PIXMA TS6320 Black text prints blurry and fuzzy

[gtifeld]

I have the above-mentioned printer, which I inherited from a friend. I don't know how old it is, but it's defnitely a few years and not under warranty. It was fine for a while, but lately I've been having a problem with the black text showing blurry fuzzy lines and streaks, which I know is a pretty common problem. I did several deep cleaning attempts. The nozzle check appears to be okay, but when I try to print a document with black text, the problem remains. The black cartridges appear to be about half-full. Are there any other steps I can take to resolve this? I'd hate to spend money on a new ink cartridge if that isn't the problem. If any other information is needed, I'll gladly suppy it. Thank you in advance. 😊

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Two things you'll want to do:

1. Print a nozzle test pattern

https://share.google/th0aKb7mWCawZR28x

2. Inspect / Clean the printers encoder strip

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZPozSMnJVkA&si=jXb0aSarI1oZlFCv

[gtifeld]

Hi Rick,

Thank you for the information. I tried cleaning the encoder strip as outlined in the video you shared. Unforunately, that did not solve the problem. It did look quite dirty to the naked eye when I stated and now looks much cleaner. However, the printouts look exactly the same. Is there anything else I can try? Or do we think this printer is ready to be retired? I look forward to your response. 😁

[DerrickL]

Key Troubleshooting Steps:

• Print a Nozzle Check Pattern: Go to the printer's setup menu, select "Maintenance," and then "Nozzle Check".
• Clean the Print Head: If the black (PGBK) pattern is missing or streaked, run the "Cleaning" cycle.
• Deep Cleaning: If standard cleaning fails, run a "Deep Cleaning". Note: If this fails, wait 24 hours (leaving the printer on) and try again, as this allows dried ink to soften.
• Align the Print Head: Perform the "Auto Head Alignment" to fix misaligned text or vertical lines.
• Check Ink Levels: Ensure the black ink cartridge (usually PGBK) is not low or empty.
• Inspect Encoder Strip: Open the printer, and if the clear film strip (encoder strip) has ink stains, gently clean it with a lint-free cloth or cotton swab

[gtifeld]

Hi Derrick,

Thank you for your response, but I did all of these stepa already (in some instances more than once) and the problem still exists. Does this mean that the printer is finished, or si there anything ELSE I can check? Thank you in advance.

[DerrickL]

If the nozzle test print looks okay as does the head alignment then it isn't the print head or the cartridge. Color prints okay? If so the mechanics of the printer should be okay. I wish I could be more help for this originally expensive printer. You might consider replacing it with the Pixma TS4320 for less than  75 dollars. It is an upgrade to yours.

[gtifeld]

Thank you, Derrick. I figured it was probably time. I just needed to make sure I checked every box first. Thanjk you.