Not printing correctly

Inkjet printers do not like being left unused for long periods.
Some of the color print head may be blocked. Try several deep cleaning of the print head to see if it can clear the blocked print nozzles.
If none of this works then the print head needs to be replaced. A new cartridge will not solve this problem.
NOTE the print head is not a cheap item, you may consider putting the money towards a new and better printer.

f print quality does not improve by the standard cleaning of the Print Head, clean the Print Head deeply. Cleaning the Print Head deeply consumes more ink than the standard cleaning of the Print Head, so clean the Print Head deeply only when necessary.
1. Make sure that the power is turned on.

2. Clean the Print Head deeply. (1) Press the (Maintenance) button repeatedly until y appears.
(2) Press the Black or Color button.
The machine starts cleaning the Print Head deeply. Do not perform any other operations until the machine completes the deep cleaning of the Print Head. This takes about 2 minutes.

3. Check the print head condition.

When the deep cleaning is completed, the LED returns to the copy standby mode. To check the print head condition, print the nozzle check pattern.

See " Printing the Nozzle Check Pattern".

If the problem is not resolved, turn off the power and clean the Print Head deeply again after 24 hours.
If the problem is still not resolved, replace the FINE Cartridge with a new one.

See " Replacing FINE Cartridges".
If the problem is still not resolved after replacing the FINE Cartridge, contact the service center.

Printing the Nozzle Check Pattern
Print the nozzle check pattern to determine whether the ink ejects properly from the print head nozzles.

NOTE If the remaining ink level is low, the nozzle check pattern will not be printed correctly. Replace the FINE Cartridge whose ink is low.
See " Replacing FINE Cartridges".



You need to prepare: a sheet of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper

1. Make sure that the power is turned on.

2. Load a sheet of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper in the Rear Tray.

3. Open the Paper Output Tray gently, and open the Output Tray Extension.

4. Print the nozzle check pattern.

(1) Press the (Maintenance) button repeatedly until A appears.
(2) Press the Black or Color button.

The nozzle check pattern will be printed.

5. Examine the nozzle check pattern.
See Examining the Nozzle Check Pattern.

Examining the Nozzle Check Pattern

Examine the nozzle check pattern, and clean the Print Head if necessary.

1. Check if there are missing lines in the pattern (1) or horizontal white streaks in the pattern (2). (1) Check if lines are missing in this pattern. If yes, the cleaning is required.
See " Cleaning the Print Head".


(A) Good
(B) Bad (lines are missing)

(2) Check if horizontal white streaks are present in this pattern. If yes, the cleaning is required.
See " Cleaning the Print Head".

(A) Good
(B) Bad (horizontal white streaks are present)
Post back!

This sounds as though the actual print head has failed or is close to failing. You can get new print-heads form you local Canon service centre - they are not exactly cheap - but cheaper than a new printer.

Hi there,
When printing becomes faint or colors are incorrect, even if ink remains in the ink tanks, the print head nozzles are probably clogged. Follow the procedures below to clean the nozzles.

Step 1 : Printing the Nozzle Check Pattern.
If white stripes are noticeable
Step 2 : "Aligning the Print Head"
If print quality is poor
Step 2 : "Print Head Cleaning"
if the problem remains
Step 3 : Print Head Deep Cleaning"
if the problem still remains
Step 4 : Replacing Ink Tanks.

Note : * If the ink tank replacement does not resolve the problem, contact the Customer Care Center.
* You will be alerted if low ink warning is enabled.
* When the Maintenace button on the operation panel is pressed, the maintenance mode is shown. Numbers and functions that can be selected on the maintenance mode as follows :
01 : Printing the Nozzle Check Pattern
02 : Print Head Cleaning
03 : Print Head Deep Cleaning
04 : Aligning the Print Head
05 : Reset the ink counter.
06 : "Display" or "Not Display" remaining ink volume.
07 : Date and order setting.

