General Symptom List193Print QualityCharacters or dots are missing,smeared, too light, or too dark, or theoutput is missing entire dot rows1. Check the forms thickness lever: if it is set too loose or too tightly print quality can be affected. Setthe forms thickness lever to match the thickness of the paper being used. Verify that the customer’sforms are within specifications.2. Check the paper tension between the tractors. Adjust the right tractor so that it does not pull papertoo tightly or leave it too loose. The right tractor should hold the paper under “slight” tension.3. Inspect the shuttle frame assembly for print chaff, debris, or ink residue that could be causing theproblem. Clean the shuttle frame assembly.4. Check the ribbon for folds or tears. Check that the ribbon guides are tight and the ribbon tracksstraight across them. Rewind or install an approved IBM ribbon. If the ribbon does not track straightacross the ribbon guides, adjust the ribbon guides. If the ribbon guides are loose, tighten them. Ifthe ribbon guides are damaged, replace them.5. Power off and unplug the printer. Remove the shuttle cover. Remove the shuttle frame assembly.Inspect the ribbon mask for bends or deformation that adversely affect paper feeding. Make surethe hammer bank cover assembly is correctly installed on its mounting pegs. Check the shuttleframe assembly for broken hammer springs, hammer tips, or contaminations. Replace anydamaged hammer spring assemblies. Replace the hammer bank cover assembly if it is deformed ordamaged.6. Inspect the paper ironer. If the paper ironer has slipped up into the print line, reposition the paperironer.7. Check the shuttle for electrical shorts (page 252).8. Check and adjust the platen gap.Table 5. General Symptom ListSymptom Corrective Action
