5052 random light prints

[AJL45]

I have been working on a Kyocera 5052ci that randomly gives light prints. They say it happens after the copier says "adding toner", but I have been unable to replicate the issue, and by the time I show up, its working fine again. I have tried changing out the black drum, black developer, transfer belt, and engine board. Firmware is up to date. Anyone have any ideas on this?

I have added a couple of pics of what the copies look like when it acts up.

Thanks!
IMG_3206.jpgIMG_3205.jpg

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: 5052 random light prints

You changed a lot of parts without ever actually seeing the problem for yourself.

How many pages are light once it starts this condition?

Generic toner or Genuine?

Cheap paper?

[Old_Tech]

Re: 5052 random light prints

You changed a lot of parts without ever actually seeing the problem for yourself.

How many pages are light once it starts this condition?

Generic toner or Genuine?

Cheap paper?

[AJL45]

Re: 5052 random light prints

Genuine Toner, and they buy quality paper. I went back today and made a ton of copies until it acted up. Turns out its only black that is having issues. Printing in black and white, it will start out normal, then probably 10 pages of light prints, then it will print 20 more blank pages. It will then say adding toner, and once that is complete, it works fine again.

[pascalb.]

Re: 5052 random light prints

Hello,

it may be necessary to check the supply of ink in the DV.
the HOPPER set
clogged pipe
or torn felt
i had the problem

hopper.bmp

Good luck.

[Fabio-1]

Re: 5052 random light prints

The first thing i suggest to do is a simulation U135 to see if the level of black in hopper is similar to that of colours.
If there was a big difference it could be a problem to the toner hopper, the error message could be a symptom.

[AJL45]

Re: 5052 random light prints

I replaced the toner hopper. They havent called back yet, but keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks everyone!

[eddie110171]

Re: 5052 random light prints

I have had this same problem on 2 Kyocera's. I did a U917 backup and then ran a U021. In my case the U021 would get stuck for over an hour on both units. I ended up speaking with my regional service rep. to find out the correct part number and ordered a new EEPROM. If the U021 completes this is not your problem. This fixed both units and both have been running for over a year without the problem returning.

[blackcat4866]

Re: 5052 random light prints

Based on what you've said the black image suddenly (not gradually) goes very light in the middle of a set, then recovers to normal black image quality suddenly (not gradually).

For me, this rules out something that would vary gradually, like the toner density from a hopper that was partially obstructed.

It points towards something that might change suddenly, like loss of agitation drive to the black developing unit, or loss of primary transfer bias, or primary transfer roller alienation (primary transfer roller shift to imaging position). Loss of developing drive makes the most sense, since you would also get "Toner Add" indications if agitation drive is lost, and it would completely recover when drive returned. The actual toner density would not change very much, but when agitation slows the reading at the toner sensor would falsely indicate low toner density.

As long as it agitates ~1/2 the time it shouldn't over-tone too badly, but the toner at the front of developing roller will deplete, giving you the light images. That's my thinking anyway. =^..^=

[AJL45]

Re: 5052 random light prints

I changed the toner hopper, but that did not fix it. Changed out the drive pack, and so far so good!

After I changed the toner hopper, it started saying the toners are not genuine. I tripled checked all the connections, and everything seems secure. So not sure why that is happening now.