Printing the Nozzle Check Pattern : Print the nozzle check patterb to determine whether the ink ejects properly from the print head nozzles and to verify print head alignment. Use this function when printed results are blurred or the color is incorrect,
1) With the printer on, load a sheet of Letter paper in the printer.
2) Print the Nozzle Check Pattern.
a) Press the Maintenance button,
b) The Maintenance icon and 01 appear on the LCD.
c) Press the OK button. The nozzle check pattern is printed.
3) Examine the nozzle check pattern output by the printer.
a) Lines missing in this pattern indicate that the print head of black ink requires cleaning. Perform the Print Head Cleaning.
b) White stripes in this pattern indicate that the print head of color ink requires cleaning. Perform the Print Head Cleaning.
c) Uneven patterns indicate that the print head requires alignment.
Perform Aligning of Print Head.
d) Noticeable white stripes in this pattern indicate that the print head require alignment.
Perform Aligning of Print Head.

Print Head Cleaning : Clean the print head if you suspect that the nozles might be clogged. Cleaning the print head consumes ink, so perform print head cleaning only when necessary.
1) Ensure that the printer is on.
2) Start print head cleaning.
a) Press Maintenance button.
b) Press right arrow once to display 02 on the LCD.
c) Press the OK button.
Important : Do not perform any other operations until the print head cleaning finishes. This takes about 50 seconds.
Note : After the print head cleaning finishes, print the nozzle check pattern to verify that the print head nozzles are clean.
If the problem persists, perform printhead deep cleaning.

Print Head Deep Cleaning : If print quality does not improve by standard print head cleaning, try print head deep cleaning, which is more powerful process. Print head deep cleaning consumes ink, so perforn this procedure only when necessary.
1) Ensure that the printer is on.
2) Start Print Head Deep cleaning.
a) Press Maintenance button.
b) Press right arrow twice to display 03 on the LCD.
c) Press the OK button.
Important : This process takes one or two minutes to complete so simply wait until the Power lamp stops flashing.
Note : After printhead deep cleaning finishes, print the nozzle check pattern to verify that the printhead nozzles are clean.
If the printhead is still not clean after the second deep cleaning, replace the ink tank.
If ink tank replacement does not resolve the problem, the print head may be worn out. Contact the Customer Care Center.

Hope this helps.
Please rate my response.
Thanks.

Have a good day.

Hi Trevor, if you check Canon's website they have a service centre run by a third party. They are pretty quick but not exactly cheap.
Have you done a head alignment print? It may be that the alignment is off and that's causing the line.
Do a nozzle check and see if any of the horizontal lines are missing anywhere (they are not meant to be straight - in case you were wondering).
I could be that despite your deep cleaning, one of the nozzles is not firing.

The following a step by step instructions for the printer issue:
Confirm the ink tank(s) are properly installed
Perform print head alignment
Perform Print Head Cleaning - iP4500
If the prints are faint or streaks are printed, the print head nozzles may be clogged. Those phenomena can be improved by performing print head cleaning or print head deep cleaning. Also, you can check the cleaning results by printing the Nozzle Check Pattern after cleaning.
Remove tape from the ink tank and make sure the air hole is clear
Your feedback is very important to us, please do not forget to rate my service for the site to continue helping everyone and improve on it.
I thank you for the opportunity to help and please do not hesitate in contacting me for any further questions…god bless

You need to conduct the following steps:
Printing the Nozzle Check Pattern
The nozzle check pattern shows if each print head nozzle is operating properly.

You can also print the nozzle check pattern from your computer.

1. Load A4- or letter-size plain paper in the Auto Sheet Feeder (ASF) or cassette.
2. Press <Feed Switch> button to select the paper source.
3. In either COPY, PHOTO, or FILM menu screen, press <Menu> button.
4. Press the left or right arrow to select [Maintenance/Settings], then press <OK>.
5. Use left or right arrow to select [Maintenance] and press <OK>.
6. Use up or down arrow to select [Nozzle Check] and press <OK>.
7. When prompted to print a nozzle check pattern, use the up arrow to select [Yes] and then press <OK>.
   The machine prints a nozzle check pattern

Print Head Cleaning / Head Refreshing
If the printed nozzle check pattern is broken, missing, or a specific color is not printed, clean the print head.
MEMO:
a. Cleaning the print head consumes a small amount of ink. Cleaning too often reduces the amount of ink in the ink tanks.
b. Print head cleaning is performed when you connect the power cord. Your machine may perform print head cleaning periodically to avoid clogging.

