Your cartridge is probably empty, or it has got clogged nozzles, or dirty contacts.

 

If you see streaked or broken colors on the clean test page, it is possible that the printer or ink cartridges are not functioning correctly. In order to solve the problem, follow the steps below:

 

Reinstall the cartridges and try printing again. Check the cartridge is not low on ink or out of ink. In any case, reinstall the cartridge and try printing again.

 

Clean the ink cartridges. You can run a cleaning utility or print another clean test page depending on what machine you have got. Then, try printing one more time. 

 

Clean the electron contacts and try printing. To clean the electron contacts follow the instructions below:

 

Turn on the printer and remove both ink cartridges. Unplug the machine. Wipe the reddish contacts with a dry lint-free cloth. Reinstall the cartridges, close the front cover, and plug the printer back in.

 

If after cleaning the contacts the problem persists, follow the steps below: 

 

Remove both ink cartridges and unplug the printer. Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth with clean distilled water (if it is not available, use bottled or filtered water). Clean the cartridge contacts without touching the nozzles. If the cleaning materials get dirty, get rid of them and replace them. Using a new cloth, clean the electrical contacts in the printer (carriage).

 

If the problem is still unsolved, clean the nozzle plate manually.

 

Follow the procedure below only if you have streaks or smudges in your prints and all three cleaning levels in the Clean Print Cartridges utility have been performed.

 

When you have to remove a cartridge for a procedure, make sure to finish this procedure and replace the cartridges within 30 minutes. If the ink cartridge is outside of the printer for a long time, the ink in the cartridges can dry in the nozzles.

 

Remove one of the cartridges and, with the nozzle plate facing upwards, put it on a piece of paper.

 

Check the area around the nozzle plate, and only if you see any ink buildup or debris, clean the ink cartridge:

 

Lightly dampen a lint-free cloth with clean distilled water (if it is not available, use bottled or filtered water). Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the faces and edges around the nozzle plate. Do not touch the nozzle area or the contacts so as not to cause clogs, bad electrical connections and ink failure.

 

1.         part to be cleaned

2.         nozzle area

3.         contacts

 

Perform the same procedure for the other cartridges. Check both cartridges, even if the streaks on the print are only one color, since black streaks are commonly caused by debris that is stuck to the bottom of the tri-color cartridge. Clean the cartridge only if you see debris or buildup. Use fresh cleaning material to clean the other cartridge.

 

Leave the contacts drying for at least 5 minutes, or dry them yourself with a clean cloth and reinstall the cartridges.

11 - The colors in the test page do not match the color dots on the cartridge label, what is going on and how can I solve this problem? (Back to Top)

If the colors in the clean test page do not match the color dots on the cartridge label, the inks may have mixed in the cartridge. Print a number of test pages. If you see improvement it will probably clear up.

 

However, color mixing is in most cases permanent, and you will need to replace the cartridge.

 

In order to avoid color mixing in the future:

 

•          Never recover or allow any material to contact the cartridge nozzles. If nozzles touch a

non-porous surface, ink travels from nozzle to nozzle and mixes in the cartridge.

 

•          If you have to remove an ink cartridge from the printer, put it on a cartridge protector or a

sealed plastic tub, making sure the cartridge nozzles do not touch any surface. Never use

plastic bags to do this.

 

•          It is important that you store your ink cartridges at room temperature. Extreme

temperature changes may cause color mixing.

 

•          Do not store an unopened ink cartridge on its side for too long.

12 - The cartridge prints poorly or does not print at all (Back to Top)

There must be some obstructions such as dried ink or debris that prevent the ink from flowing through the print head in the machine. 

 

To solve this problem, clean the print head:   

Run your printer print head cleaning routine. If the problem is not completely fixed but you see improvement in your prints, run the routine again up to four times.

 

If the cleaning cycle does not help the situation, clean the print head in your machine manually.

 

Fill an empty cartridge with cleaning solution (there is a solution for printers). Then, print color intensive pages so that the solutions runs through the print head and clean it out of any debris or dried ink in the jets.  If the problem is not completely fixed, let the cleaner sit in the inlet port overnight before you try again.  This way the cleaner will break down any clog in the jets.

