My Canon MX860 prints out templates fine but when I enter text the text portion is very faint.

[ljorange]

I use windows 7, the ink tanks are full and I've tried deep cleaning & everything else.   Please help!

[Patrick · Accepted solution]

Hi ljorange,

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

CLI-221BK
CLI-221M
CLI-221Y
PGI-220BK
CLI-221C

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 the machine is turned on, then load a sheet of A4 or Letter-sized plain paper in the Auto Sheet Feeder or the Cassette.

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

 3.  Press the Paper Feed Switch to select the paper source where you have loaded paper.

 4.  To print the nozzle check pattern:

     4-1.  Press the Menu button on your PIXMA MX860.

     4-2.  Select Maintenance, then press the OK button.  The Maintenance screen is displayed.

     4-3.  Select Nozzle check pattern and then press the OK button.  The pattern print confirmation screen is displayed.

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

The nozzle check pattern is printed and the pattern confirmation screens are displayed alternately.

Examine the nozzle check pattern, and perform cleaning if necessary.

Please perform the following steps to perform a Deep Cleaning: 

 1.  Press the MENU button on your PIXMA MX860.

 2.  Select Maintenance then press the OK button.

 3.  Press <OK> to select Maintenance.

 4.  Select Deep Cleaning and press OK.

 5.  Press OK to select Yes.

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

Does the test page print correctly?

If not, please contact our support group using the following link:

http://Canon.us/ContactLI