast, pickup rollers and duplexing assemblies cause feed-path problems, while fuser issues typically produce toner adhesion problems such as smearing or toner rubbing off the page.
- A. Correct.
Correct. A transfer roller problem can cause toner to be applied or transferred improperly across the page, which may appear as background shading or a gray haze. When the toner cartridge has already been replaced and the issue persists across pages, the transfer process is a strong suspect. On laser printers, transfer-related faults commonly produce print defects that affect the full page rather than isolated feeding problems.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A failing fuser assembly more commonly causes toner not to bond properly to the paper, resulting in smearing, flaking, or unfused toner that can be rubbed off. Although fuser issues can affect print quality, a consistent light gray background over the entire page is less characteristic than transfer-related problems.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Pickup rollers are responsible for feeding paper from the tray into the printer. When pickup rollers fail, the usual symptoms are paper jams, misfeeds, or failure to pick up paper, not a gray haze printed across every page. This is a common misconception because rollers are often blamed for many printer problems, but their role is paper handling rather than toner transfer.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A duplexing assembly controls two-sided printing by routing paper back through the printer. Problems with the duplexer typically lead to jams during double-sided jobs or incorrect page routing. It would not normally create a uniform background shading issue on all printed pages.