Printheads
Cleaning the Printhead
Cleaning the Printhead may help clear nozzles that are clogged.
Note
•Y ou can specify a number of pages in the printer ’ s Noz. Check Freq. menu for automatic nozzle
checking and cleaning every time you nish printing that quantity . ( → P .49)
•Y ou can start Head Cleaning A by holding down the Information button for three seconds or more.
•Printhead cleaning is not possible if POP Board (1.5 mm [0.06 in] thick) is loaded in the Front Paper
Feed Slot . Remove the paper before cleaning.

Cleaning the Printhead

1. Press the Menu button to display MAIN MENU .
2. Press ▲or ▼to select Head Cleaning , and then press the ►button.
3. Press ▲or ▼to select the type of cleaning, and then press the OK button.
•Head Cleaning A
Use Head Cleaning A if printing is faint or contains foreign substances. This method of cleaning
consumes the least amount of ink. It takes about four minutes to complete.
•Head Cleaning B
Use Head Cleaning B if no ink comes out of the printhead, or if Head Cleaning A does not solve the
problem. It takes about ve minutes to complete.
The printhead is cleaned, and the printer goes online.
4. Print a test pattern to check the nozzles, and determine whether cleaning has cleared the
nozzles. ( → P .623)
Note
•If printing does not improve after Head Cleaning A , try Head Cleaning B . If this does not solve
the problem, repeat Head Cleaning B two or three times. If this still does not improve printing, the
Printhead may have reached the end of its useful life. Contact your Canon dealer .
Caution
•Do not remove the Maintenance Cartridge or Ink T anks during cleaning.
624 Maintenance