black text prints differently

[coverprob]

On my Canon MX922 if I print a sheet of text in the black and white mode the letters come out gray and with variations in quality for each line. If I print the same text in the color mode the text comes out in a uniform, strong black with no variations in quality. I went through ghe cleaning mode a number of times as well as the alignment mode. but I still have the same problem. My printer is 3-4 years old. Could it b e that it is just nearing the end of its usable life?

[Patrick]

Hi coverprob,

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.

Please note, Canon's Forum is not intended for immediate help, but a place to allow for the Community to give you assistance and feedback. For a quicker response, please use the link below to reach our friendly Technical Support Team:

http://Canon.us/ContactLI

[coverprob]

I tried all the cleanings etc suggested but still have the problem. Below is a magnified copy of the pattern I got. I wonder if there is something wrong with the printer that can't. be fixed with just maintenance.