Canon printer PIXMA iP1700 User Manual

							Troubleshooting
47
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting usually falls into one of the following categories. In this chapter you will 
find the most common printing problems. Refer to the 
Users Guide for additional 
information on topics not covered in this section.
•Cannot Install the Printer Driver on page 48
•The USB Connection Does Not Work Properly on page 49
•Print Quality is Poor or Contains Errors on page 50
•Printer Does Not Start or Stops During Print Jobs on page 53
•Paper Does Not Feed Properly on page 54
•Paper Jams on page 55
•The ALARM Lamp Flashes on page 56
•An Error Message Appears on the Screen on page 58
When an Error Occurs
When an error occurs in printing pertaining to such problems as low ink or paper jams, a 
troubleshooting message is displayed automatically.
The message may vary depending on your operating system. 
						

							Troubleshooting
48
Cannot Install the Printer Driver
ProblemPossible CauseTr y This
Cannot Install the 
Printer DriverInstallation 
procedure not 
followed correctlyFollow the Easy Setup Instructions for proper printer driver installation.
If the printer driver was not installed correctly, delete the printer driver and restart 
your computer following the procedure described in the 
Printer Driver Guide.
Try to reinstall the printer driver.
If the installer was forcibly terminated due to an error, restart your computer to 
reinstall the printer driver.
Other applications 
running in the 
backgroundOther applications, such as anti-virus software, running in the background can 
interfere with the printer driver installation. Close all open applications before 
reinstalling the printer driver.
Installation does 
not start 
automatically when 
the CD-ROM is 
inserted into the 
drive
If printer driver installation did not start automatically when you inserted the CD-
ROM into the CD-ROM drive:
1. Click Start and select My Computer. 
2. Double-click the CD-ROM icon.
For non-Windows XP users, open the My Computer window and then double-click 
the CD-ROM icon.
Double-click the CD-ROM icon on your desktop to start installation.
Installation CD-ROM 
not working 
properlyEnsure that there are no problems with the 
Setup CD-ROM.
Use Windows Explorer to ensure that the CD-ROM can be read.
Ensure that the CD-ROM icon is displayed on the desktop.
If there is any problem with the CD-ROM, contact the Customer Care Center.
Unable to proceed 
beyond the Printer 
Connection Screen
If you cannot proceed beyond the Printer 
Connection screen;
1. Click Cancel.
2. When the Installation Failure screen 
appears, click Start Over.
3. Click Back on the Easy Install screen 
when it is displayed.
4. Click Exit and remove the CD-ROM.
5. Turn off the printer.
6. Restart the computer.
7. Carefully follow the procedures 
described in the 
Easy Setup Instructions 
and reinstall the printer driver. 
						

							Troubleshooting
49
The USB Connection Does Not Work Properly
ProblemPossible CauseTr y This
The Printer is not 
Recognized 
ProperlyYou connect to the 
computer through a 
USB hubConnect the printer directly to the computers USB port without going through the 
hub.
A USB expansion 
card may not be 
installed correctlyRead the manual supplied with the USB expansion card and reinstall the card.
The USB driver may 
not be installed 
correctlyThe computer does not recognize the printer properly. Reinstall the USB driver 
using the latest version of the driver. 
						

