220-1101 Question 463
Single answerSpeckling on printed pagesA user reports that a networked laser printer is producing random black dots scattered across every page, even when printing simple text documents. The toner cartridge was replaced yesterday, but the issue continues on multiple computers and from the printer's internal configuration page. Which component should the technician inspect or replace FIRST to address the speckling?
- A
Transfer roller
- B
Fuser assembly
- C
Imaging drum
- D
Pickup rollers
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
For A+ Core 1 printer troubleshooting, the first step is to determine whether the problem is related to the print job source or the printer hardware. Since the speckling appears from multiple computers and on the printer's own configuration page, the issue is clearly within the printer. In laser printers, speckling on printed pages is commonly associated with a dirty, scratched, or failing imaging drum, or with toner contamination in the imaging path. Because the toner cartridge was already replaced and the symptom persists, the imaging drum is the most appropriate next component to inspect or replace. This aligns with standard printer troubleshooting best practices: verify the symptom across sources, print an internal test page, isolate the issue to hardware, and then replace the most likely imaging component based on the defect pattern.
- A. Incorrect.
The transfer roller helps move toner from the drum onto the paper. Problems with the transfer roller more often cause light print, missing sections, or inconsistent toner transfer rather than random speckling across the page. A technician might choose this because it is involved in the toner transfer process, but it is not the most likely first component for scattered black dots.
- B. Incorrect.
The fuser assembly uses heat and pressure to bond toner to the paper. Fuser problems usually cause smearing, toner that rubs off, wrinkles, or repeating defects tied to the roller circumference. Random black specks appearing before the image is fused are less characteristic of a fuser issue, so this is not the best first choice.
- C. Correct.
The imaging drum is the best first component to inspect or replace. On laser printers, random speckling or scattered marks commonly indicates contamination, damage, or wear on the drum surface. Because the problem appears on prints from multiple computers and also on the printer's internal configuration page, the issue is inside the printer rather than with software, drivers, or a single workstation. Replacing the toner cartridge did not resolve the issue, which further points to the drum or a related imaging component.
- D. Incorrect.
Pickup rollers are responsible for feeding paper into the printer. When they fail, common symptoms include paper jams, skewed feeds, or multiple sheets feeding at once. They do not normally cause black dots or speckling on printed output. Someone might pick this if thinking generally about printer maintenance, but it does not match the print-quality symptom.