Knowledge Base

Article Summary:

Ghosting on the Dell 5330dn printer

Example of ghosted text - only the first line of text should be visible, the faint repeated images are print defects


Table of Contents:

1. Check if toner is fully fused
2. Check media guidelines and paper type settings
3. Test with different media
4. Check toner is Dell original, swap known good part if available
5. Fit new or known good fuser if available
6. Perform a stop test

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1.	Check if toner is fully fused

Ghosting is often caused by the toner failing to fuse correctly on to the page.

Check if the toner is fused by rubbing it with your finger. Correctly fused toner will not smudge or smear.

Example pictured below is completely unfused, usually the toner will be at least partially fixed.


If the toner appears fully fused, please go to Section 4: Check toner is Dell original, swap known good part if available

If the toner is not fully fused, please go to Section 2: Check media guidelines and paper type settings

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2.	Check media guidelines and paper type settings

Unsupported print media may cause print quality issues. Please check your print media is supported by the printer. Please note that paper heavier than 120gsm and specialised media, such as envelopes, labels and transparencies, should not be printed from the standard tray. These media types are only supported from the Multi Purpose Feeder (MPF).

Ghosting is often caused by using thicker media than the printer is set for. For troubleshooting set the printer to its heaviest paper type

1. Press Menu
2. Press the Down Arrow until "Paper Setup" is highlighted. Press Tick/Select to select
3. Select "Paper Size/Type"
4. Select the tray being used, for example "MPF" or "Tray 1"
5. Select "Type"
6. Select the heaviest option for the selected tray. For the MPF select "Cardstock", for Tray 1 select "Thick"

Increasing the paper weight setting will decrease printing speed. Set the paper type to the lightest setting that allows the toner to fuse fully to the page.

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3.	Test with different media

Test the printer using 80gsm plain copy paper.

Check the problem media meets the detailed guidelines in the printer user guide.

If possible test the problem media in another 5330dn to test for compatibility issues.

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4.	Check toner is Dell original, swap known good part if available

The toner powder used in refilled or third party toners may have a higher melting point than that of Dell original products.

Test using a new or known good Dell original toner where possible.

Replacement toners can be bought online direct from Dell

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5.	Fit new or known good fuser if available

Please refer to Article 607163: Replacing the fuser and resetting fuser life counter on the Dell 5330dn

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6.	Perform a stop test

Please refer to Article 624079: Perform a stop test on the Dell 5330dn printer

If ghosting is visible before and after the fuser it suggests an issue with charging, discharging or cleaning the imaging drum.

If ghosting is visible only after the fuser the problem is that the toner is failing to fuse fully to the page

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Quick Tips content is self-published by the Dell Support Professionals who resolve issues daily. In order to achieve a speedy publication, Quick Tips may represent only partial solutions or work-arounds that are still in development or pending further proof of successfully resolving an issue. As such Quick Tips have not been reviewed, validated or approved by Dell and should be used with appropriate caution. Dell shall not be liable for any loss, including but not limited to loss of data, loss of profit or loss of revenue, which customers may incur by following any procedure or advice set out in the Quick Tips.