1. In either COPY, PHOTO, or FILM menu screen, press <Menu> button.
2. Press the left or right arrow to select [Maintenance/Settings], then press <OK>.
3. Use left or right arrow to select [Maintenance] and press <OK>.
4. Use up or down arrow to select [Print Head Cleaning] or [Head Deep Cleaning] as necessary and then press <OK>.

When prompted to clean the print head, use the up arrow to select [Yes and then press <OK>.

IMPORTANT:
If normal print head cleaning does not improve print quality, perform deep print head cleaning.
Print Head Alignment in Windows
If colors mix or streaks appear in the nozzle check pattern, perform the print head alignment.
The print head alignment can be performed either automatically or manually.
If the automatic print head alignment does not resolve the problem, perform the print head alignment manually.

Your feedback is very important to us, please do not forget to rate my service for the site to continue helping everyone and improve on it.
I thank you for the opportunity to help and please do not hesitate in contacting me for any further questions…god bless

Clear all error messages from the printer. Disconnect the printer from the power source. Re-install printer.
See if this corrects the problem.

FYI: This was Canon's reply to me (for my MPS 390) and it worked !
Dear Doug:
Thank you for contacting Canon product support. We value you as a Canon customer and appreciate the opportunity to assist you. We regret that black ink does not print from your MP390.
The issue may be with the print head. The print head holds the ink tanks.
You can print a Nozzle Check Pattern to confirm whether the inks are being correctly ejected from the print head nozzles and whether the print head is correctly aligned. Please follow these steps to do so:
1. On the MultiPASS control panel, press [Additional Functions].
2. Press '<' (left) or '>' (right) arrow to select [MAINTENANCE].
3. Press Set. [NOZZLE CHECK] will appear.
4. Press Set again and a Nozzle Check Pattern will print. If lines are broken or white lines are present, clean the print head nozzles.
Verify if the black grid pattern prints at the top. If not, then the nozzles may be clogged.
Please follow these steps to perform a Print Head Refreshing for the
MP390:
1. On the MultiPASS control panel, press Additional Functions. '1. FAX SETTINGS' will appear on the bottom row of the display.
2. Press '<' (left arrow) or '>' (right arrow) to select '3.
MAINTENANCE.'
3. Press Set. 'Nozzle Check' will appear.
4. Press '>' the right arrow to select '3. HEAD REFRESHING' and then press Set. The print head cleaning takes approximately 1 to 2 minutes to complete.
5. Perform a Nozzle Check Pattern.
Nozzle Check Pattern:
Please follow these steps to print a Nozzle Check Pattern to confirm whether the inks are being correctly ejected from the print head nozzles and whether the print head is correctly aligned:
1. On the MultiPASS control panel, press Additional Functions. '1. FAX SETTINGS' will appear on the bottom row of the display.
2. Press '<' (left arrow) or '>' (right arrow) to select '3.
MAINTENANCE.'
3. Press Set. 'NOZZLE CHECK' will appear.
4. Press Set again and a nozzle check pattern will print.
5. Check the printout for broken, white lines and uniformity.
If the lines are broken, or white lines are present, clean the print head.
Please follow these steps to perform a Print Head Nozzle Cleaning:
1. On the MultiPASS control panel, press Additional Functions. '1. FAX SETTINGS' will appear on the bottom row of the display.
2. Press '<' (left arrow) or '>' (right arrow) arrow to select '3.
MAINTENANCE.'
3. Press Set. 'NOZZLE CHECK' will appear.
4. Press '>' the right arrow to select '2. CLEANING' and then press Set. The print head cleaning takes approximately 30 seconds to complete.
5. Print a Nozzle Check Pattern to see if the print quality is improved.
6. Perform Head Refreshing if lines are still broken or white lines still appear. If nozzle check pattern is missing colors, replace the ink tank.
Once you have completed two deep cleanings, please perform another Nozzle Test. If colors are still missing, turn off the printer.
After 24 hours, turn the printer on and perform one more Deep Print Head Cleaning. Once the cleaning is complete, print another Nozzle Test.
After you have completed the Nozzle Test, please let us know the results.
This may be caused by the ink jets in the cartridge print head (the device that holds the ink tanks) wearing out or the ink nozzles starting to clog up. Remove and reseat the print head. Verify that ink has not built up on the bottom of the print head. Please follow the instructions below to reseat the print head:
1. Power the unit on.
2. Open the cover of the printer to bring the print head holder to the center.
3. Remove the ink tanks and set them on a protective covering, such as a rag.
4. Raise the locking lever to release the print head.
5. Remove the print head and reinstall it.
6. Lock the lever back down, gently.
7. Replace the ink tanks. Make sure they securely snap into place in the proper slots.
8. Lower the cover of the unit.
If you have performed multiple print head cleanings but the issue continues, it is most likely that the cartridge print head (the device that holds the ink tanks) will need to be replaced.
If your MP390 is past the one year warranty period, Canon offers two options to assist you, Canon's Loyalty Program or repair at an Authorized Service Facility (ASF).
You are eligible for Canon's Loyalty Program. This option allows you a one-time opportunity to purchase a new printer that uses Canon's next generation of technology at a discounted price. To help you get up and running quickly, we also offer free next business day shipping (if the order is completed by 12:30PM).
If you would like to take part in this option, please reply back to us within the next 14 days.
Once we receive your reply, you will be registered for the Canon Loyalty Program and provided with a Discount Code. The Discount Code will be emailed to you separately along with further instructions on how to use the Canon Loyalty program.
Another option is to have an Authorized Service Facility repair your product, at standard market rates for parts and labor. Here is the closest Canon Authorized Service Facility to the Zip code you have
provided:
BUSINESS MACHINES
1823 UNIVERSITY AVENUE,
BERKELEY CA 94703
510-841-7100
Please call the ASF first to make arrangements to take the unit in for repair. Take the print head, ink tanks and power cable with you to the ASF. The ASF will need these items to perform proper troubleshooting.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide an estimated time it will take for the unit to be repaired. The speed at which the unit is repaired is based entirely on the ASF and their current work load.
We hope this information is helpful to you. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance with your MultiPASS MP390.
Thank you for choosing Canon.
Sincerely,
David
Technical Support Representative
Special Note: Certain issues are very difficult to resolve via email.
If your question remains unanswered after you have received this email, you may call our special toll-free number for email customers with unresolved issues and speak to a technician* by dialing 1-866-261-9362, Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (excluding holidays).
If you prefer to continue to communicate via email, reply to this message and we will respond as quickly as possible.
*Telephone support for products no longer covered under the manufacturer's warranty may require a $9.99 fee for support.

