Table of Contents:
On most models of Dell Laser Printers it is possible to boot them into a diagnostic mode, called CE Mode, in order to troubleshoot the internal components in the system.
CE mode is broken into several sections:
On the C2665dnf / C3765dnf there is also an additional section for Scan/Fax Diagnostics.
C2660 / C3760n / C3760dn :
C2665dnf / C3765dnf :
The two most common uses for CE Mode will be running Digital Output Motor and Clutch Tests to determine jam issues.
For an explanation on running diags on Motors and Clutches please use the guide below:
Digital Output:
Running Motor and Clutches on the C2660dn / C2665dnf / C3760n / C3760dn / C3765dnf for diagnosing Feed / Jam / abnormal noise issues can be performed by following article: SLN284346 "How to Troubleshoot Abnormal Noise Issues on the C2660dn / C2665dnf / C3760n / C3760dn / C3765dnf Dell Laser Printers":
This Motor must be left at EXEC for the other motors to run correctly to allow accurate diagnosis.
Scroll Down to 071 001: Main Motor and Press Select (Tick) To Turn to Exec (ON)- You should now hear the main Motor.
Leave the Main Motor at EXEC and scroll down to the following Clutches and Turn on each in sequence, ensuring you stop each test before starting the next.
Each time you should hear a click as the clutch is turned on.
See Below for a list of Motor DO (Digital Output) Tests:
Digital Inputs:
Digital Input checks whether the digital input (DI) components function properly.
The display shows [0] when the digital input test is started, and the value will be increased when the DI components are switched from OFF to ON, which is used for confirming that the component functions normally.
The test targets all DI components (sensors).
See Below for a list of all DI (Digital Input) Tests:
In CE Mode you are also able to run manual feed tests, allowing us to accurately pinpoint the motor or component that is failing and causing a jam.
This is done by booting into CE Mode, as described above then:
This Motor must be left at EXEC for the other motors to run correctly to allow accurate diagnosis.
Then turn on each Motor in sequence to feed the paper through the printer.
Tray 1 Feed Test
Motor/Clutch | Normal Speed | Half Speed |
---|---|---|
Main Motor | 071-001 | 071-002 |
Sub Motor | 071-004 | 071-005 |
Regi Clutch | 071-010 | 071-010 |
Exit Clutch | 071-011 | 071-011 |
Tray 1 Feed Clutch | 071-008** | 071-008** |
** You will need to toggle this on and off Twice in order to feed a single sheet of paper.
MPF Fed Test
Motor/Clutch | Normal Speed | Half Speed |
---|---|---|
Main Motor | 071-001 | 071-002 |
Sub Motor | 071-004 | 071-005 |
Regi Clutch | 071-010 | 071-010 |
Exit Clutch | 071-011 | 071-011 |
Take Away 2 Clutch | 071-009 | 071-009 |
MSI Feed Solenoid | 071-007** | 071-007** |
** You will need to toggle this on and off Twice in order to feed a single sheet of paper.
Test Pattern (No Image [IOT]):
The No Image [IOT] Test Pattern prints the IOT built-in blank page pattern on a side of paper (IOT print functionality check).
Test Pattern (Test Pat 600 [IOT]):
The Test Pat 600 [IOT] Test Pattern prints the IOT built-in test pattern 600 dpi on a side of paper (IOT print functionality check).
Grid Pattern (Grid 2):
The ESS built-in Grid 2 Pattern (Grid2) prints the grid pattern on a side of paper.
Cyan 20%:
The Cyan 20% (ESS built-in test pattern) fills one side of paper with 20% density cyan.
Magenta 20%:
The Magenta 20% (ESS built-in test pattern) fills one side of paper with 20% density magenta.
Yellow 20%:
The Yellow 20% (ESS built-in test pattern) fills one side of paper with 20% density yellow.
Black 20%:
The Black 20% (ESS built-in test pattern) fills one side of paper with 20% density black.
CMY 20%:
The CMY 20% (ESS built-in test pattern) fills one side of paper with 20% density of the mixture of cyan, magenta, and yellow.
Gradation:
The Gradation (ESS built-in test pattern) prints the broken border patterns with the density of 0 to 100% cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
Toner Pallet Check:
The Toner Pallet Check (ESS built-in test pattern) prints four bars, filled with 100% density of each color (C/M/Y/K), lined on the paper.
Use this test for checking the density of each toner cartridge.
Contamination Check:
The Contamination Check prints 5 sheets of paper with the pattern of millimeter scale on the top/left edges and inch scale on the bottom/right edges, each filed with Y/M/C/K colour of 20% density, and the one with defect list (which helps finding defects such as lines, streaks, smudges, and scaling the size of the defect to identify the part to be replaced).
Digital Input checks whether the digital input (DI) components function properly.
A paper jam error may occur if one of the sensors are stuck or damaged.
The guide below shows the most likely sensors for any jam or feed issue and how to test functionality.
Registration Sensor:
DI: 071-103
The Registration Sensor identifies whether paper is jammed internally when pulled from the Tray or the MPF.
In order to test the Regi Sensor:
Exit Sensor:
DI: 071-104
The Exit Sensor advises the Printer that paper has entirely left the printer and a job is complete.
In order to test the Exit Sensor:
If the counter does not move up then there may be some damage to the sensor or the controller card in the printer.
If these steps do not correct the problem, please contact Dell Technical Support.