 

Another possibility is to remove the cartridge from the printer. Inject cleaning solution into the inlet port in the printer for the color that is not printing properly.  Place the cartridge back into the machine at once. The cleaning solution should sit in the inlet port for at least 20 minutes so that it breaks down the clog.  Sometimes it takes more than 20 minutes, or even numerous iterations of this process to remove the debris from the print head. If necessary, let the cleaner sit in the inlet port overnight.

 

Check the ink is flowing through the print head:

 

Make sure you have removed the sealing tapes on the cartridges. If you do not see the electrical contacts on the cartridge, the plastic seal has not been removed.

 

Sometimes cartridges need some help to work after being bounced around during shipment. In order to solve this problem, dampen a paper towel with hot water and hold it against the print head for 5 to10 seconds. Then, rob the damp paper towel on the print head a few times. Dry the print head with a dry paper towel. When rubbing the dry paper towel across the print head you should have yellow, blue, and red lines for a color cartridge, or a black line for a black one, showing up on the towel: this means the cartridge should work. Repeat this activity a few times to open up all the print head jets.

 

If the above has not solved the problem, take a dry piece of paper towel and rub it rapidly on the print head in order to warm it up so as to free up the jets in the print head and allow the ink to flow properly.

 

If you still get poor prints, the print heads in your machine may need cleaning: Run your printer print head cleaning cycle-refer to your owner's manual for assistance. If the problem is solved after doing this, then you do not need to do anything else. If the problem is not completely fixed but you see improvement in your prints, you should run the routine again until the problem is solved.

 

It is possible that the cartridge is damaged

 

Your printer may not be printing because your cartridge is damaged. First of all, if your cartridge is damaged you will need to get a new one. At all times protect the print head-while the cartridge is out of your machine and even when you install it.  It is highly recommended to use a cartridge tape strips for this purpose.  They protect the print head from damaging and the silicone block on them keeps the print head moist. 

 

Prevent bumping them and dropping them: the cartridge electronic strips are very sensitive and they can get easily damaged. They can get damaged even with one of your fingers.

 

Regarding the sponge inside the cartridge, when the cartridge has been sitting for a long time this sponge dries up and becomes useless.

13 - The wrong colors are being printed (Back to Top)

There must be some obstructions such as dried ink or debris that prevent the ink from flowing through the print head in the machine.

    

To solve this problem, clean the print head:   

Run your printer print head cleaning routine. If the problem is not completely fixed but you see improvement in your prints, run the routine again up to four times

14 - How can I install my cartridge? (Back to Top)

When either the black or color ink out light flashes, this means that the indicated cartridge is low on ink. You can install the cartridge when this light is flashing or when it is on.

 

In order to change the cartridge:

 

A.   You have to make sure that the printer is on and the front paper tray is pulled down, and only then you can

      open the printer cover.

 

B.   Press the cleaning button (see Figure) holding it for a few seconds until the print head moves and the power

      light begins to flash. Do not move the print head with your hands to avoid damaging the printer.

 

C.   Pull the cartridge clamp until it clasps and the cartridge will rise up from its holder. Do not remove half-used

      cartridges unless you want to replace it. Once you have taken a cartridge out, you cannot put it back into the

      printer even if it is not empty.

 

D.   Get the cartridge out of the printer and get rid of it

 

E.   Before you place the new cartridge, remember to remove the yellow part of the sealing tape. Do not remove

      the blue part or the clear seal that is underneath the cartridge.

 

F.   Place the new ink cartridge into the holder. Make sure the label faces up and towards the back of the printer.

 

G.   Press down the cartridge clamp until it locks in place.

 

H.   Press the cleaning button and close the printer cover. The print head will move and the printer will begin

      charging the ink delivery system. The power button will flash and make

      sounds. When the charging process, which generally takes a couple of minutes, is over, the power light will

      stay on.

15 - How do I know which cartridges I should use? (Back to Top)

Look on the cartridge for your inkjet model number. You can find out which cartridge you need in our inkjet section.

