Installing Your Inkjet Print Cartridge
- Please do not remove your cartridge from the protective wrapping until it's ready for use.
- The ink cartridge should be placed upright for at least 30 minutes prior to use. This will allow the ink to flow down to the print head and allow any oxygen bubbles to rise up and away from the print head.
- Remove the plastic strip from the cartridge.
- Install the print cartridge(s).
- Run the head cleaning cycle at least one time.
- Print a test page to make sure the print cartridge(s) are installed and functioning properly.
Epson, Brother, Xerox & Canon
Problem: The print quality is not very good?
Action:
- Run the head cleaning cycle 2-3 times.
- If this does not work, please see our Return Policy.
Problem: Print cartridge is not being recognized
Action:
- Please make sure that you have removed the plastic strip covering the cartridge vent holes.
- Remove the ink cartridge from the printer.
- Gently wipe cartridge print head and printer circuitry with a nonabrasive towel to ensure there is no debris.
- Power OFF the printer for 60 seconds.
- Power OFF the printer and re-install the ink cartridge(s).
- Run the head cleaning cycle.
- If this does not work, please see our Return Policy.
HP, Lexmark, Dell & Canon
Problem: Prints only White Page
Likely Cause
- Tape has not been removed from the print head.
- Air may be trapped inside the cartridge.
Action
- Ensure tape covering print head has been removed.
- Wrap the cartridge in an absorbent paper towel and shake lightly.
- If this does not work, see our Return Policy.
Problem: White Lines and Streaks
Likely Cause
- Printer contacts may be worn or dirty.
- Print head may be partially clogged.
Action
- Moisten a nonabrasive towel and gently wipe printer contacts. Avoid touching contacts with your fingers.
- Soak the print head in warm water for 5 minutes. Blot print head with a nonabrasive towel. Reinstall and use printer cleaning cycle.
- If this does not work, see our Return Policy.
Problem: Leaking Cartridge
Likely Cause
- Internal pressure is unbalanced.
Action
- Rest cartridge (print head down) on paper towel and allow excess ink to balance.
- If this does not work, see our Return Policy.
Problem: Color Mixing/Cross Contamination
Likely Cause
- One color bled into another.
Action
- Set cartridge (print head down) onto a folded, moistened paper towel for 5 minutes, then reinsert into printer.
- If this does not work, see our Return Policy.
Problem: Generally Poor Print Quality
Likely Cause
- Paper fiber and/or debris buildup in the cartridge carriage.
Action
- Refer to the printer user guide to run routine cleaning cycles. Recommend routine maintenance of the printer to maintain peak performance and prevent debris buildup.
- If this does not work, see our Return Policy.
Laser Printer Cartridge Troubleshooting
Dirty or Bad Primary Charge Roller (PCR)
Will appear as vertical gray streaks down the page, as a gray background throughout the page, or as ghosting where part of a previously printed area is repeated.
Dirty PCR Connection
Will show up as horizontal dark black bars across the page, or as shading throughout the page.
Scratched Drum
Appears as a very thin, perfectly straight line that runs from the top to the bottom of the page.
Chipped Drum
Will show as a dot or series of dots that repeat every 96mm.
Light-Damaged Drum
Will show up as a shaded area on the page that should be white. This will repeat every 96mm.
Worn-Out Drum
Will usually show up as shading on the right side of the page. It will usually start right from the edge of the page, and work in towards the center. The pattern will normally look like tire tracks.
Bad Wiper Blade
Will show as either a gray line approximately one-eight-inch thick or as shading across the entire page. In either case there will be a film of toner on the drum surface that matches the defect.
Bad Magnetic Roller Bushing
Shows when this round shaped bushing wears out, and grayscale pages and pages with heavy graphics will exhibit light and dark lines across the page.
