Vertical black line on copy when using document feeder

[Tim69]

Printing error

[Bob_Headrick · Accepted solution]

If the line only happens when scanning or copying with the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) the issue will be caused by a spec on the thin glass to the left of the main bed. 

The same sensor is used for both the flatbed scan and the automatic document feeder (ADF), the difference is where the sensor is located.  When scanning from the flatbed the sensor moves across the bed.  When using the ADF the sensor is moved to the thin glass to the left of the main bed, and the paper is moved past the sensor by the ADF.  Clean this areas as shown below.

If the initial cleaning does not resolve the issue it may help to shine a bright flashlight nearly parallel to the glass.  For a line on the left side of the printed page the spot will be toward the front of the printer, if the line is on the right of the paper it will correspond to a spec toward the rear of the printer.

Figure : Clean the ADF scanner glass strip

[Cuveeb]

Your solution was helpful.  However, I had 2 black vertical lines.  Cleaning that small pane eliminated one of them but I can't find or eliminate the other one.  Any other ideas?

Thanks!

[Bob_Headrick]

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@Cuveeb wrote:

Your solution was helpful.  However, I had 2 black vertical lines.  Cleaning that small pane eliminated one of them but I can't find or eliminate the other one.  Any other ideas? [snip]

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Please read this post then provide some details.  What printer model?  Does the line only happen if you scan or copy from the automatic document feeder?

[Cuveeb]

It's an OfficeJet 6968.  Yes, the problem only occurs when I use the ADF.

THanks,

[Bob_Headrick]

For a line that only shows up when using the ADF it is almost certainly due to a smudge or debris on the thin glass to the left of the main glass bed.  The video here may help, see the section about 3:50-4:00 on the video to see how to align the printed page to indicate where exactly to clean.  A bright flastlight may help find the spot.

[Cuveeb]

Thanks so much for your help.  After wiping that small pane of glass many times, I ran my hand over it and found a tiny speck that was causing the problem.  All solved.

[Bob_Headrick]

I am glad I could help. It sometimes amazes me how small a spot on the thin glass can cause a dark line.  I do not think I can recall a single case where a line that only showed up using the ADF was not resolved by cleaning the strip - sometimes it takes multiple cleanings to find the right spot.  A strong flashlight held parallel to the glass can sometimes help.

I will add your suggestion to use a fingernail to find the spot to my troubleshooting process.