							Troubleshooting
50
Print Quality is Poor or Contains Errors
ProblemPossible CauseTr y This
Cannot Print to End 
of JobThe Page Size setting 
does not match the 
size of the paper 
loaded in the printerFirst, check the Page Size setting in the application.
Then, check the Page Size setting in the Page Setup tab of the printer driver for 
Windows or the Page Setup dialog box of the printer driver for Macintosh.
The size of the print 
data is too large
If the size of the data is too large, part of it may be lost. When the spool format 
is EMF, follow the procedure below.
1. Open the Printer Properties dialog box.
See Opening the Printer Properties Dialog Box Directly from the Start 
Menu on page 16.
2. On the Page Setup tab, click Print Options.
3. Select the Reduce spool data size check box and click OK.
When Reduce spool data size is selected, the print quality may be degraded.
Ink Does Not Eject 
Properly/Not 
Printed/Printing is 
Blurred/ Colors are 
Wrong/White 
Streaks Appear/
Printed Ruled Lines 
are MisalignedFINE Cartridge is not 
installed properly/
there is no ink leftRemove the FINE Cartridge, then reinstall it.
Small dusts may be stuck between the contact points. In this case, the print 
out result may be improved by reinstalling the FINE Cartridge.
Also, check that the Protective Tape is removed.
Print Head Nozzles are 
cloggedPrint the nozzle check pattern to ensure that ink is ejected properly.
See Printing the Nozzle Check Pattern on page 20.
If the ink is not ejected properly:
See Print Head Cleaning on page 25.
See Print Head Deep Cleaning on page 29.
Incorrect paper type
On the Main tab, ensure that the Media Type selected matches the media 
being used.
In the Print dialog box, select Quality & Media from the pop-up menu, and 
then ensure that the Media Type selected matches the media loaded. 
						

							Troubleshooting
51
Glossy photo paper 
other than Canon 
specialty media is 
usedSelect Other Photo Paper from Media Type, which may resolve the problem. 
Load one sheet at a time and remove each sheet as soon as it is printed.
Print Quality is not set 
properlyBe sure to set the Print Quality setting to High for Windows or Fine for 
Macintosh.
1. Open the Printer Properties dialog box.
See Opening the Printer Properties Dialog Box from your Application 
Program on page 16.
2. On the Main tab, click High for the Print Quality setting.
If you cannot select High or the problem is not solved, select Custom, click 
Set, and select the higher quality.
1. Open the Print dialog box.
You can generally select Print in the File menu from you application 
program.
2. In the Print dialog box, select Quality & Media from the pop-up menu, and 
then click Detailed Setting.
3. Drag the Print Quality slide bar towards the Fine side.
Media is not loaded 
with print-side upCheck that your paper is loaded with the correct print side facing up.
Consult Printing Media in the 
Users Guide for detailed instructions on how 
to load and use your media.
Printed Ruled Lines 
are MisalignedPrint Head is 
misalignedAlign the Print Head. See Aligning the Print Head on page 34.
Paper Thickness Lever 
position is not properSet the Paper Thickness Lever in suitable position for your media.
See Canon Specialty Media on page 10.
Print Quality is not set 
properlyBe sure to set the Print Quality setting to High for Windows or Fine for 
Macintosh.
On the Main tab, click High for the Print Quality setting.
1. In the Print dialog box, select Quality & Media from the pop-up menu, and 
then click Detailed Setting.
2. Drag the Print Quality slide bar to the Fine end.
Printed Paper Curls 
or has Ink BlotsPaper being used is 
too thinWe recommend that you use a photo paper such as Photo Paper Pro, when you 
print a photograph or dense colored picture that consumes large amount of 
ink.
See Using Specialty Media on page 9.
Incorrect paper type
On the Main tab, ensure that the Media Type selected matches the media 
being used.
In the Print dialog box, select Quality & Media from the pop-up menu, and 
then ensure that the Media Type selected matches the media being used.
Back of Paper is 
SmudgedInside of the printer is 
dirtyIf the inside of the printer is dirty, printed paper may become smudged. 
Periodically clean the inside of the printer.
See Cleaning the Inside of the Printer in the 
Users Guide.
Paper Feed Roller is 
dirtyClean the Paper Feed Roller.
See Paper Does Not Feed Properly on page 54.
ProblemPossible CauseTr y This 
						

