Canon printer PIXMA MX310 User Manual

							67
Routine Maintenance
z With the Computer Screen
You can confirm the status of each FINE Cartri dge on the printer status monitor (Windows) and 
Canon IJ Printer Utility (Macintosh).
(A) Confirm whether any sy mbols are displayed here.The function for detecting the remaining ink 
level is disabled.
The statuses of a Color and Black FINE 
Cartridges may not be the same.
This message is displayed on the following 
occasions. We recommend that you replace 
the FINE Cartridge promptly.
zInk is low while printing in fax mode
zInk is low while receiving a fax in fax mode 
(the received fax is stored in memory.)
Note
If you select 
ON for  PRINT WHEN NO INK , you 
can set this message not to be displayed. For 
details, refer to “AUTO PRINT RX” in “FAX 
SETTINGS” of the  User’s Guide on-screen 
manual.
Ink is low. You can continue printing for  a while, but we recommend you to have a 
new FINE Cartridge available.
Ink has run out. See “CHECK INK U163” in “An Error Message Is Displayed on 
the LCD” on page 78 and take appropriate action.
Ink may have run out. See “CHECK INK U 162” in “An Error Message Is Displayed 
on the LCD” on page 78 and take appropriate action.
The function for detecting the re maining ink level is disabled.
BLKINKVOLUNKNOWN
COLINKVOLUNKNOWN
RECOMMENDNEWB-CRT
RECOMMENDNEWC-CRT
(A) 
						

							68Routine Maintenance
Follow the procedure below to open each of the confirmation screens.
1Open the printer properties dialog box.
Refer to “Opening the Printer Properties Dialog  Box Directly from Control Panel” in “Opening 
the Printer Properties Dialog Box (Windows)” of the  User’s Guide on-screen manual.
2Click View Printer Status  on the Maintenance  sheet.
To confirm the FINE Cartridge information, click the  Ink Details menu.
1Open the Canon IJ Printer Utility.
Refer to “Opening the Canon IJ Printer Utility (Macintosh)” in the  User’s Guide on-screen 
manual.
2Select  Ink Level Information  in the pop-up menu.
To confirm the FINE Cartridge information, click  Ink Details.
Note
You can also display the printer status monitor by clicking  Canon XXX Printer (where “XXX” is 
your machine’s name) which appears on the taskbar during printing.
Note
If you have pressed the  Stop/Reset button for at least 5 seconds when “ CHECK INK”, “BLK INK 
VOL UNKNOWN ”, or “COL INK VOL UNKNOWN ” appears on the LCD, note the following.
z When ink runs out, printouts will become faint or blank printouts will be printed.
z When receiving faxes, the machine will not store it in its memory even if the ink level becomes low 
or run out. 
						

							69 Routine Maintenance
„Replacing FINE Cartridges
When FINE Cartridges run out of ink, replace them using the following steps.
1Make sure that the machine is turned on, lift 
the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) with both 
hands, then pull the Scanning Unit Support 
(A) down into place.
The FINE Cartridge Holder moves to the left.
Important
Handling FINE Cartridges
zDo not touch the electrical contacts or Print Head Nozzles on a FINE Cartridge. The machine 
may not print out properly if you touch it.
(A) Electrical Contacts
(B) Print Head Nozzles
zTo maintain optimal printing quality, we recommend the use of specified Canon brand FINE 
Cartridges.
Refilling ink is not recommended.
zOnce you remove a FINE Cartridge, replace it immediately. Do not leave the machine with FINE 
Cartridges removed.
zReplace empty cartridges with new ones. If you insert FINE Cartridges that has been removed 
once, the machine may not print out properly due to some reasons such as clogging of the 
nozzles.
Furthermore, with such cartridges, the Low Ink Warning may not be displayed properly.
zOnce a FINE Cartridge has been installed, do not remove it from the machine and leave it out in 
the open. This will cause the FINE Cartridge to dry out, and the machine may not operate 
properly when it is reinstalled. To maintain optimal printing quality, use a FINE Cartridge within 
six months of first use.
NotezIf a FINE Cartridge runs out of ink, you can print with either Color or Black FINE Cartridge, in 
whichever ink remains, only for a while. However the print quality may be reduced compared to 
when printing with both cartridges. Canon recommends to use new FINE cartridges in order to 
obtain optimum qualities.
Even when printing with one ink only, print with leaving the empty FINE Cartridge installed. If 
either of the Color FINE Cartridge or Black FINE Cartridge is not installed, an error occurs and 
the machine cannot print.
For information on how to configure this setting, refer to the PC Printing Guide on-screen 
manual.
zColor ink may be consumed even when printing a black-and-white document or when black-and 
white printing is specified.
Color ink is also consumed in Print Head Cleaning and Print Head Deep Cleaning, which may 
be necessary to maintain the machine’s performance.
(A)
(B)
(A) 
						

