Canon Pixma Mp520 Quick Start Guide

47 Routine Maintenance
5Install the ink tank.
(1)Insert the front end of the ink tank into the Print 
Head.
(G) Make sure the position of the tank matches 
the label.
(2)Press on the   mark on the ink tank until the 
ink tank snaps firmly into place.
(3)Make sure that the ink lamp lights up red.
6Lift the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) slightly to set the Scanning Unit Support back 
to its original position, and then gently close the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover).
Important
Install all the ink tanks to...

48Routine Maintenance
Caution
When you set the Scanning Unit Support back to its original position, hold the Scanning Unit 
(Printer Cover) firmly using both hands, and be careful not to get your fingers caught.
NotezIf the error message is still displayed after the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) is closed, see “An 
Error Message Is Displayed on the LCD” on page 68.
z When you start printing after replacing the ink tank, Print Head Cleaning is performed 
automatically. Do not start another operation...

49
Routine Maintenance
Keeping the Best Printing Results
To avoid drying of the Print Head and cl ogging of the nozzles, note the following.
„When You Turn Off the Machine
Follow the procedure below to turn off the machine.
(1) Press the  ON/OFF button to turn off the machine.
(2) Confirm that the  Power lamp has gone out.
This takes a few seconds or  as long as around 30 seconds.
(3) Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
If you are using a power outlet strip, you can switch it off instead.
When...

50Routine Maintenance
When Printing Becomes Fain t or Colors Are Incorrect
When printing becomes faint or colors are incorrect  even if ink remains in the ink tanks, the print 
head nozzles are probably clogged. Print the nozzle c heck pattern to confirm the condition of the 
nozzles and then perform Print Head Cleaning.
If print results are not satisfactory, performing Print Head Alignment may improve print quality.
z If the Ruled Lines Are Shifted
Note
Before performing maintenance
zOpen the Scanning...

51
Routine Maintenance
Printing the Nozzle Check Pattern
Print the nozzle check pattern to determine whet her the ink ejects properly from the print head 
nozzles.
1Make sure that the machine is turned on, open the Front Tray, and extend the 
Output Paper Support.
2Load a sheet of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper in the Rear Tray or Front Tray.
3Press the  Paper Feed Switch  to select the paper source where you have loaded 
paper.
4Print the nozzle check pattern.
(1) Press the  HOME button.
The  HOME...

52Routine Maintenance
Examining the Nozzle Check Pattern
Examine the nozzle check pattern,  and perform cleaning if necessary.
1Check the nozzle check pattern you printed.
(1)Check if lines in this pattern are missing.
(A) Good
(B) Lines are missing
(2) Check if there are white streaks in this pattern.
(C) Good
(D) White streaks present
Note
If the ink level is low, the nozzle check pattern is not printed correctly. Replace the relevant ink tank.
See “Replacing an Ink Tank” on page 43.
(2)
(1)
(A) (B)...

53
Routine Maintenance
2The confirmation screens for white streaks and missing lines are displayed 
alternately. Select the pattern that is closer to the nozzle check pattern that you 
printed.
z If There Are No Missing Lines and No White Streaks
(1) Select  All A and press the  OK button.
The LCD returns to the Maintenance screen.
z If Lines Are Missing or White Streaks Are Present
(1) Select  Also B  and press the  OK button.
The cleaning confirmati on screen is displayed.
(2) Select  Ye s and press...

54Routine Maintenance
Print Head Cleaning
Clean the Print Head if lines are missing or if  white streaks appear in the printed nozzle check 
pattern. Cleaning unclogs the nozzle s and restores the print head condition. Note that cleaning the 
Print Head causes used ink to be absorbed in t he ink absorber. Cleaning the Print Head consumes 
ink, so perform Print Head Cleaning only when necessary.
1Make sure that the machine is turned on, open the Front Tray, and extend the 
Output Paper Support.
2Load a...

55
Routine Maintenance
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. Note that cl eaning the Print Head causes used ink to be absorbed 
in the ink absorber. Print Head Deep Cleaning consumes more ink than standard Print Head 
Cleaning, so perform this procedure only when necessary.
1Make sure that the machine is turned on, open the Front Tray, and extend the 
Output Paper Support.
2Load a...

56Routine Maintenance
Aligning the Print Head
If ruled lines are printed misaligned or print results are otherwise unsatisfactory, adjust the print head 
position.
1Make sure that the machine is turned on, open the Front Tray, and extend the 
Output Paper Support.
2Load two sheets of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper in the Rear Tray or Front Tray.
3Press the Paper Feed Switch to select the paper source where you have loaded 
paper.
4Print the print head alignment pattern.
(1)Press the HOME button.
The HOME...