Checking the condition of the machine

Have you printed the nozzle check test pattern?

Print the nozzle check test pattern to check whether the print head nozzles are all ejecting ink properly, and, if necessary, carry out head cleaning or head-flushing. The procedure is as follows:

Print the nozzle check test pattern.
If the pattern is patchy, clean the print head, then print the test pattern and check the result.
Do not use the printer for at least 10 minutes, then print the test pattern again and check the result.
Clean the print head, then print the test pattern. Then, clean and print a second time, and then check the result.
If the pattern is still patchy, flush the print head, then print the test pattern again and check the result.
Do not use the printer for at least 10 minutes, then print the test pattern again and check the result.
If the pattern is still patchy, switch the printer off and leave it unpowered for about eight hours. Then, switch it back on, print the test pattern and check the result.

If the pattern is still patchy, contact your sales or service representative.

See Nozzle Check and Head-cleaning.

Does the envelope selector setting match?

Set the envelope selector according to the type of paper. For envelopes, set the lever to the rear position ; for everything else, set the lever to the forward position . See Printing on Various Paper Types.

Has the machine not been used for a long time?

The ink may be dry or the nozzles of the print-heads may be clogged. Print the nozzle check test pattern and clean the print-heads as necessary. See Nozzle Check and Head-cleaning.

Did you switch the envelope selector over?

Depending on the paper thickness, printed images may be smudged or skewed if you switch the envelope selector over. If this happens, align the print heads. Alternately, select the [Uni-directional printing only] check box in the printer properties dialog box. If you select the [Uni-directional printing only] check box, printing may take longer.

Have the print-heads been aligned?

If the image is fuzzy or lines are doubled, align the print-heads. If the problem persists, print the nozzle check test pattern and clean the print-heads as necessary. See Head Position “Adjust Print-head Positions”, Nozzle Check, and Head-cleaning.

Is there a problem with the machine's location?

Make sure that the machine is level. Place the machine in a location where it will not be subject to shaking or excessive force.

Is an old Print cartridge being used?

Print cartridges should be opened before their expiration date and used within six months of being opened.

Does the paper type setting match?

Make sure that the paper type setting of the printer driver matches the type of paper loaded. See Printing on Various Paper Types.

Are you printing on the wrong side of the paper?

Check which side should be printed on when using inkjet plain paper. If you print on the wrong side, the quality of the printing may be lower and the inside of the machine may get dirty. See Paper Handling Precautions.

Is the paper being used too thick or thin?

Check if the paper is compatible. If extremely thick or thin paper is used, the print-heads will rub the paper and ink will leak. See Loadable Paper Sizes and Quantities.

Have you touched the printed side of paper?

Avoid touching the printed side of paper. Particularly, avoid touching glossy paper and inkjet transparency that have just been printed because these require longer than normal to dry. Remove them one at a time from the output tray without touching the printed side, and then let them dry fully. See Paper Handling Precautions.

Is the paper loaded in the correct orientation?

Some paper cannot be loaded lengthwise depending on the size of the paper. Check the orientation in which the paper is loaded. See Loadable Paper Sizes and Quantities.

Is a genuine Print cartridge being used?

Using a cartridge other than a genuine Print cartridge or using a cartridge refilled with ink will lower the print quality and could cause a breakdown. Use a genuine Print cartridge. See Recommended Consumables.

Are you printing densely colored images on both sides of paper?

When a large amount of ink is used to completely cover a side, one-sided printing is recommended.

Is ink on printed surface dry?

Do not touch printed surfaces immediately after printing. Glossy paper, or OHP transparencies require more time than normal paper to dry. Remove freshly printed sheets one by one, taking care not to touch areas of print. See Paper Handling Precautions.