Checking for Clogged Print Head Nozzles

To maintain optimum print quality, perform a nozzle check before printing. This lets you visually inspect the printed check pattern and clean the nozzles, if necessary. There are two ways to check the nozzles:

Set up the product to automatically print a check pattern during or between each print job. You can select how often the product performs a nozzle check in the Information Printing menu.
Manually run a nozzle check from the product control panel, as described here.

Note: Depending on the width of the loaded media, you can save media by printing additional check patterns in the space beside an existing pattern. To print them in line, press the

rewind button to rewind the media to the position where you want to print the pattern.

If the media width is 51 to 64 inches (1,295.4 to 1,625.6 mm), you can print up to three patterns (one on the left, one in the center, and one on the right).
If the width is equal to or greater than 34 inches (863.6 mm) but less than 51 inches (1,295.4 mm), you can print up to two patterns (one on the left and one on the right).
If the width of the media is less than 34 inches (863.6 mm), you cannot print side by side.

Select the maintenance icon.
You see the Maintenance menu.
Select Print Head Nozzle Check.
Select the print position for the pattern and then select Start.
The product prints a nozzle check pattern.
Check the printed pattern to see if there are gaps in the lines.

Nozzles are clean

Nozzles need cleaning
Do one of the following:
- If there are no gaps, select O. The printhead is clean and you can continue printing.
- If there are gaps or the pattern is faint, select X and then clean the printhead.