How do I clean Print heads - Canon PIXMA MX340 Wireless Office All-in-One InkJet Printer

Cleaning the Print Head

Using the Head Cleaning utility
Using the control panel buttons

If you find that the printout is unexpectedly faint or some dots are missing, you may be able to solve these problems by cleaning the print head, which ensures that the nozzles are delivering ink properly.

You can clean the print head from your computer using the Head Cleaning utility in the printer software or from this product itself by using the control panel buttons.

Note:

• Print head cleaning uses both color and black inks. To avoid wasting ink, clean the print head only if the copy quality drops (for example, blurred printout, incorrect or missing color.)

• Use the nozzle check first to confirm that the print head needs to be cleaned. This saves ink.

• When the Error light is on and a message appears on the LCD panel to prompt you to replace the ink cartridge or to indicate the ink is low, you cannot clean the print head. In this case, replace the appropriate ink cartridge first.

Using the Head Cleaning utility

Refer to the appropriate section below to use the Head Cleaning utility.

For Windows

Follow the steps below to clean the print head using the Head Cleaning utility.

Make sure that A4 or Letter size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.

Make sure that this product is on and the ! Error light is off.

Access the printer software.Accessing the Printer Software for Windows

Click the Maintenance tab, then click the Head Cleaning button.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

Head cleaning... appears on the LCD panel while this product performs the cleaning cycle.

Caution:Never turn off this product while Head cleaning... appears on the LCD panel. Doing so may damage this product.

When Head cleaning... disappears from the LCD panel, click Print Nozzle Check Pattern in the Head Cleaning dialog box to confirm that the print head is clean.

Good: print head does not need to be cleaned yet.

Not Good: print head needs to be cleaned.

If the nozzle check page does not print satisfactorily, you may need to repeat the head cleaning and print the nozzle check pattern again. See Cleaning the Print Head.

Note:

• If the copy quality has not improved after repeating this procedure four or five times, turn this product off and leave it alone overnight. Then, perform the nozzle check again and repeat the head cleaning if necessary.

• If the copy quality still has not improved, one or both of your ink cartridges may be old or damaged and may need to be replaced. To replace an ink cartridge before it is empty, see Replacing an Ink Cartridge. If the copy quality remains a problem after replacing the ink cartridges, contact your dealer.

• To maintain good copy quality, we recommend copying a few pages at least once every month.

Use the printer's utility program to self-clean the printer. This process may need to be repeated as many as 5 to 10 times. Often this will resolve the problem.

Turn the printer off, preferably overnight, if the self-cleaning utility has not worked. The ink may need to soften before the self-cleaning utility will be successful. Turn the printer on and try the self-cleaning utility again several times.

Determine from the owner's manual where the print head is located. Epson printers, for example, are usually in the printer. Many other brands place the print head in the cartridge.

Remove the cartridge. For models where the print head is in the printer, drop seven to 10 drops of isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) down the ink receptacle area. This is the hole where the ink flows into the head from the cartridge. Run a few self-cleaning utilities. If necessary, allow to sit a few hours or overnight and repeat the self-cleaning utility.

Soak the cartridge print head in hot water if the print head is in the cartridge. Allow to soak overnight. Dry the print head area with a paper towel. Repeat the self-cleaning utility.

Place the cartridge print head in isopropyl alcohol if the hot water soak did not unclog the print head. Leave the print head covered in alcohol overnight. Use a damp paper towel to wipe off the print head area. Dry carefully. Try the self-cleaning utility again.

Purchase a new cartridge if the alcohol soak did not unclog the print head in the cartridge. This will provide new print heads that won't be clogged. Contact a service technician for repair of print heads in the printer if the alcohol did not unclog the print head.

Performing Maintenance:




Note :
Be sure to install the ink tanks in the correct order indicated by the label on the Print Head Holder. The machine will not print if an ink tank is installed in the incorrect position.
Step 1
Printing the Nozzle Check Pattern.




If lines are missing or if white streaks appear


Step 2
Print Head Cleaning.

If the problem is not resolved after performing Print Head Cleaning twice


After cleaning the Print Head, print and examine the nozzle check pattern (Step 1) again.


Step 3
Print Head Deep Cleaning.



If Print Head Deep Cleaning does not resolve the problem, turn off the machine and perform another Print Head Deep Cleaning after 24 hours. If the problem is still not resolved and if you are sure that the ink didn't run out, then the Print Head may be damaged. Contact your Canon service representative.

