220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a laser printer…

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

• ✗

  The photosensitive drum is scratched.

  Why it's wrong here

  A scratch on the photosensitive drum would indeed cause a repeating defect on the printed page. This defect occurs because the scratch prevents the drum from holding the correct electrostatic charge or from properly attracting/repelling toner in that specific area. However, the photosensitive drum in most laser printers has a significantly larger circumference, typically ranging from 9 to 12 inches. Therefore, a defect originating from the drum would repeat at an interval much wider than 3 inches.

• ✓

  The fuser roller is damaged.

  Why this is correct

  The fuser assembly is responsible for permanently bonding the toner to the paper using heat and pressure. A damaged fuser roller, such as one with a tear, scratch, or accumulated debris, will directly transfer this physical defect to the paper as it passes through. Given that many fuser rollers have a circumference of approximately 3 inches, a repeating smudge at this precise interval is a strong indicator of a defect on the fuser roller, as the damage would mark the paper with each rotation.

• ✗

  The toner cartridge is low on toner.

  Why it's wrong here

  When a toner cartridge is low on toner, the primary symptom is a general fading or lightening of the printed image across the entire page, or specific areas becoming noticeably lighter or blank. This occurs because there isn't enough toner powder available to properly form the image. Low toner does not typically cause a distinct, repeating smudge pattern at a specific interval, as it's a supply issue rather than a physical defect on a rotating component.

• ✗

  The transfer roller is dirty.

  Why it's wrong here

  The transfer roller applies an electrostatic charge to the back of the paper, attracting toner from the drum onto the paper. A dirty transfer roller could interfere with this charge transfer or physically obstruct the toner, potentially causing streaks, light areas, or uneven print density. While a defect on a rotating transfer roller would cause a repeating pattern, its circumference is generally larger than 3 inches, meaning any repeating defect would appear at a wider interval.

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