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How To / Maintenance

Checking the Print Head Nozzles

Using the Nozzle Check utility
Using the control panel buttons

If you find that the printed image is unexpectedly faint or that dots in the printed image are missing, you may be able to identify the problem by checking the print head nozzles.

You can check the print head nozzles from your computer using the Nozzle Check utility in the printer software, or from the printer using the printer's control panel buttons.

Using the Nozzle Check utility

To use the Nozzle Check utility, refer to the appropriate section below.

Note:

Do not use the Nozzle Check utility while printing is in progress; otherwise, your printout may be marred.

For Windows users

Follow the steps below to use the Nozzle Check utility.

Make sure that A4 or Letter size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.

Access the printer software. If you need instructions, see Accessing the printer software.

Click the Utility tab, then click the Nozzle Check button.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

For Macintosh users

Follow the steps below to use the Nozzle Check utility.

Make sure that A4 or Letter size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.

Access the Print or Page Setup dialog box.

Click the Utility icon button, then click the Nozzle Check button.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

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Using the control panel buttons

Follow the steps below to check the print head nozzles using the control panel buttons.

Turn off your printer.

Make sure that A4 or Letter size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.

Hold down the load/eject button and press the power button to turn on the printer.

Release both buttons.

The printer prints an operation check page that includes your printer's ROM version information, the ink counter code, and a nozzle check pattern. Below are sample printouts.

Good sample

Print head needs to be cleaned

The above sample is in black and white, but the actual test prints in color (CMYK).

If the nozzle check page does not print satisfactorily (for example, if any segment of the printed lines is missing), there is a problem with the printer. This could be a clogged ink nozzle or a misaligned print head. See Cleaning the Print Head for details on cleaning the print head. For information on aligning the print head, see Aligning the Print Head.

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