Dell mfp 1815dn is printing a "shadow" of the words I just printed. It's almost like there is still toner on the roller and then it prints it again. Not sure what is happening. Do I need a new drum?

There might be a paper jam or issue with the drum .. please remove the jammed paper or contact authorised dell support

Dell Laser MFP 1815dn configuration page
To print a configuration page (also called system data report) from a Dell Laser MFP 1815dn printer:

- Press the right arrow button until Menu is the active choice on the screen
- Press the check mark button to select it
- Press the right arrow button until Reports is the active choice
- Press the check mark button
- Press the right arrow button until System Data is the active choice
- Press the check mark button

Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/larry_1fe25e09c54eece2

when printing enevelopes always ALWAYS THROUGH THE BYPASS open front door and feed thru there. on the bypass is image to let you know fce up or down follow that. also change settings on pc when printing envelopes or cardstock etc.

Welcome to Fixya

Try to print a document and see if you will be getting same issue. Try to copy a document and see if same thing will happen also. Check if the cartridges are not running out of ink.

Thank you for using Fixya!

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/elixirjose_00375ea24bd8141b

Write cmd in your start button(you maybe have to run as admin)
A black window appers
Then write stop spooler and press enter.
Wait until the window close.
Your print job is now erased.

If this does not help, upgrade your software from here:

http://support.us.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?releaseid=R207423


Good luck.

Check to see if there is a setting for toner save in the drivers. If there is, make sure toner save is off

The lock for the scanner is on the roof of the cavity where the printed paper comes out. Simply flip it to the other position and restart the printer.

If the print rubs off the page, this means the toner is not being fused to the page. Fused......this is done by the fuser. This would have nothing to do with light print.

The dell (1600n and 1815n /1815dn) printer drivers has a toner saver mode, which can contribute to light print.

To turn Toner Save Mode off, (Windows XP) perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, click Settings, and then click Printer and Faxes.
   The Printers and Faxes window appears.
2. Right-click Dell Laser MFP 1600n, 1815dn, and left-click Printing Preferences.
   The Dell Laser MFP 1600n, 1815dn Printing Preferences window appears.
3. Click the Advanced button.
   The Dell Laser MFP 1600n, 1815dn Advanced Options window appears.
4. Click to highlight Toner Save.
5. Click the drop-down list and change it to Off and click OK.
6. Click OK.

One thing that you mentioned in your post "it takes the printer forever to warm up". The fuser does have to reach operational temperature in order for it to fuse the toner to the page. So it is possible that you are having fuser problems, because of the time it is taking for it to warm up. Another thing that can contribute to the warm up time is not plugging the laser printer directly into a wall outlet. This would be true for any laser printer, not just a Dell laser printer. The low voltage power supply is what works the fuser, along with sensors and other motors in the printer.

Replacing the fuser and or the low voltage power supply in this model of printer is not an easy task. If using a Dell branded toner cartridge and checking the toner saver mode does not fix the issue. Then you would be looking at more expense then the machine would possibly be worth.

The Printhead IS located above the toner cartridge on this model. There is a small opening that allows the laser light to shine through the case to the imaging unit on the toner, but you can not access the the laser without disassembling the printer.

Even though this is a new toner cartridge, it may be defective, even more likely if it is a non-Dell or remanufactured toner. Try reinstalling the old toner cartridge. Even if it prints light because it is low, if it is uniform across the page then the new toner is defective. Return or exchange it with the manufacture.

Sounds like you may need to replace the pick up rollers on the machine.  Without knowing exactly where the jam error happens during the print process, it's hard to say.