16 - Should I try to print with my old ink cartridge after it is empty? (Back to Top)

It is recommended not to. When  printer is set to print, it heats a small amount of ink, which is then jetted onto the paper. The resistors, which heat the ink, are cooled by the ink. So, if there is not ink, the resistors overheat and, when this occurs, they burn out shortening the life of the print head. Change the cartridge when the ink warning light glows for this not to happen. 

17 - My cartridge does not fit into my printer, why does this happen? (Back to Top)

There should be a temporary plastic seal attached to the cartridge. This seal helps to protect the cartridge from leaking during transit. When you are about to install a new cartridge, make sure this seal has been removed. If this was not the problem, check you have got the correct cartridge model for your printer.

18 - Why do I get only white page prints and how can I solve this problem? (Back to Top)

One of the possible causes of this problem is that the tape has not been removed from the print head. Another possibility is that there is air trapped inside the cartridge. Make sure the tape covering the print head has been removed. If there is air in the cartridge, wrap it in an absorbent towel and shake it lightly.

19 - I have got an error messages, what should I do? (Back to Top)

This might happen because the electrical contacts on the cartridge or the part of the printer where the electrical contacts meet are dirty. Clean the contacts with a towel dipped in alcohol or household degreaser in a circular motion in order not to damage the edges of the cartridge contact ribbon.  

 

I have got an error message that reads:  "CARTRIDGE ERROR" or "CARTRIDGE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, what should I do?

This error messages pop out when there is ink residue on the cartridge contact points. Poor electrical contacts are also a possible cause of printer errors. Clean the cartridge and the printer contacts with a towel dipped in alcohol or a household degreaser in a circular motion.

 

When you install the cartridge into the printer, place the cartridge into the holder and make sure it is seating properly by wiggling it. Then lock it into place.

 

Sometimes, this error messages appear because a resistor inside the cartridge have burn out. In this case, the cartridge cannot be fixed and it must be replaced.

 

I have got an error message that reads: "CARTRIDGE EMPTY", what should I do?

In the case that you get no messages but there is a blinking light on your printer, which indicates that it is out of ink, and you have already installed a new cartridge, make sure the cartridge contact points are clean and free from any residue or grime.

 

If an error message reading “Cartridge Empty” has popped out, the printer control software may have not been reset or told that a new cartridge was installed.

 

The function of this printer software is to measure the cartridge ink fullness level. There is not a device inside the cartridge or the printer that measures the ink level. Instead, there is a determined amount of pages that a cartridge can print. This software is the one in charge of “controlling” the amount of pages that have been printed since the last cartridge was installed, and estimating when the cartridge will be empty. When you change the cartridge, make sure you have reset the printer driver; otherwise, the software will be still using the old cartridge data. This is why, even when you have installed a new cartridge, an error message saying low ink or empty will appear. 

20 - Why is my Cartridge printing streaky or with lines? (Back to Top)

It is possible that the printer contacts are worn or dirty. Another possibility is that the print head is partially clogged.

 

Remove the print head assembly or cartridge with print head from the printer. Hold it with a paper towel lightly damped with warm distilled water in one hand. With your other hand, blot the print head by pressing it into the towel a couple of times. This way, you will remove any dried ink on the print head surface. There should be a uniform, solid ink pattern on towel.

 

If this does not solve the problem, place the cartridge into a shallow saucer of hot distilled water for around 5 to10 minutes so as to help loosen the dried ink on the ink jets. Then, try blotting it again. If there is a uniform, solid ink pattern on towel, dry off the cartridge and put it back in the printer.

 

The ink may appear lighter because of the water. In order to clear it out, a few blots and a test page will help.

21 - My cartridge is leaking, what should I do? (Back to Top)

It is possible that the internal pressure is unbalanced. Rest the cartridge on a paper towel with the print head downwards, and allow excess ink to balance.

 

While shipment the cartridge may remain upside-down for a long time, or it may experience higher than normal altitude pressure. These are also likely causes to leaking problems. If your cartridge is leaking, it up with water and paper towels. Even if it looks as if the cartridge has lost a great amount of ink, it most likely still full and should print fine.

