Hi suzannemw,
First, please make sure that the ink installed in the printer is the correct ink. The correct ink cartridges are the PG-210 black and the CL-211 color.
Next, a test page should be printed. The nozzle check pattern shows if each print head nozzle is operating properly.
1. Ensure that the printer is powered on and the LED displays a 1.
2. Open the paper output tray.
3. Load a sheet Letter-sized plain paper in the Auto Sheet Feeder.
4. Press the <Maintenance> button to display [A]. The Maintenance button is the button on the Operator's panel which has the wrench and screwdriver label above it.
5. Press the Black Start button. The machine will print a nozzle check pattern. Please compare the test page that you printed with the one that has been attached to the bottom of this post.
If the test page does not match the example attached to this post, printhead cleanings should be performed. To do this, please follow these steps:
1. Ensure that the printer is powered on and the LED displays a 1.
2. Press the <Maintenance> button once to display [H].
3. Press the Black Start button. The cleaning will commence.
After performing a few cleanings, please print another test page.
If you continue to have difficulties, please contact our support group using the following link:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/standard_display/contact_us_consumer