Hope this helps.
All the best.

You said you just replaced the ink jets. Did you clean the print heads? Here is Link on Web. If you find this helpful pls rate me. Thanks
http://www.brother-usa.com/ModelDocuments/Consumer/Users%20Manual/UM_MFC_210C_420CN_EN_286.PDF

How to improve print quality
Cleaning the print head
To ensure good print quality, the MFC will regularly clean the print
head. You can start the cleaning process manually if needed.
Clean the print head and ink cartridges if you get a horizontal line in
the text or graphics on your printed pages. You can clean Black only
or three colors at a time (Cyan/Yellow/Magenta), or all four colors at
once.
Cleaning the print head consumes ink. Cleaning too often uses ink
unnecessarily.
Caution
Do NOT touch the print head. Touching the print head may cause
permanent damage and may void the print head’s warranty.
1 Press Ink.
2 Press ▲ or ▼ to select Cleaning.
Press Menu/Set.
3 Press ▲ or ▼ to select Black, Color or All.
Press Menu/Set.
The MFC will clean the print head. When cleaning is finished,
the MFC will go back to standby mode automatically.
If you clean the print head at least five times and the print has
not improved, call Brother Customer Service (see Brother
numbers on page i).

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 there,
When Printing Becomes Faint or Color are Incorrect, the Print Head Nozzles are probably clogged.
Follow the procedure below to clean the nozzles.
Step 1 : Printing the Nozzle Check Pattern.
Print the Nozzle Check pattern to determine whether the ink ejects properly from the Print Head Nozzles.
a) Using RESUME/CANCEL button.
I) Ensure that the printer is turned on, and then load a sheet of Letter Paper.
ii) Hold down the RESUME/CANCEL button until the POWER lamp flashes twice, and then release it immediately.

b) Windows
i) With the printer on, load a sheet of Letter-sized plain paper in the printer.
ii) Open the Printer Properties.
iii) Print the Nozzle Check Pattern.
Click the Maintenance Option from the Menu.Then click Nozzle Check from the pop-up menu. Then click Print Check Pattern.
iv) When the confirmation message is displayed, click OK.
v) Confirm the nozzle check pattern.

Examine the Print Nozzle.

Step 2 : Cleaning the Print Head.
a) Cleaning the Print head using RESUME/CANCEL button.
i) Ensure that the printer is on.
ii) Hold down the RESUME/CANCEL button until the POWER lamop flashes once, and then release it.
b) If you pressed the Cleaning button on the Examining the Nozzle.
Check Pattern screen displayed after the nozzle check patter was printed, start the Print Head cleaning procedure.
i) Ensure tha that the printer is on.
ii) Open the Printer Properties dialog box.
3) Start Print Head Cleaning,
- Click the Maintenance tab.
- Click Cleaning.
- Select the Print Head to be cleaned, and then click Execute.
iv) When the confirmation message is displayed, click OK.
Print Head cleaning starts when the POWER lamp starts blinking,
Important : Do not start any other operations until the Print Head Cleaning finishes. This takes about 60 seconds.
4) Check the Print Head condition.
i) Click the Print Check Pattern in the nozzle Check dialog appeared after cleaning are done. When the confirmation message is displayed, click OK. A nozzle pattern will be printed. Do not perform any operation until printing is completed.
ii) Observe the printed nozzle check pattern to check the Print Head condition.
iii) If the problem persists after you perforned Print Head normal cleaning 3 times, execute Print Head deep cleaning.

Step 4 : Print Head Deep Cleaning.
If print quality does not improve by standard Print Head cleaning, try Print Head deep cleaning, which is a more powerful process and comsumes more ink.

1) Ensure that the printer is turned on.
2) Open the Printer properties dialog box.
3) Start Print Head Deep Cleaning.
i) Click the Maintenance tab.
ii) Click Deep Cleaning.
iii) Select the Print Head to be cleaned, and then click Execute.
iv) When confirmation message is displayed, click OK. Print Head deep cleaning starts when the POWER lamp starts blinking,
Important : Do not perform any other operations until the Print Head deep cleaning is completed ( about 2-3 minutes).
4) Check the Print Head condition
i) Print a nozzle check pattern to check the Print Head condition.
ii) If the problem persists, perform step 3 again.
iii) If the problem persists, the printer may have run out of ink.
Replace the ink tank.
iv) If the problem persists, the Printer Head may be damaged. Contact your dealer or Canon Customer Care Center.