22 - The cartridge is not accepted by the machine, what should I do? (Back to Top)

Remove the cartridge from the printer and then run the head cleaning cycle. Make sure that the plastic sealing tape has

been entirely removed, and that the electronic strip or chip is clean by wiping it off with a towel damped with isopropyl

alcohol. Power on the printer and re-install the cartridge and then, power off the printer for 60 seconds. 

23 - My cartridge is not being registered, why? How can I solve this problem? (Back to Top)

This occurs because your printer or computer is not recognizing the cartridge. Make sure that tape from the print head is removed. With a paper towel, wipe the cartridge print head and printer circuitry to ensure there is no debris. Then, power off the printer. Unplug power cord and other cables and, after 30 seconds plug cords and cables back in.

24 - The cartridge prints poorly, or does not print at all, why does this happen and how can I solve this problem? (Back to Top)

Make sure you have removed the sealing tapes on the cartridges. If you do not see the electrical contacts on the cartridge, the plastic seal has not been removed.

 

Sometimes cartridges need some help to work after being bounced around during shipment. In order to solve this problem, dampen a paper towel with hot water and hold it against the print head for 5 to10 seconds. Then, rob the damp paper towel on the print head a few times. Dry the print head with a dry paper towel. When rubbing the dry paper towel across the print head you should have yellow, blue, and red lines for a color cartridge, or a black line for a black one, showing up on the towel: this means the cartridge should work. Repeat this activity a few times to open up all the print head jets.

 

If the above has not solved the problem, take a dry piece of paper towel and rub it rapidly on the print head in order to warm it up so as to free up the jets in the print head and allow the ink to flow properly.

 

If you still get poor prints, the print heads in your machine may need cleaning: Run your printer print head cleaning cycle-refer to your owner's manual for assistance. If the problem is solved after doing this, then you do not need to do anything else. If the problem is not completely fixed but you see improvement in your prints, you should run the routine again until the problem is solved.

 

If the cleaning cycle does not help the situation, clean the print head in your machine manually: remove the cartridge from the printer. Inject cleaning solution (there is a solution for printers) into the inlet port in the printer for the color that is not printing properly.  Place the cartridge back into the machine at once. The cleaning solution should sit in the inlet port for at least 20 minutes so that it breaks down the clog.  Sometimes it takes more than 20 minutes, or even numerous iterations of this process to remove the debris from the print head. If necessary, let the cleaner sit in the inlet port overnight.

 

Some cartridges have a vent at the top through which air passes to disperse the ink for printing. Make sure these air vents are not blocked by anything. If the ink is not dispersed properly the ink will print for a short time and then stop, you will get poor prints, or you will get white pages.

25 - There are colors missing, why does this happen? How can I solve this problem? (Back to Top)

If there are colors missing it is probable that there is an air bubble trapped inside the cartridge between the print head and the ink, preventing proper ink flow. When this occurs we say that the print head has been deprimed. Try running the cleaning cycle with your printer utilities program. If this does not work, shake the cartridge with a paper towel over the end in order to burst the air bubble. Repeat the cleaning cycle 2 or 3 times if necessary. If you have done this many times already and have not succeeded, dampen a paper towel with hot distilled water.

 

Then, place it on the print head and hold it with your fingers. Shake the cartridge 2 or 3 times quickly and firmly downwards in order to drive the ink toward the print head. Blot the cartridge by holding the paper towel with one hand and press the print head into it with the other. All colors should appear in uniform size. If they do not show up, shake it again 3 or 4 times.

 

Another way to prime the print head is to blow a little air through the vent hole which is on the top of the cartridge in order to expel a small amount of ink-this will force the ink to go down to the bottom of the cartridge. Afterwards, blot the cartridge again.

 

When storing cartridges, make sure the print head side faces down, this way they will keep primed. Even though the shelf life is longer, do not store cartridges for periods longer than 6 months.

26 - The wrong colors are being printed, how can I solve this problem? (Back to Top)

27 - Some colors are mixed or there is cross contamination, what should I do? (Back to Top)

In order to fix this problem, set the cartridge with its print head downwards onto folded moistened paper towel for around 5 minutes, and then re-install it into your printer.

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