PIXMA MG7720 Skips Every Other Print Line

[battlesk]

Whether from scanner, or print from my windows, or MAC, printer is skipping every other print line.  I have performed all cleanings. 

[Mike]

Hi, battlesk!

 

There's one other cleaning you can perform that may have been overlooked and can fix this issue.  Please let us know if you've already done this and if this resolves your printing problems. Info below:

 

Cleaning the encoder (timing) strip - MG5700 Series / MG6800 Series / MG7720

Article ID: ART164632

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Date published: 02/19/2016

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Date last updated: 04/19/2019

Description

Cleaning the encoder (timing) strip - MG5700 Series / MG6800 Series / MG7720

 

Solution

Click here to view an enlarged view of the timing strip.

The timing strip is a clear, plastic strip approximately 1/4 inch in height positioned horizontally across the center of the unit, just in front of the carriage drive belt. The timing strip contains many thin black vertical lines that help determine the carriage position during operation.

During certain uncommon tasks such as the removal of a paper jam, it is possible to inadvertently touch a lubricated area on the printer's chassis causing a small amount of grease to be deposited onto the timing strip.

Grease on the timing strip may result in poor print quality including; mis-aligned or distorted characters, vertical lines or, in some cases, an inoperable error condition (such as 5100) or knocking / grinding noise.

In most cases, it is easy to remove the grease from the timing strip using common household items. If you wish, you may follow the steps below to remove the grease from the timing strip.

Items needed:

-Clean, unused cotton swab

-Small amount of Isopropyl Alcohol or window cleaner

-Flashlight or other light source

1. Holding sides of the paper output tray, gently open it.
    
2. Power on the printer then lift up and open the operation panel until it stops.
   The Print Head Holder (carriage) will move to ink changing (center) position.
   
   
    
3. With the operation panel open, unplug the power cord from the wall outlet or power strip. Be sure the printer's power LED is no longer illuminated.
   This will allow you to easily slide the carriage left to right.
   
    Note:
   • When you move the print head holder, hold the top of the print head holder and slide it slowly to the right edge or the left edge.
     
     
     
     
      
4. Gently slide the carriage to the right side.

	Carriage is centered
	Carriage is to the right

1. Using a flashlight, carefully inspect the timing strip for grease that may have attached to the timing strip. It is helpful to view the timing strip from several angles as even a small amount of grease can impact print quality.
   
    Note: The timing strip is a clear strip located in front of the carriage drive belt.
   
   
2. Moisten the cotton swab with Isopropyl alcohol and carefully remove the grease from the timing strip. To prevent further spreading of grease, be careful not to touch the chassis or other areas inside the unit which may contain grease from the factory.
   
    Note: If Isopropyl Alcohol is not available, you may use window cleaner solution.
   
    Important: Do not remove the grease on the chassis (metal rail).
    
3. Once you have confirmed that the left and center portions of the timing strip are clean, gently slide the carriage all the way to the left.
    
4. Repeat steps 4 & 5 for inspecting the right side of the timing strip until is completely free of grease and other matter.
    
5. Gently close the operation panel.
   
   
    
6. Reconnect the power cord and power on the printer.
   (The indicator light blinks steadily while the printer initializes.)
   
    Note: After the printer is powered back on, you will receive a message on the printer's display that the printer was not properly turned off. Tap OK to clear the message and return the printer to standby mode.
    
7. Confirm operation of the unit by printing a text document and photograph. Printing this document is a good test since it contains text and images. If print quality is still poor, repeat the above steps.

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Enlarged Image

[battlesk]

It looked like there was a smudge on he timing strip  I cleaned that off and the printer still skips every other line.  This was not a gradual issue, one day printer worked fine, the next it started skipping lines.  

[Patrick]

Hi battlesk,

Because cleaning the encoder did not clear up the printing issue that you are experiencing, your PIXMA MG7720 would require service.  You are eligible for Canon's Upgrade Program. This is for out of warranty units which have been diagnosed to require service, or for some reason are incompatible with a new or upgraded system. This option allows you a one-time opportunity to purchase a replacement product, discounted from the list price.

To help you get up and running quickly, we also offer free standard shipping (if the order is completed by 12:30PM ET). If you would like to take part in this option, please call our Sales Department at (866) 443-8002.  They're available weekdays and Saturdays after 11 AM ET (8 AM PT). Let them know you have been working with technical support and the Canon Upgrade Program was offered.