Maintaining Your Printer 129
Chapter 8
Maintaining Your Printer
Auto Head Maintenance
This printer automatically checks the print head nozzles without printing a pattern and
cleans the nozzles if they are clogged (Auto Head Maintenance). You can choose to turn
this function on or off from the printer’s control panel.
Automatic nozzle checking is performed at predefined times.
Note:
❏Depending on the circumstances, Auto Head Maintenance may not completely clean the print
head nozzles.
❏Some ink is consumed from all cartridges while checking the print head nozzles and cleaning
the print head.
Checking the Print Head Nozzles
If you find that your printouts are unexpectedly faint or have gaps in them, you may be able
to identify the problem by checking the print head nozzles.
You can check the print head nozzles from your computer by using the Nozzle Check utility
or from the printer by using the control panel or buttons.
Note:
The printer checks the print head on a regular basis to keep it clean and make sure you receive
premium print quality. If print head nozzles are clogged, the printer automatically cleans the print
head. Normally, you do not need to perform nozzle checks and print head cleaning; however, the
self-cleaning function cannot completely prevent nozzle clogs.
Using the Nozzle Check Utility for Windows
Follow the steps below to use the Nozzle Check utility.
1. Make sure that no lights are indicating errors.
2. Make sure that letter/A4 size paper is loaded in the front paper cassette.
3. Right-click the printer icon on the taskbar, then select Nozzle Check.