mediumMultiple Choice
220-1201 Practice Question: That their multifunction printer is producing…
A user reports that their multifunction printer is producing prints with faint, streaky text. The printer uses a toner cartridge and has been in service for two years. The technician has already run a cleaning cycle. What should the technician check next?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1201 often tests the principle of 'least invasive, most likely cause first' — candidates are tempted to jump to fuser or transfer roller replacement, but the exam expects you to rule out the consumable (toner) before escalating to hardware parts.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check the toner cartridge level
Faint, streaky output on a laser/MFP device that uses toner is most commonly caused by a low or unevenly distributed toner supply. Since a cleaning cycle has already been run and did not resolve the issue, the next logical step is to check the toner cartridge level and distribution before replacing more expensive components like the fuser or transfer roller.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Replace the fuser assembly
Why it's wrong here
The fuser assembly is responsible for melting and bonding the toner to the paper using heat and pressure. A malfunctioning fuser typically results in toner that easily smudges or flakes off the page because it hasn't been properly fused, or it might cause wrinkling or jams. It would not primarily cause the entire print to appear faint due to insufficient toner being applied.
- ✓
Check the toner cartridge level
Why this is correct
Low toner levels directly lead to faint or streaky prints because there isn't enough toner powder available to uniformly adhere to the imaging drum and subsequently transfer to the paper. As the cartridge empties, the remaining toner may be unevenly distributed, causing areas of the print to appear significantly lighter or to exhibit vertical streaks where the developer roller cannot pick up sufficient toner.
- ✗
Update the printer firmware
Why it's wrong here
Printer firmware manages the device's internal logic, communication protocols, and operational features, such as network connectivity or paper handling settings. Updating firmware primarily resolves software bugs, improves compatibility, or adds new functionalities, but it does not directly influence the physical deposition of toner or the mechanical components responsible for print quality issues like faint streaks caused by a consumable.
- ✗
Inspect the transfer roller
Why it's wrong here
The transfer roller applies an electrostatic charge to the back of the paper, attracting the toner from the imaging drum onto the paper. While a faulty transfer roller can cause uneven or incomplete toner transfer, leading to light spots, ghosting, or missing sections, it is less likely to cause a uniform faintness across the entire page compared to a low toner supply. Its malfunction typically manifests as specific patterns of defect rather than a general lack of print density.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Laser Printer Imaging Process (6 Steps)
Key term
Multifunction Printer
A multifunction printer is a single device that combines printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing into one machine.
Key term
Toner cartridge
An electrophotographic printer component that holds a fine, dry plastic powder (toner) and supplies it to the imaging drum to produce text and images on paper.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.