Cleaning The Print Head - Epson Stylus CX4100 Series Quick Manual

Cleaning the Print Head

If your printouts are unexpectedly light or faint, or you notice light or dark bands
across your printout, you may need to clean the print head. This unclogs the
nozzles so they can deliver ink properly. Run a nozzle check as described on
page 30 to see if the print head needs cleaning.
Note: Print head cleaning uses ink, so clean it only if quality declines and the nozzle
check indicates that the print head needs to be cleaned.
If the red ink light comes on or flashes, you cannot clean the print head. In this case,
B
replace the appropriate ink cartridge first; see page 32.
1. Make sure the Epson Stylus CX is on and the
2. Hold down the
flashing. The Epson Stylus CX runs a head cleaning cycle and the P
flashes.
Caution: Never turn off the Epson Stylus CX while head cleaning is in progress.
You may damage it.
3. When the P
page 30) to verify that the print head is clean.
4. If there are still gaps or lines, or the test patterns are faint, run another
cleaning cycle and check the nozzles again.
Note: If you don't see any improvement after cleaning the print head four or five
times, turn off the Epson Stylus CX and wait overnight. This lets any dried ink
soften. Then try cleaning the print head again. If quality still does not improve, one
of the ink cartridges may be old or damaged and needs to be replaced; see
page 32.
Tip: If you do not use your Epson Stylus CX often, it is a good idea to print a few pages
at least once a month to maintain good print quality.
ink button for 3 seconds until the P
B
light stops flashing, run a nozzle check (as described on
On
ink light is off.
B
light starts
On
Cleaning the Print Head
light
On
31