When Printing Becomes Faint or Colors Are Incorrect

If print results are blurred or colors are not printed correctly, the print head nozzles (FINE Cartridges) are probably clogged. Follow the procedure below to print the nozzle check pattern, check the print head nozzle condition, then clean the Print Head.

If printed ruled lines are misaligned or print results are otherwise unsatisfactory, aligning the Print Head may improve print quality.

Important

Do not rinse or wipe the FINE Cartridges. This can cause trouble with the FINE Cartridges.

Note

Before performing maintenance

Check if ink remains in the FINE Cartridge.

See Checking the Ink Status.

Check if the FINE Cartridges are installed correctly.

See Replacing Procedure.

Check if the orange protective tape on the bottom of the FINE Cartridge is removed.

See Replacing Procedure.

If the Alarm lamp lights or flashes orange, refer to "Troubleshooting" in the on-screen manual: Advanced Guide.

Increasing the print quality in the printer driver settings may improve the print result.

For details, refer to the on-screen manual: Advanced Guide.

When the Print Results Are Blurred or Uneven:

Step 1

See Printing the Nozzle Check Pattern.

See Examining the Nozzle Check Pattern.

After cleaning the Print Head, print and examine the nozzle check pattern.

If there are missing lines or horizontal white streaks in the pattern:

Step 2

See Cleaning the Print Head.

If the problem is not resolved after cleaning the Print Head twice:

Step 3

See Cleaning the Print Head Deeply.

If the problem is not resolved, turn off the power and clean the Print Head deeply again after 24 hours.

If the problem is still not resolved:

Step 4

See Replacing a FINE Cartridge.

Note

If the problem is still not resolved after replacing the FINE Cartridge, contact the service center.

When the Print Results Are Not Even such as the Ruled Lines Are Misaligned:

See Aligning the Print Head.

Note

You can also perform the maintenance operations from your computer.

For details, refer to the on-screen manual: Advanced Guide.

Step 1 See Printing the Nozzle Check Pattern. See Examining the Nozzle Check Pattern.		After cleaning the Print Head, print and examine the nozzle check pattern.
If there are missing lines or horizontal white streaks in the pattern:
Step 2 See Cleaning the Print Head.
If the problem is not resolved after cleaning the Print Head twice:
Step 3 See Cleaning the Print Head Deeply.
If the problem is not resolved, turn off the power and clean the Print Head deeply again after 24 hours. If the problem is still not resolved:
Step 4 See Replacing a FINE Cartridge.