Print Head Cleaning / Head Refreshing If the printed nozzle check pattern is broken, missing, or a specific color is not printed, clean the print head. NOTE:
a. Cleaning the print head consumes a small amount of ink. Cleaning too often reduces the amount of ink in the ink tanks.
b. Print head cleaning is performed when you connect the power cord. Your machine may perform print head cleaning periodically to avoid clogging.

1. Press <COPY> or <PHOTO>.
   
   
2. Press <Menu> repeatedly until <USER DATA> appears.
   
   
3. Press < (left arrow) or > (right arrow) to select [MAINTENANCE].
   
   
   
   
4. Press <OK>.
   
   
5. Use < or > to select [CLEANING] or [HEAD REFRESHIN] as necessary.
   
   
   
   [CLEANING]: Performs normal print head cleaning.
   [HEAD REFRESHIN]: Performs deep print head cleaning.
   
   
6. Press <OK>.
   
   
   
   
7. Print a Nozzle Check Pattern to see if print quality improved.
   
1. Press <COPY> or <PHOTO>.
   
2. Press <Menu> repeatedly until <USER DATA> appears.
   
3. Press < (left arrow) or > (right arrow) to select [MAINTENANCE].
   
   
   
4. Press <OK>.
   
   
   
5. Press <OK> again.
   The machine prints a nozzle check pattern (A).
   
   
   
   
8. If broken or white lines appear in the pattern, perform two Head Refreshings (from steps 1 through 6) then print another Nozzle Check Pattern.
   
   
9. If print quality does not improve after two Head Refreshings, replace the appropriate ink tank.

Confirming The Nozzle Check Pattern
Broken lines
White lines
Click here to return to step x to perform Head Refreshings