Print Quality Problems

If you are having print quality problems try the solutions offered in this section.

Horizontal banding

Try one or more of these solutions:

• Run the Print Head Alignment Utility

• Make sure that the printable side of the paper is face up in the sheet feeder.

• Run the Head Cleaning utility to clear any clogged ink nozzles.

• Clear all customized settings, and then select the Text & Image setting under Quality Type on your printer software's Main menu (Windows) or select the Automatic setting under Mode in the Print dialog box (Macintosh).

• Check the ink out light. If the light is flashing, replace the appropriate ink cartridge.

• Make sure that the Minimize Margins setting is not selected under More Options in the Page Layout menu (Windows) or that the Maximum setting is not selected as the Printable Area in your printer software (Macintosh). When this setting is selected, banding may occur in the expanded area.

• Make sure that the Media Type selected in the printer software is appropriate for the type of media loaded in the printer.

Vertical misalignment or banding

Try one or more of these solutions:

• Make sure that the printable side of the paper is face up in the sheet feeder.

• Run the Print Head Alignment utility.

• Clear the High Speed check box in the Advanced dialog box.

• Run the Head Cleaning utility to clear any clogged ink nozzles.

• Make sure that the Media Type setting selected in the printer software is appropriate for the type of media loaded in the printer.

Incorrect or missing colors

Try one or more of these solutions:

• Change the Ink setting in your printer software to Color .

• Adjust the color settings in your application or in your printer software's Advanced dialog box.

• Run the Head Cleaning utility.
  If colors are still incorrect or missing, replace the color ink cartridge. If the problem persists, replace the black ink cartridge.

• Do not use ink cartridges beyond the expiration data printed on the cartridge package. Also, if the printer has not been used for a long time, replace the ink cartridges.

Blurry or smeared printout

Try one or more of these solutions:

• Make sure that you are using the appropriate printer driver for your printer.

• Use only paper recommended by EPSON.

• Make sure that the printer is on a flat, stable surface that extends beyond the printer base in all directions. The printer will not operate properly if it is tilted.

• Make sure that your paper is not damaged, dirty, or too old. Also, make sure that the printable side of the paper is face up in the sheet feeder.

• Make sure that your paper is dry and that the printable side is facing up. Also, make sure that you are using an acceptable paper type.
  Paper

• Clear all customized settings, and then select the Text & Image setting under Quality Type on your printer software's Main menu (Windows) or select the Automatic setting under Mode in the Print dialog box (Macintosh).

• If the paper is curled toward the printable side, flatten it or curl it slightly toward the opposite side.

• Set the adjust lever to the position, and make sure that the Media Type setting in your printer driver is correct.

• Remove each sheet from the output tray as it is printed, especially if you are using transparencies.

• If you are printing on glossy media or transparencies, place a support sheet (or a sheet of plain paper) beneath the stack. Or, load only one sheet at a time.

• Do not touch or allow anything to come into contact with the printed side of transparencies or paper with shiny finishes. After printing, documents that are printed on transparencies or glossy media should not be handled for a few hours to allow the ink to set.

• Run the Head Cleaning utility.

• Run the Print Head Alignment utility.

• Load and eject dry paper several times. If the problem persists, ink may have leaked inside the printer, so wipe the inside of the printer with a soft, clean cloth.