Prints are Unsatisfactory

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:

1. Print the nozzle check test pattern.

2. If the pattern is patchy, clean the print head, print the pattern again, and then check the result.

3. Do not use the printer for 5 to 10 minutes then, print the nozzle check test pattern again, and then check the result.

4. Clean the print head and print the nozzle check test pattern, clean and print a second time, and then check the result.

5. If the pattern is still patchy, flush the print head, print the pattern again, and then check the result.

6. Do not use the printer for 5 to 10 minutes, print the nozzle check test pattern again, and then check the result.

7. If the pattern is still patchy, switch the printer off, do not use it for about 8 hours, switch it back on, print the nozzle check test pattern, and then check the result.

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

See Nozzle Check, Head-cleaning and Head-flushing.

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 Envelope Selector Position Mismatch.

Depending on the thickness of the envelopes, changing the envelope selector setting might result in blurred or double lines being printed. If you switch the envelope selector to, be sure to select [Head Position], as this will position the print heads correctly. If you switch the envelope selector to, be sure to select the [Uni-directional printing only] check box in the printer properties dialog box.

For details about uni-directional printing, see the printer driver Help.

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, Head-cleaning.

Blurred or double lines indicate the print heads are incorrectly positioned. Resolve this by switching the envelope selector to and then selecting [Head Position]. If the problem persists, print the nozzle check test pattern and clean the print heads as necessary. See Head Position, Nozzle Check and Head-cleaning.

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

Perform registration if the print start point indicates misalignment.

After attaching the paper feed unit, and the bypass tray, you must register where to start printing on paper loaded in each paper tray. See Registration.

If horizontal lines are printed unaligned, print images are patchy, or a black or white line is printed at regular intervals, print a test pattern, and then adjust the paper feed setting. Adj.Paper Feed.

Make sure that the paper type setting of the printer driver matches the type of paper loaded.

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 printer may get dirty. See Paper Handling Precautions, Compatible Paper Types

Check if the paper is compatible. The print heads will rub against paper that is too thick or thin, and this will cause smearing. See Loadable Paper Sizes and Quantities.

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

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.

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