Aligning the Print Head
27-Dec-2010
8200999800
Solution
If printed ruled lines are misaligned or print results are otherwise unsatisfactory, adjust the print head position.
REFERENCE
If the remaining ink level is low, the print head alignment sheet will not be printed correctly. Replace the FINE Cartridge whose ink is low.
See [ Replace ink cartridge(s) ].
You need to prepare: a sheet of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper (including recycled paper)*
* Be sure to use paper that is white and clean on both sides.
1. Make sure that the power is turned on.
2. Make sure that one or more sheets of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper are loaded in the Rear Tray.
3. Open the Paper Output Tray gently.
4. Print the print head alignment sheet.
(1) Press the Menu button repeatedly until Maintenance appears.
(2) Use the 
(-) or 
(+) button to select Print head alignment, and press the OK button.
(-) or (+) button to select Print head alignment, and press the OK button.
The print head alignment sheet will be printed.
IMPORTANT
- Do not touch any printed part on the print head alignment sheet.
- Be careful not to get the print head alignment sheet dirty. If the sheet is stained or wrinkled, it may not be scanned properly.
(3) When the message "Are the patterns fine?" appears, confirm that the pattern is printed correctly, select Yes, then press the OK button.
5. Scan the print head alignment sheet to adjust the print head position.
(1) Load the print head alignment sheet on the Platen Glass.
Load the print head alignment sheet WITH THE PRINTED SIDE FACING DOWN and align the mark 
on the upper left corner of the sheet with the alignment mark 
.
on the upper left corner of the sheet with the alignment mark .
REFERENCE
The print head alignment sheet cannot be scanned if it is loaded in the ADF.
(2) Close the Document Cover gently, and press the Color or Black button.
The machine starts scanning the print head alignment sheet, and the print head position will be adjusted automatically.
When adjusting the print head position is completed, remove the print head alignment sheet on the Platen Glass.
IMPORTANT
- Do not open the Document Cover or remove the print head alignment sheet on the Platen Glass until adjusting the print head position is completed.
- If the message "Failed to scan the head alignment sheet" appears, press the OK button.
REFERENCE
- If the print results are still not satisfactory after adjusting the print head position as described above, adjust the print head position manually from a computer. For details, refer to [ Manual Print Head Alignment ].
- To print and check the current head position adjustment values, select Print head align value in the Maintenance menu.
1. Open the printer driver setup window.
2. Click Custom Settings on the Maintenance tab.
The Custom Settings dialog box opens.
3. Switch head alignment to manual.
Check the Align heads manually check box.
4. Apply the settings.
Click OK and when the confirmation message appears, click OK.
5. Click Print Head Alignment on the Maintenance tab.
The Start Print Head Alignment dialog box opens.
6. Load paper in the machine.
Load three sheets of A4 size or Letter size plain paper into the rear tray.
7. Execute head alignment.
Make sure that the machine is on and click Align Print Head.
Follow the instruction in the message.
8. Check the printed pattern.
Enter the numbers of the patterns with the least amount of streaks in the associated boxes.
Even if the patterns with the least amount of streaks are clicked in the preview window, their numbers are automatically entered in the associated boxes.
When you have entered all the necessary values, click OK.
REFERENCE
- If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable vertical white streaks.
(A) Less noticeable vertical white streaks
(B) More noticeable vertical white streaks
- If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable horizontal white streaks.
(A) Less noticeable horizontal white streaks
(B) More noticeable horizontal white streaks
9. Confirm the displayed message and click OK.
The second pattern is printed.
IMPORTANT
Do not open the Scanning Unit (Cover) while printing is in progress.
10. Check the printed pattern.
Enter the numbers of the patterns with the least amount of streaks in the associated boxes.
Even if the patterns with the least amount of streaks are clicked in the preview window, their numbers are automatically entered in the associated boxes.
When you have entered all the necessary values, click OK.
REFERENCE
- If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable vertical white streaks.
(A) Less noticeable vertical white streaks
(B) More noticeable vertical white streaks
11. Confirm the displayed message and click OK.
The third pattern is printed.
IMPORTANT
Do not open the Scanning Unit (Cover) while printing is in progress.
12. Check the printed pattern.
Enter the numbers of the patterns with the least noticeable horizontal stripes in the associated boxes.
Even if the patterns with the least noticeable horizontal stripes are clicked in the preview window, their numbers are automatically entered in the associated boxes.
When you have entered all the necessary values, click OK.
REFERENCE
- If it is difficult to pick the best pattern, pick the setting that produces the least noticeable horizontal white stripes.
(A) Less noticeable horizontal white stripes
(B) More noticeable horizontal white stripes
REFERENCE
To print and check the current setting, open the Start Print Head Alignment dialog box, and click Print Alignment Value.