FAQs > Troubleshooting Inkjet Printer Problems

Troubleshooting Inkjet Printer Problems

We all have problems with our inkjet printers from time to time which can be frustrating, especially if you have an urgent deadline and need your printout straight away. Below we have compiled some of the most common ways to fix any problems that arise.

• Your printer should have some diagnostic tools and indicator lights to let you know if they have a problem. Your manual should tell you what the various lights mean. You should also be able to print a test page which will help you diagnose any problems like smudging or misalignment.

• Try the oldest trick in the IT handbook – Turn it off and on again. It may seem obvious but many problems can be fixed by simply re-starting your machine.

• Cancel print job: This can be done via the tray icons where you should see an image of a printer or through windows control panel under Printers and Faxes. Choose your printer and right click on the printer job, then select Cancel Printing.

• If your prints have horizontal lines, white spots or are lighter than usual it could be a sign that your print head is clogged, this is typical if you haven’t used your printer for a while. The problem should be solved by cleaning the print head; this is easily done via your printers utility tools and should only take a few minutes, repeat if necessary.

• If vertical lines are out of sync or jagged this mean that your print head is out of alignment. This can happen over time with use. You should be able to recalibrate the print head alignment within the printer utility tools. It will print various lines onto a page and you then choose the result which looks the best to re-set the print head.

• If colours are missing or faded it may be a sign that your colour inkjet cartridge is running low. Colours can start to show signs of failing even before you are prompted to replace by your printer. Replacing the cartridges should fix this issue.

• If you have recently changed your colour cartridges or are sure they have ink in and still get the missing colours it may be a sign that you have a clogged nozzle. This is fixed by cleaning the print head. Also if your cartridge has been sat in the machine for a long time unused you can get the same effect – if cleaning the print head has no effect you may need to replace the ink cartridge.

• Check the inside of your printer for dirt, dust, hair or bits of paper. These can all jam your printer and cause it to stop working. Use a can of compressed air to clean it out or tweezers however take care not to damage internal components.

• Just like a PC your printer needs the latest updates to work. On a printer these are called drivers. If you are having problems with your PC recognizing your printer or communicating with it, it may be that you need the latest printer driver. These are available as free downloads from your manufacturers website.

• Never let your printer run without a print cartridge installed, if you accidentally do, switch off and install your cartridge then try re-starting.

• If your printer is getting used extensively you should be cleaning the print head on a regular basis to prevent build up and keeps it working properly.

• Don’t let printers stand for long periods of time without use. Like open tins of paint the ink in your cartridges can dry up. If you haven’t used your printer in six months you should replace the ink cartridges.