Pages are smudged and hard to read it looks like the cartridge is putting out too much toner

This is caused by the toner cartridges. The manufacturer change an internal component to save a few coppers and this is the result. Usually only happens when the toner cartridge is old and the 'foam roller' in the toner cartridge starts to get a bit 'sticky' - as happens with some types of foam when it ages.


Two cures for the problem

1. Change the cartridge - make sure it is 'fresh'

2 Find an old cartridge with the old type of foam roller (plain full width) and swap this and its support into the cartridge to replace the new (spiral foam) roller

Go to the settinge. Go to maintenance a perform the cleaning steps.If that doesn't correct exchange cartridges . Remember recharged cartridges have problems. Possible you need to shake the cartridge.

toner specs are usually caused by a bad cartridge. If it is a refill, it is possible that the waste toner bin was not emptied when cartridge was refilled. Try different cartridge as your first trouble shooting step.

Problem is either the cartridge or the fuser.
Put paper in the manual feed tray(tray 1)
Print something. When the paper gets 1/2 way into the printer, open the
top cover. Pull out the toner, look down at the paper.
If it has the smudge replace the toner. If no smudge, replace the fuser.

If this just started after you replaced the toner cartridge, one would have to say that it is a bad toner cartridge.
Print something that smudges. Pull down the front cover and look at the cartridges. Pay attention to the top one(black).
Look at the drum on that cartridge. You should see the toner sitting there. Compare it to the other cartridges which should be clean.

clean the roller with rubbing alcohol

See its a very common issue.the right side of the drum has moisture on it.remove the toner and drum and apply a hot air blower on it for some time also clean the printer internally.reinsert the toner and drum.
check by printing few pages the smudging on the right should go within 10 to 12 pages.
if the smudging doesnot go away then its time to replace the drum to solve the issue.

This will help. Thanks please keep updated.please do rate the solution positively .thank you for using fixya.

Hmm... This sounds like it is a toner problem. If your roller is getting too much toner then it just globs it onto the paper even though the drum is not asking for it. Are you using a new toner cartridge or a re-filled one? Is it from Brother or a 3rd party? I suggest you remove the toner cartridge and check inside the printer. Clean any spilled toner. Check the toner cartridge for leaks .. give it a good shake and see if it is leaking. If you have another toner cartridge, you can replace it to test. You may need to pint a few pages to see a change. Another test could be to print a few (2-5) "BLANK" pages. The printer should not be depositing any toner. If no smudge or the smudge stays the same, then the toner cartridge is the likely problem. If the smudge is there, but gets smaller, then clean your printer.

Good luck!

That black dust that fell out is the toner. When you shake a toner cartridge that shouldn't happen. It looks like you have a faulty toner cartidge and that need to be replaced! Now to make your printer prints cleanly and clearly after you replace the cartridge, you'll need to get someone to service the printer(the faulty toner cartridge more than likely spilled toner on your internal printer parts, cause the smudges). Sevicing would mainly entail, taking down the printer and removing any spilt toner! If you feel you are up to this, be cautious, because toner can be hazardous to your health if you accidentally breathe it in! hope this was helpful! regards babb

When the paper is fresh out of the printer, does the ink that looks okay smudge if you rub it with your finger? If so, it means the fuser is going bad. Otherwise, it's probably a bad toner cartridge that's leaking toner onto the paper.