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Improving Print Quality

Checking the Print Head Nozzles

Using the Nozzle Check utility
Using the control panel buttons

If you find that the printout is unexpectedly faint or that dots 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 itself by using the printer's control panel buttons.

Note:

If the ink out light is flashing, you cannot clean the print head. Replace the appropriate ink cartridge first.

Make sure the CD/DVD tray is not inserted into the printer and the CD/DVD guide is closed before using the Nozzle Check utility.

Using the Nozzle Check utility

Refer to the appropriate section below to use the Nozzle Check utility.

For Windows

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.

Accessing the Printer Software for Windows

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

Follow the on-screen instructions.

For Mac OS 8.6 to 9.x

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.

Accessing the Printer Software for Mac OS 8.6 to 9.x

Click the Utility icon button, then click the Nozzle Check button in the Utility dialog box.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

For Mac OS X

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 EPSON Printer Utility dialog box.

Accessing the Printer Software for Mac OS X

Select your printer, then click OK in the Printer List window.

Click the Nozzle Check button in the Utility dialog box.

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, then lower the output tray. Make sure the CD/DVD tray is not inserted into the printer and the CD/DVD guide is closed.

Hold down the paper button and the power button to turn on the printer.

Release only the power button when the printer turns on. When the nozzle check starts, release the paper button also.

Below are two sample nozzle check patterns.

Good sample

Print head needs to be cleaned

If the nozzle check page does not print satisfactorily, there is a problem with the printer. This could be a clogged ink nozzle or a misaligned print head.
See Cleaning the Print Head
See Aligning the Print Head

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