							Troubleshooting
52
Printed Surface is 
ScratchedInappropriate type of 
paper is being usedCheck to see if the paper you are printing on is too thick or curled.
See Print Media to Avoid on page 4.
Note that smudging may occur at the top and bottom edges of paper when 
using Borderless Printing. Ensure that the paper you are using is compatible 
with Borderless Printing.
Paper is curled When all four corners are curled or the printing surface of the paper is curled, 
the paper may become dirty or the paper may not feed properly. Try using the 
paper after correcting the curl by taking the following actions.
(1) On the side to be printed
*1, place a sheet of regular paper exactly over it to 
avoid damaging the surface.
(2) Roll up the papers together in the direction opposite of the curl as shown in 
the figure below.
(3) Examine the paper which is to be used to print and see if the curl has been 
lessened to height within approximately 2 to 5 mm / 0.08 to 0.2 inches .
It is recommended that the curl-corrected paper not be stacked and be fed 
into the printer one sheet at a time.
Paper Thickness Lever 
position is not properSet the Paper Thickness Lever in suitable position for your media.
See Canon Specialty Media on page 10.
If the paper is scratched even when printing on plain paper (left), set the Paper 
Thickness Lever to the right.
Return the Paper Thickness Lever to the left after printing.
ProblemPossible CauseTr y This
(1) (2) 
*1 
*2
*1 
*2 
						

							Troubleshooting
53
Printer Does Not Start or Stops During Print Jobs
ProblemPossible CauseTr y This
Printer Does Not 
Start or Printer 
Stops During 
Print JobsPrinter cable is too 
longAvoid using USB cables longer than 16.4 feet.
Undesired print jobs 
are spooled/
Troubles in your 
computerRestart your computer. It may solve the problem.
Delete any undesired print jobs. Use Canon IJ Status Monitor in Windows or click 
the printers icon in the Dock in Macintosh for the deletion.
1. Open the Printer Properties dialog box.
See Opening the Printer Properties Dialog Box Directly from the Start Menu 
on page 16.
2. Click the Maintenance tab and then View Printer Status.
3. Click Display Print Queue.
4. Then select Cancel All Documents in the Printer menu.
When the confirmation message is displayed, click Ye s.
The print job is deleted.
1. Click the printers icon in the Dock and display the list of print jobs in progress.
If you are using Mac OS X v.10.2.8, click on the printer icon in the Dock to start 
up the Print Center and double-click on the name of your printer in the Printer 
List to open a list of print jobs in progress.
2. Select an undesired document and click  .
The print job is deleted.
Note In Windows Me or Windows 98
Click to select an undesired document and select Purge Print 
Documents in the Printer menu. 
						

							Troubleshooting
54
Paper Does Not Feed Properly
ProblemPossible CauseTr y This
Paper Does Not 
Feed ProperlyInappropriate type 
of paper is being 
used• Check to see if the paper you are printing on is too thick or curled.
See Print Media to Avoid on page 4.
• Check if the paper exceeds the load limit mark. If it exceeds, load less paper.
See Loading Plain Paper on page 6.
Paper Feed Roller is 
dirtyFollow the steps described below to clean the Paper Feed Rollers. Since the Paper 
Feed Roller cleaning exhausts the Paper Feed Roller, perform only when it is 
needed.
Three sheets of Letter size plain paper are required for the cleaning. Have them on 
hand.
1. Ensure that the printer is turned on, and remove papers loaded in the printer.
2. Open the Printer Properties dialog box.
See Opening the Printer Properties Dialog Box Directly from the Start Menu 
on page 16.
3. Click the Maintenance tab, then click Roller Cleaning.
The confirmation message is displayed.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
1. Ensure that the printer is turned on, and remove papers loaded in the printer.
2. Open the Canon IJ Printer Utility to ensure that Cleaning is displayed in the pull-
down menu.
3. Click Roller Cleaning.
The confirmation message is displayed.
Follow the on-screen instructions. 
						

