A multi-form impact printer is having print smearing issues and jams frequently. Which of the following should a technician do FIRST to fix both issues?

Question

Options

• AClean the print head
• BReplace the print head
• CReplace the ribbon
• DReplace the paper

• A
  11% (3)
• B
  79% (22)
• C
  4% (1)
• D
  7% (2)

Explanation

When a multi-form (multi-part) impact printer exhibits both smearing and frequent paper jams simultaneously, a worn or physically damaged print head is the most likely root cause for both symptoms. A degraded print head can drag across the paper surface causing ink smears, and its irregular movement or physical damage can catch on the multi-part paper causing jams. Cleaning the head may be a first step for smearing alone, but when both symptoms occur together it indicates the head itself is failing and needs replacement. The ribbon or paper would not typically cause both symptoms at once.

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