[Misc] Negative ghosting

[Benioffi]

Hello. I'm new to the forum and need some help. I have a client with a Konica Minolta Bizhub C550i showing an issue I haven’t been able to resolve.

Some time ago, I replaced the black drum unit. Shortly after, the client reported dark areas appearing on the prints. The problem is that starting from the second page, a band from the previous print is repeated in negative (see attached images).

I tried replacing the drum again, but the result was the same. I’m considering whether it could be an issue with the erase lamp, but I don’t want to start replacing parts without being reasonably sure of the root cause.

If anyone has experienced something similar, I would really appreciate your help.

[Larhal]

Did you use a original Konica drum? Was this happening before you first serviced the machine?

[tsbservice]

Did you use a original Konica drum? Was this happening before you first serviced the machine?

+1
It looks like drum is not properly discharged.

[copyman]

drum or fuser

[Larhal]

+1
It looks like drum is not properly discharged.

I confirm that but still is it an compatible drum or Konica?

[Benioffi]

Did you use a original Konica drum? Was this happening before you first serviced the machine?

I often use Katun drums and usually have no issues, but in this printer I installed an original Konica DR618K. I replaced it because the counter had reached zero. The machine wasn’t having this specific issue before—there were marks due to the worn-out cleaning blade. However, I’ve now installed a third new drum and I'm still getting the same problem.

[Benioffi]

+1
It looks like drum is not properly discharged.

I think I’m going to disassemble and clean the drum contact areas inside the printer, and also check the erase lamp and its connection.

[Benioffi]

drum or fuser

The ghosted image that repeats is intermittent and appears in negative, which is why I ruled out the fuser as the cause. I replaced the drum with another new one, but the result is exactly the same.

[SAR]

I had one doing that exact same banding, but it was only on the back side of the page, if it was a single sided copy and was on page 2 of a double sided copy.
It ended up being a bad transfer roller that caused it.
This may not apply to your circumstances, but if it does, it only takes a few seconds to pop a transfer roller in.

[Benioffi]

I had one doing that exact same banding, but it was only on the back side of the page, if it was a single sided copy and was on page 2 of a double sided copy.
It ended up being a bad transfer roller that caused it.
This may not apply to your circumstances, but if it does, it only takes a few seconds to pop a transfer roller in.

Yes, one of the solutions I considered was replacing the secondary transfer roller. But the problem is not on the second side of the sheet. Honestly, it's easy to replace, so I might try it to rule out that possibility.

[tsbservice]

I often use Katun drums and usually have no issues, but in this printer I installed an original Konica DR618K. I replaced it because the counter had reached zero. The machine wasn’t having this specific issue before—there were marks due to the worn-out cleaning blade. However, I’ve now installed a third new drum and I'm still getting the same problem.

Then check your erase leds.

[Black Cloud]

It could also be developer bias, While you are cleaning drum contacts, go in there and clean out the developer contacts also. A bit of fine sandpaper should do the trick.

[Benioffi]

Hi everyone. I disassembled the transfer belt, drum units, developer units, fuser, and even the secondary transfer roller.
I cleaned the springs and contacts that connect the drum and developer units using isopropyl alcohol, cleaned the K erase lamp, and visually inspected everything. I then reassembled all the components, entered service mode, and executed a drum refresh for K.
And it started working normally again. I don’t know which of all the actions I performed actually fixed the issue, but if it’s working, I’m happy.
Thank you all for your help. Best regards.

[Larhal]

Was anything you cleaned excessively dirty? Congratulation on your success.