what's wrong w/ my printer?

Question

it's got about a 1/4 of ink left but it prints all liney, some is real light and some is dark, whats wrong w/ it

Answer 1

Yea.. I would try to clean the print head and or cartridge itself is maybe drying out. Try printing with a brand new cartridge, and if problem goes away after that then u know it the print head. Problem solved.

Cheers and good luck!

Answer 2

You don't say what kind of printer. I have an Epson and an HP. Both have cleaning methods.

When you click File, Print -- see if there is an option for "maintenance." There must be a way to clean the print heads, nozzles, whatever. Sometimes you have to do it a couple of times, especially if you don't print every day. The ink gets gunked up when it sits in the nozzles.

You could go to the manufacturer's web site to check their support. This is a common problem so there should be a suggestion there.

Did your printer come with a printed manual or a manual on the installation CD? Check it out.

Answer 3

Most of the previous responders are correct: clean your print head.
Every printer has an internal cleaning cycle that will do this for you; just read the user manual on how to do it.

Remember that the cleaning cycle does use up ink, so do not do it too often.

Answer 4

Remove the cartridge and gentle wipe the print head with a q-tip and alcohol. Replace and run a diagnostic. If it is still bad, it is likely the cartridge is empty or the print head if fouled. Best bet at that point is to replace it.

Answer 5

Could be the cartridge is clogged. Try to (lightly) clean out the bottom of the cartridge with a tissue and see if you can clear any debris (dried clumps of ink)

Answer 6

you might need to clean the print heads or the ink remaining indicator isn't accurate.

Answer 7

clean the roller n head and just replace the catridge, you may be using the duplicate one it happens only whn you use any duplicate catridge.. just clean the head n roller n replace the catridge for sure it will work with you..