							70Routine Maintenance
2Remove the empty FINE Cartridge.
(1)Push down the FINE Cartridge.
(2)Remove the FINE Cartridge.
3Prepare the replacement FINE cartridge.
(1)Unpack a new FINE Cartridge and remove the 
orange protective tape (A) gently.
CautionzDo not hold the FINE Cartridge Holder to stop or move it.
zDo not touch the metallic parts inside the machine.
Important
If the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) is left open for more than 10 minutes, the FINE Cartridge 
Holder moves to the right. Close and reopen the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) to return the holder 
to the left.
Important
zHandle FINE Cartridges carefully to avoid staining 
clothing or the surrounding area.
zDiscard empty FINE Cartridges according to the 
local laws and regulations regarding disposal of 
consumables.
Important
zHandle FINE Cartridges carefully to avoid staining 
your clothes or surrounding work area.
zDo not reattach the protective tape once you have 
removed it. Discard it according to the local laws 
and regulations regarding disposal of consumables.
zDo not touch the electrical contacts or Print Head 
Nozzles on a FINE Cartridge. The machine may not 
print out properly if you touch it.
zBe careful not to stain your clothes and hands with 
ink on the removed protective tape.
(1)
(2)
(A) 
						

							71
Routine Maintenance
4Install the FINE Cartridge.
(1) Insert a new FINE Cartridge all the way into 
the appropriate slot.
The Black FINE Cartridge should be installed 
into the left slot ( ) and the Color FINE 
Cartridge should be into the right slot ( ).
(2) Push up the FINE Cartridge until it clicks into 
place.
5Lift 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
The machine cannot be used unless both the FINE 
Cartridges are installed.
Caution
Be sure to hold the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) firmly, and be careful not to get your fingers 
caught.
Note
zIf 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 78.
z When you start printing after replacing the FINE Cartridge, Print Head Cleaning is performed 
automatically. Do not perform any other operations until Print Head Cleaning finishes.
z If the straight line is misaligned or the Print Head position is misaligned, align the Print Head 
position.
See “Aligning the Print Head” on page 64.
BC
(2)
(1)
BC 
						

							72Routine 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 you press the  ON/OFF button to turn off the machine, the machine automatically puts a 
protective cap on the Print Head to prevent the ink from drying. If you remove the power cord or 
switch off the power outlet strip before the  Power lamp goes out, this capping will not be done 
properly, causing the Print Head to dry and clog.
„ When You Are Not Using the Machine for a Long Time
When you are not using the machine for a long time , print or copy in both black & white and in 
color, or perform Print Head Cleaning, about once a month to prevent degradation of the Print 
Head.
Numerous nozzles are installed in the Print  Head for high-precision printing. Just as the 
uncapped tip of a ballpoint pen or marker becomes  dry and unusable if it is not used for a long 
period of time, the print head nozzles become bl ocked by dried ink. Periodically printing or 
cleaning the Print Head can prevent this blockage.
Note
z Ink may blur depending on the paper in the following cases:
– Printed area is traced with a highlight pen or paint-stick, or
– Printed area is stained with water or sweat.
z If the print head nozzles get clogged, printouts will become faint or particular colors will not be printed 
properly. For details, see “When Printing Becomes Faint or Colors Are Incorrect” on page 59. 
						

							73 Routine Maintenance
Cleaning Your Machine
This section describes the cleaning procedure that is needed to maintain your machine.
„Cleaning the Exterior of the Machine
Be sure to use a soft cloth such as eyeglasses cleaning cloth and wipe off dirt on the surface 
with it gently. Smooth out wrinkles on the cloth if necessary before cleaning.
„Cleaning the Platen Glass and Document Cover
With a clean, soft, lint-free cloth, wipe the Platen Glass (D), the inner side of the Document 
Cover (white sheet) (C), the glass of the ADF (A), and the inner side of the ADF (white area) (B) 
gently. Make sure not to leave any residue, especially on the Platen Glass.
Caution
zDo not use tissue paper, paper towels, or similar materials for cleaning. Paper tissue powders or fine 
threads may remain inside the machine and cause problems such as a blocked Print Head and poor 
printing results. Use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the components.
zNever use volatile liquids such as thinners, benzene, acetone, or any other chemical cleaner to clean 
the machine, as this may cause a malfunction or damage the machine’s surface.
Caution
Be sure to turn off the power and disconnect the power cord before cleaning the machine.
ImportantzWhen cleaning the exterior of the machine, do not use tissue paper, rough-textured cloth, or 
similar materials, as this may scratch the surface. 
zNever use neutral detergent or volatile liquids such as thinners, benzene, acetone, or any other 
chemical cleaner, as this may damage the surface.
Caution
Be sure to turn off the power and disconnect the power cord before cleaning the machine.
Important
zThe inner side of the Document Cover (white sheet) (C) is easily damaged, so wipe it gently.
zIf the glass of the ADF (A) is stained with ink, correction fluid, or the like, black streaks may 
appear on the printed paper when the document is loaded in the ADF. With a clean, soft, lint-
free cloth, wipe the glass of the ADF.
(B)
(A)
(C)
(D) 
						