Hope this helps.
Have a good day.

Cleaning your head might resolve your problem. Perform the below steps to clean the head:

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 (Cleaning) or print head deep cleaning (Deep Cleaning). Note:

1. Cleaning the print head consumes a small amount of ink. Cleaning too often reduces the amount of ink in the ink tanks.
   
   
2. Print head cleaning is performed when you connect the power cord. Your machine may perform print head cleaning periodically to avoid clogging.
   

Overview:
Step1:
Print the Nozzle Check Pattern.
To check whether the print head nozzles are clogged, print the Nozzle Check Pattern.
If the print quality is poor, perform print head cleaning.
Step 2:
Perform print head cleaning.
This unclogs the print head nozzles
Print the Nozzle Check Pattern again.
To check whether the print head nozzles are clogged, print the Nozzle Check Pattern.
If the print quality is still poor, perform two print head cleanings.
Print the Nozzle Check Pattern again.
Step 3:
Perform deep print head cleaning.
This is a more powerful cleaning.

Displaying the Maintenance screen

1. Ensure that the printer is powered on.
   
   
2. Press the <Menu> button.
   
   
3. Press the left or right cursor to select [Maintenance/settings], then press <OK>.
   
   
4. Press the left or right cursor to select [Maintenance], then press <OK>.
   

Print Nozzle Check Pattern

1. Press the Open button to open the output tray.
   
   
   
   
2. Load letter-sized plain paper in the auto sheet feeder (ASF) or the cassette.
   
   
3. Display the Maintenance screen on the printer.
   
   
4. Press the up or down cursor to select [Nozzle check], then press the <OK>.
   
   
   
   
5. Press the up or down cursor to select [Yes], then press <OK>. (The nozzle check pattern is printed.)
   
   
6. Confirm the nozzle check pattern.
   

< 1 > The normal nozzle check pattern
< 2 > The abnormal nozzle check pattern
< 3 > Some black ink lines are broken.
< 4 > White lines are present in the color ink pattern.
< 5 > Both black and color inks are not present.

Note:

1. When all patterns are printed normally, press the up / down cursor button to select "All A" and press the OK button.
   
   
2. When any patterns are printed abnormally, press the up / down cursor button to select "Also B" and press the OK button.
   

Print Head Cleaning:

1. Display the Maintenance screen on the printer.
   
   
2. Press the up or down cursor to select [Cleaning], then press <OK>.
   
   
   
   
3. Press the up or down cursor to select [Yes], then press <OK> to start print head cleaning.
   
   Note:
   Do not do any other operations until print head cleaning is completed.
   
   
   
4. Print the nozzle check pattern and check the print head status.
   

Deep (Print Head) cleaning:

1. Display the Maintenance screen.
   
   
2. Press the up or down cursor to select [Deep cleaning], then press <OK>.
   
   
   
   
3. Press the up or down cursor to select [Yes], then press <OK> to start print head deep cleaning.
   
   Note:
   Do not do any other operations until print head deep cleaning is completed.
   
   
   
4. Print the nozzle check pattern and check the print head status.
   
   Note:
   If the printed result does not improve even after doing print head deep cleaning, turn off the printer. Then, after 24 hours or later, do print head deep cleaning again. (After a given time interval, ink could dissolve itself, resulting in ink unclogging.)
   

I hope this information allows you to resolve this issue. If you need further assistance, please post back with a comment to this thread.
If I've managed to answer your question or solve a problem, please take just a moment to rate this post....thanks!

Cleaning the print head
To ensure good print quality, the MFC will regularly clean the print
head. You can start the cleaning process manually if needed.
Clean the print head and ink cartridges if you get a horizontal line in
the text or graphics on your printed pages. You can clean Black only
or three colors at a time (Cyan/Yellow/Magenta), or all four colors at
once.
Cleaning the print head consumes ink. Cleaning too often uses ink
unnecessarily.
Caution
Do NOT touch the print head. Touching the print head may cause
permanent damage and may void the print head’s warranty.
1 Press Ink.
2 Press ▲ or ▼ to select Cleaning.
Press Menu/Set.
3 Press ▲ or ▼ to select Black, Color or All.
Press Menu/Set.
The MFC will clean the print head. When cleaning is finished,
the MFC will go back to standby mode automatically.
If you clean the print head at least five times and the print has
not improved, call Brother Customer Service

Hope that helps,

Take Care,

Michael

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