Reviewed by Paul
Printer troubleshooting: know which problems you can fix yourself
Most printer problems can be safely investigated at your desk. This guide walks you through each common issue, then tells you honestly when it's time to call PLS Printer for on-site repair.
Repairs by printer brand
We repair HP, Canon, OKI and Brother machines. Choose your brand to see our service offerings.
HP Printers
LaserJet and OfficeJet repair, on-site service, toner and ink supply.
Canon Printers
imageCLASS and LBP repair, multifunction support, cartridge supply.
OKI Printers
C and B series repair, copier service, network troubleshooting.
Brother Printers
HL and MFC repair, on-site visits, genuine toner and ink.
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Common problems
Printer models
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Why choose us
Repairing printers for home offices and small businesses across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs
Photo by Unknown authorUnknown author on Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Expert repair for HP, Canon, OKI and Brother printers and copiers
Photo by Unknown authorUnknown author on Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
We service Toowoomba, Highfields, Oakey, Pittsworth, Dalby, Warwick, Gatton, Crows Nest, Clifton, Millmerran and Chinchilla
No diagnosis fee, no call-out charge. We tell you the cost before work starts
Common printer troubleshooting by problem type
Choose your problem or printer brand below. Each section walks you through safe checks and tells you honestly when it is time to call PLS Printer.
Printer troubleshooting FAQs
If you have worked through the troubleshooting steps and nothing has changed, these answers explain what happens next.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- I've tried all the safe checks. What happens when I call?
- Call us on (07) 4635 2300 or email office@plsprinters.com.au. Describe the problem and tell us what you have already tried from this guide. We will ask questions to narrow down the cause, and we can often diagnose the issue over the phone. If we need to see the printer in person, we will arrange an on-site visit at a time that suits you. There is no charge for the diagnosis. We will tell you the repair cost before we start any work.
- How quickly can you attend?
- We service Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, including Highfields, Oakey, Pittsworth, Dalby, Warwick, Gatton, Crows Nest, Clifton, Millmerran and Chinchilla. Our hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday 8:30am to 12:30pm. For urgent requests within Toowoomba, we aim to visit quickly, but exact timing depends on our current workload. Call us for an appointment and we will give you a realistic timeframe.
- Will the repair be expensive?
- That depends on the problem. A driver update, paper jam removal, or cartridge replacement is quick and affordable. A worn cartridge or simple connectivity fix often costs far less than a new machine. Internal repairs like cleaning rollers or replacing drums or boards do cost more, but we will tell you the price before work starts. Many businesses find that repairing a printer is far cheaper than buying a new one, especially for multifunction copiers. We offer free quotes and no pressure to decide on the spot.
- Can I replace parts myself to save money?
- Toner cartridges and ink cartridges are safe to replace yourself. They are the only wear-and-tear parts most users can do. Any other internal parts like pickup rollers, waste toner containers, drums or circuit boards should be replaced by a technician. Opening the machine risks damaging delicate optics, sensors and electrostatic components, and it voids your warranty. If you are unsure whether a part is user-replaceable, call us first and ask.
- What if my printer is very old?
- A printer that is 5 to 10 years old can often be repaired affordably. Consumables like cartridges and rollers wear out over time, but the machine itself can keep working. If the repair cost is more than half the price of a new similar printer, we will tell you so you can decide whether repair or replacement makes sense. We can also help you with toner and ink if you decide to keep your old machine running.
Still stuck. Call us now.
Our team will diagnose your printer over the phone or arrange an on-site visit.