							74Routine Maintenance
„Cleaning the ADF
1Open the Document Tray.
2Open the Feeder Cover.
3With a soft, clean, lint-free and dry cloth, wipe 
off any paper dust from the inside of the 
Feeder Cover (A).
4After wiping, close the Feeder Cover by 
pushing it until it clicks into place.
5Close the Document Tray.
6Reconnect the power cord then turn on the 
machine.
„Cleaning the Paper Feed Roller (Roller Cleaning)
Clean the paper feed roller if paper is not fed properly. Cleaning the paper feed roller will wear 
the roller, so perform this only when necessary.
1Make sure that the machine is turned on, and then remove any paper from the 
Rear Tray.
2Open the Paper Output Tray.
(1)Put your finger in the rounded indent beside the Paper Output Tray and open it gently.
(2)Open up and set the Output Tray Extension completely by pressing down the hollow on 
its front side.
Caution
Be sure to turn off the power and disconnect the power cord before cleaning the machine.
(A) 
						

							75 Routine Maintenance
3Clean the paper feed roller.
(1)Press the Menu button repeatedly until MAINTENANCE appears.
(2)Press the [ or ] button to select ROLLER CLEANING, then press the OK button.
The paper feed roller will rotate as it is cleaned.
4Repeat step 3 twice.
5Make sure that the paper feed roller stops rotating, then load three or more sheets 
of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper in portrait orientation in the Rear Tray.
Set the Paper Thickness Lever to the left. For details on the Paper Thickness Lever, refer to 
“Inside” in “Main Components” of the User’s Guide on-screen manual.
6Repeat step 3 three times.
The paper cleans the paper feed roller as it feeds through the machine.
If the problem is not resolved, wipe the paper feed roller (A) located on the right side inside the 
Rear Tray with a moistened cotton swab or the like. Rotate the roller (A) manually as you clean 
it. Do not touch the roller with your fingers; rotate it with the cotton swab. If this does not solve 
the problem, contact your Canon service representative.
„Cleaning the Inside of the Machine (Bottom Plate Cleaning)
This section describes how to clean the inside of the machine. If the inside of the machine 
becomes dirty, printed paper may get dirty, so we recommend performing cleaning regularly.
1Make sure that the machine is turned on, and then remove any paper from the 
Rear Tray.
2Open the Paper Output Tray.
(1)Put your finger in the rounded indent beside the Paper Output Tray and open it gently.
(2)Open up and set the Output Tray Extension completely by pressing down the hollow on 
its front side.
3Fold a single sheet of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper in half widthwise, and then 
unfold the paper. 
Important
Do not perform any other operation while the bottom plate is being cleaned.
(A) 
						

							76Routine Maintenance
4Load this and only this sheet of paper in the 
Rear Tray with the open side to the front.
Set the Paper Thickness Lever to the left. For 
details on the Paper Thickness Lever, refer to 
“Inside” in “Main Components” of the  User’s Guide 
on-screen manual.
5Perform bottom plate cleaning.
(1) Press the  Menu button repeatedly until 
MAINTENANCE  appears.
(2) Press the  [ or  ] button to select  BOTTOM 
CLEANING , then press the  OK button.
The paper cleans the inside of the machine as 
it feeds through the machine.
Check the folded part of the ejected paper. If it is smudged with ink, perform Bottom Plate 
Cleaning again.
If the problem is not resolved after performi ng Bottom Plate Cleaning twice, the protrusions 
inside the machine may be stained. Clean them according to instructions. See 
“Cleaning the 
Protrusions Inside the Machine” on page 76.
„ Cleaning the Protrusions Inside the Machine
If protrusions inside the machine are stained, wipe  off any ink from the protrusions using a cotton 
swab or the like.
Note
When performing Bottom Plate Cleaning again, make sure to use a new piece of paper.
Caution
Be sure to turn off the power and disconnect the power cord before cleaning the machine.
(A)
(A) Load the paper after unfolding it.