My copies come out with black ink smudges on the copy,

[HarryCPD]

I have a Canon MX922 printer that sat idle in my closet for about 6-7 monthgs. I recently plugged it in to make copies of some letters I typed. The result is that the copy printing comes out okay except there are black smudges on the letter (copy). Could it be that the ink cartridges have been affected by not being used for the 6-7 months. The letter I copied comes out fine but there are the smudges on the paper.  Could the printer head be bad or needs attention (cleaning).  Any suggestions

greatly appreciated.

[Patrick]

Hi HarryCPD,

First, please make sure that the installed ink tanks are correct and full of ink.  The correct order is:

CLI-251M  magenta
CLI-251BK  black
CLI-251Y  yellow
PGI-250BK black
CLI-251C  cyan

Next, please print the nozzle check pattern to determine whether the ink is ejecting properly from the print head. To do this, please follow these steps:

 1.  Make sure that your PIXMA MX922 is turned on.

 2.  Load a sheet of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper in the Auto Sheet Feeder or the Cassette.

 3.  Open the Paper Output Tray and then open the Output Tray Extension.

 4.  To print the nozzle check pattern:

     4-1.  Press the MENU button on your PIXMA MX922.

     4-2.  Press the Setup button.

     4-3.  Select Maintenance, then press the OK button.  The Maintenance screen is displayed.

     4-4.  Select Print nozzle check pattern and then press the OK button.  The pattern print confirmation screen is displayed.

     4-5.  Select Yes and then press the OK button.

The nozzle check pattern is printed and the pattern confirmation screens are displayed alternately.  Please compare your printout to the example that has been attached to the bottom of this post.

If they differ, perform a few cleanings.  Please perform the following steps to perform a Cleaning:

 1.  Press the MENU button on your PIXMA MX922.

 2.  Press the Setup button.

 3.  Select Maintenance then press the OK button.

 4.  Select Cleaning and press OK.

 5.  Press OK to select Yes.

The cleaning will be performed.  After 2 or 3 cleanings, print another test page.

Does the test page print correctly?