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How To / Maintenance

Cleaning the Print Head

Using the Head Cleaning utility
Using the control panel buttons

If you find that printouts and copies are unexpectedly faint or that there are gaps (missing dots) in the printed image, you may be able to solve the problem by cleaning the print head. Cleaning the print head ensures that nozzles are delivering ink properly.

You can carry out cleaning either from your computer or from the control panel. To run a cleaning cycle from your computer, use the Head Cleaning utility. Both methods are described below.

Note:
  • Print head cleaning uses both color and black ink. To avoid wasting ink, clean the print head only if print quality declines.
  • Use the Nozzle Check utility to check if the print head needs to be cleaned. This saves ink.
  • When the Black or Color Ink Out light is flashing or on, you cannot clean the print head. Replace the appropriate ink cartridge first.
  • Do not start the Head Cleaning or the Nozzle Check utility while printing is in progress; otherwise your printout may be marred.

Using the Head Cleaning utility

For Windows users

Make sure that an ink out message is not displayed on the LCD panel.

Note:
If the ink out message is displayed, you cannot clean the print head. Replace the appropriate ink cartridge first.

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

Click the Utility tab in the printer window, then click the Head Cleaning button.

Follow the messages on your screen.

The Operate light flashes while the Stylus Scan performs a cleaning cycle. The cycle takes about one minute to complete.

Caution:
Never turn off the Stylus Scan while the Operate light is flashing. Doing so may damage the device.

When the Operate light stops flashing, click Print nozzle check pattern in the Head Cleaning dialog box to confirm that the head is clean and to reset the cleaning cycle.

Nozzle check patterns:

  Good sample

  Print head needs to be cleaned

  

If you find that any segments are missing from the test lines in the check pattern, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the check pattern again.

If quality hasn't improved after repeating this procedure four or five times, turn the Stylus Scan off and leave it off overnight. Then try head cleaning again.

If the print quality still does not improve, one or both of your ink cartridges may be old or damaged and may need to be replaced. To replace an ink cartridge before it is empty, see Replacing an Old or Damaged Ink Cartridge.

If print quality remains a problem after replacing the ink cartridges, contact your dealer.

Note:
To maintain print quality, we recommend turning on the Stylus Scan for at least one minute every month.

For Macintosh users

Make sure that the Stylus Scan is on, and the LCD panel is not displaying an ink out message.

Click the Utility icon button in the Print or Page Setup dialog box, then click the Head Cleaning button.

Follow the on-screen messages.

The Operate light flashes while the Stylus Scan performs a cleaning cycle. A cycle takes about one minute to complete.

Caution:
Never turn off the Stylus Scan while the Operate light is flashing. Doing so may damage the device.

When the Operate light stops flashing, click the Confirmation button in the Head Cleaning dialog box to print a nozzle check pattern and to reset the cleaning cycle. Use the check pattern to confirm that the head is clean.

If print quality hasn't improved after repeating this procedure four or five times, turn the Stylus Scan off and leave it off overnight. Then try head cleaning again.

If the print quality still has not improved, one or both of your ink cartridges may be old or damaged and may need to be replaced. To replace an ink cartridge before it is empty, see Replacing an Old or Damaged Ink Cartridge.

If print quality remains a problem after replacing the ink cartridges, contact your dealer.

Note:
To maintain print quality, we recommend turning on the Stylus Scan for at least one minute every month.


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Using the control panel buttons

Make sure that the Operate light is on and that an ink out or ink low message is not displayed.

Hold down the cleaning button for three seconds.

The Stylus Scan starts cleaning the print head and the Operate light begins flashing. Print head cleaning takes about one minute to complete.

Caution:
Never turn off the Stylus Scan while the Operate light is flashing. Doing so may damage the device.

Note:
If an ink out or ink low message is displayed, press the Cleaning button to start the ink cartridge replacement procedure. If you do not want to replace an ink cartridge at this time, press the cleaning button again to return the print head to its home position.

When the Operate light stops flashing, print a short document to confirm that the head is clean and to reset the cleaning cycle.

If print quality hasn't improved after repeating this procedure four or five times, turn the Stylus Scan off and leave it off overnight. Then try head cleaning again.

If the print quality still has not improved, one or both of your ink cartridges may be old or damaged and may need to be replaced. To replace an ink cartridge before it is empty, see Replacing an Old or Damaged Ink Cartridge.

If print quality remains a problem after replacing the ink cartridges, contact your dealer.

Note:
To maintain print quality, we recommend turning on the Stylus Scan for at least one minute every month.


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Version 1.00E, Copyright © 2001, SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION