Xerox 016-720 — PCL/PDL processing error

What this error means

The machine couldn't process the page description language data in a job — most often a PCL emulation error from a corrupt document, driver mismatch, or unsupported feature. Not a hardware fault. (PostScript-specific errors use their own code, 016-749.)

Symptoms

• Specific documents fail while others print
• Error page printed instead of the job

Try this first (safe DIY steps)

1. Reprint using a different driver mode (switch PostScript ↔ PCL in driver settings)
2. Re-save/flatten the source PDF and try again
3. Update the print driver to the current version for your OS

Safety: power off before any physical intervention. Never bypass covers or interlocks — fuser areas run hot enough to burn.

When to call a technician

Not a service call in most cases — escalate to IT/driver config first.