hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: That their multifunction printer makes a loud…
A user reports that their multifunction printer makes a loud grinding noise when printing, and the output has vertical black streaks. The technician has already replaced the toner cartridge. What component is most likely failing?
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
✓
The imaging drum
This question tests advanced troubleshooting of laser printer mechanical issues. The imaging drum is a common wear item that can cause grinding noises and vertical streaks when damaged. The fuser or pickup rollers would produce different symptoms.
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 fuser assembly
Why it's wrong here
The fuser assembly is responsible for melting and pressing toner onto the paper using heat and pressure rollers. A failing fuser typically manifests as toner not adhering properly, leading to smudging, ghosting, or paper jams due to damaged rollers or heating elements. While a severely damaged fuser roller could potentially cause a grinding noise, its primary print quality symptom is toner adhesion issues, not distinct vertical streaks caused by a damaged imaging surface.
- ✓
The imaging drum
Why this is correct
The imaging drum, or photoconductive drum, is crucial in laser printing as it receives the electrostatic image and transfers toner to the paper. If the drum's surface is scratched, worn, or damaged, it will fail to hold the electrostatic charge uniformly, resulting in distinct vertical streaks on the printed page where toner is either missing or excessively applied. A physical defect or misalignment can also cause a grinding noise as the drum rotates and interacts with other components like the toner cartridge or cleaning blade.
- ✗
The pickup rollers
Why it's wrong here
Pickup rollers are designed to grab a single sheet of paper from the paper tray and feed it into the printer's paper path. When these rollers become worn, dirty, or hardened, they lose their grip, leading to paper jams, misfeeds, or the printer failing to pick up paper at all. Their function is solely paper handling, so they do not directly influence print quality like streaks or cause grinding noises related to the imaging process itself.
- ✗
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. A faulty transfer roller, often due to contamination or wear, results in uneven toner transfer, appearing as faded or inconsistent print across the page, or sometimes ghosting. While it affects print quality, it typically does not produce a grinding noise, as its operation involves electrical charge and gentle contact rather than high-friction rotation that would generate such a sound.
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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.
Key term
Multifunction Printer
A multifunction printer is a single device that combines printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing into one machine.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 220-1201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. 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?
medium- A.Replace the fuser assembly
- ✓ B.Check the toner cartridge level
- C.Update the printer firmware
- D.Inspect the transfer roller
Why B: This question tests troubleshooting of laser printer print quality issues. Faint, streaky text often indicates a low toner cartridge, especially after a cleaning cycle didn't help. The imaging drum or fuser could also be culprits, but checking toner level is the simplest next step.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.