							Troubleshooting
55
Paper Jams
ProblemPossible CauseTr y This
Paper Jams Paper jams in Paper 
Output Slot/Auto 
Sheet FeederRemove the paper according to the following procedure.
1. Slowly pull the paper out, either from the Auto Sheet Feeder or from the Paper 
Output Slot, whichever is easier.
• If the paper tears and a piece remains inside the printer, open the Front Cover 
and remove it.
After removing all paper, close the Front Cover.
• If you cannot pull the paper out, turn the printer off and turn it back on.
The paper will be ejected automatically.
2. Reload the paper into the printer and press the RESUME/CANCEL button.
If you cannot remove the paper or if the paper tears inside the printer or the paper 
jam error (See The ALARM Lamp Flashes on page 56) continues after removing 
the paper, contact the Customer Care Center.
Paper is loaded 
incorrectlyCheck to see if the paper is loaded correctly, and set the Paper Guide for the 
loaded paper correctly.
See Loading Paper on page 4.
CautionBe careful not to touch any components inside the printer. 
						

							Troubleshooting
56
The ALARM Lamp Flashes
When a printer error occurs, the ALARM lamp flashes after the POWER lamp was turned off 
and then on. The number of flashes indicates the type of error that has occurred. Count the 
flashes and then take appropriate action to correct the error.
Number of 
FlashesPossible CauseTr y This
Two Flashes Out of paper or 
paper feed errorReload paper and press the RESUME/CANCEL button.
Three Flashes Paper jam If a paper jam occurs, clear the jammed paper, reload paper in the printer, then 
press the RESUME/CANCEL button. See Paper Jams on page 55.
Four Flashes The ink may have 
run outInk has run out.   
Replace the FINE Cartridge, and close the Front Cover. If lines are misaligned or the 
resulting output is not satisfactory, carry out the Print Head Alignment.  
If printing is in progress and you want to continue printing, press the RESUME/
CANCEL button. Then printing can continue under the ink out condition with the 
FINE Cartridge installed. Replace the empty FINE Cartridge immediately after the 
printing. The resulting print quality is not satisfactory, if printing is continued 
under the ink out condition.
Five Flashes The FINE Cartridge 
cannot be 
recognizedPossible causes are as follows:
· The FINE Cartridge may not be installed properly.
· The FINE Cartridge may not be the compatible with this printer. 
Install the appropriate FINE Cartridge. If lines are misaligned or the resulting 
output is not satisfactory, carry out the Print Head Alignment. 
See Replacing a FINE Cartridge on page 39.
See Aligning the Print Head on page 34.
Seven Flashes The FINE Cartridge 
is not installed in 
the appropriate 
positionSome FINE Cartridges are not installed in place. 
Install the FINE Cartridges in the appropriate positions. 
See Replacing a FINE Cartridge on page 39.
Eight Flashes Ink absorber is 
almost fullInk used for cleaning is absorbed in a ink absorber inside the machine.
Press the RESUME/CANCEL button to dismiss the error message and continue 
printing. You can continue printing for a while, but once the ink absorber becomes 
completely full, you will not be able to print until the ink absorber is replaced.
Contact a Canon service representative as soon as possible to have this part 
replaced.
Fourteen Flashes The FINE Cartridge 
cannot be 
recognizedThe FINE Cartridge may not be the compatible with this printer. 
Install the appropriate FINE Cartridge. If lines are misaligned or the resulting 
output is not satisfactory, carry out the Print Head Alignment.
See Aligning the Print Head on page 34.
Fifteen Flashes The FINE Cartridge 
cannot be 
recognizedPossible causes are as follows:
· The FINE Cartridge may not be installed properly.
· The FINE Cartridge may not be the compatible with this printer. 
Install the appropriate FINE Cartridge. If lines are misaligned or the resulting 
output is not satisfactory, carry out the Print Head Alignment. 
See Replacing a FINE Cartridge on page 39.
See Aligning the Print Head on page 34.
POWER Lamp
ALARM LampLights longer than ALARM Lamp
Notes the number of flashes
Lights longer than ALARM Lamp
ALARM Lamp flashes ALARM Lamp flashes
Repeats