Adjusting the Printhead

Article ID: ART129746

Date published: 05/12/2015

Date last updated: 08/17/2015

Solution

If printing is faint or streaked in different colors, make sure the Printhead nozzles are clear by printing a test pattern to check the nozzles.

Note:

You can specify a number of pages in the printer's Noz. Check Freq. menu for automatic nozzle checking every time you finish printing that quantity.

1. Load unused paper.

2. Press the Menu button to display MAIN MENU.

3. Press or to select Test Print, and then press the button.

4. Press or to select Nozzle Check, and then press the button.

5. Press or to select Yes, and then press the OK button.
The printer goes online and prints a test pattern.

6. Check the printing results.
If the horizontal lines are not faint or incomplete, the nozzles are clear.

If some sections of the horizontal lines are faint or incomplete, the nozzles for those colors are clogged.

If horizontal lines are faint or incomplete, follow the steps below and check again for nozzle clogging.

1. Clean the Printhead.

2. Print a test pattern to check the nozzles.

Note:

If you repeat these steps several times but the horizontal lines are still faint or incomplete, contact the Canon Help Desk.

If printed vertical lines are warped or colors are out of alignment, adjust the Printhead alignment.

Use Auto Head Adj. to have the printer print and read a test pattern for automatic adjustment of the printhead.

Auto Head Adj. offers two modes, Standard Adj. and Advanced Adj..

Standard Adj. will fix most slight image distortion or color misalignment, but if not, try Advanced Adj..

Note:

If advanced adjustment does not improve printing results, or if you are using special paper, try manual adjustment.
Use Standard Adj. if you have switched to another type of paper or if you want the boundaries between colors to appear as attractive as possible.
Use Advanced Adj. to fine-tune the space between nozzles or colors if you have switched the printhead or if you want printed documents to appear as vivid as possible. We recommend using Advanced Adj. for printing at a higher level of image quality.
Always make sure the loaded paper matches the type of paper specified on the printer. Adjustment cannot be completed correctly unless the loaded paper matches the settings.
We recommend using the type of paper you use most often for adjustment.
This function is not available with CAD Tracing Paper, CAD Translucent Matte Film, or CAD Clear Film. If adjustment is not possible as expected using highly transparent film or similar media, try another type of paper, or try adjust the Printhead alignment manually.

Paper to Prepare

Rolls	An unused roll at least 10 inches wide
Sheets	Standard Adj. : Three sheets of unused paper of at least A4/Letter size (or two sheets when using A2 or larger)
Sheets	Advanced Adj. : Eleven sheets of unused paper of at least A4/Letter size (or five sheets when using A2 or larger)

Execute Auto Head Adj. as follows.

1. Load the paper.

2. Press the Menu button to display MAIN MENU.

3. Press or to select Adjust Printer, and then press the button.

4. Press or to select Auto Head Adj., and then press the button.

5. Press or to select Standard Adj. or Advanced Adj., and then press the button.

6. Press or to select Yes, and then press the OK button.
A test pattern is printed for printhead adjustment.

Adjustment is now finished if you have printed on a roll.

7. If you are printing on sheets, a confirmation message is displayed asking you whether to continue printing. Press the OK button and follow the instructions displayed.

If printed vertical lines are warped or colors are out of alignment, adjust the Printhead alignment.

With Manual Head Adj, you can manually adjust the Printhead alignment by printing and reading a test pattern.

You can adjust the Printhead alignment automatically or manually. Normally, choose automatic adjustment. If advanced adjustment does not improve printing results, or if you are using special paper, try manual adjustment.

Note:

If Manual Head Adj is not available although displayed in the menu, choose Advanced Adj. in Auto Head Adj.. Manual Head Adj is available in the menu after you try Advanced Adj. once.
Always make sure the loaded paper matches the type of paper specified on the printer. Adjustment cannot be completed correctly unless the loaded paper matches the settings.
We recommend using the type of paper you use most often for adjustment.

Paper to Prepare

Rolls	An unused roll at least 10 inches wide
Sheets	Two sheets of unused paper of at least A4/Letter size (or one sheet when using A2 or larger)

Execute Manual Head Adj as follows.

1. Load the paper.

2. Press the Menu button to display MAIN MENU.

3. Press or to select Adjust Printer, and then press the button.

4. Press or to select Manual Head Adj, and then press the button.

5. Press or to select Yes, and then press the OK button.
A test pattern is printed for printhead adjustment.

6. Press or to select D, and then press the button.

7. Press or to select D-1, and then press the button.

8. Examine test pattern D-1 for printhead adjustment and determine the number of the pattern with straight lines.

Note:

If lines seem straightest in two patterns but you cannot decide which one is better, choose an intermediate value. For example, choose 11 if you cannot decide whether pattern 10 or 12 is better.

9. Press