Troubleshooting Tips

Troubleshooting Tips

A printer problem is a frustrating experience, but nearly all printers and ink cartridges are subject to a set of problems. After all, they are electronic machines, therefore are liable to have their problems. The fact remains, however, that these problems can be easily solved without bringing the printer to a service repair center. All you need to do is to use a few troubleshooting tricks. 

General printer troubleshooting information to get your printer running:

• First, make sure that the printer is on. When a printer is on it should have some type of light indicating that the printer is receiving power. If you do not see an indicator light, make sure the printer is connected to a working power outlet by verifying each end of the power cable. Next, press the printer power button. If your printer does not seem to have a power status indicator, it's likely you're encountering a serious printer issue and we suggest contacting the printer manufacturer for additional steps and/or instructions on repair or replacement. 
• Your printer should have two cables connected to it: the power cable and the data cable. The power cable should have already been verified using the power indicator light, as mentioned above. Make sure the data cable (parallel cable or USB cable) is also connected from the printer to the computer. 
• After your printer has completed its initial startup, you should see a solid green light. If the light indicator is blinking or orange, often this is an indication of a printer error. For example, this could indicate a paper jam, an issue with the ink or toner cartridge, or other serious error. Because there is no standard to the meaning of a blinking or orange light, we suggest referring to the printer documentation for troubleshooting steps or methods to determine what error the status indicator is reporting. 
• Without paper, your printer will not be able to print. Make sure you have paper loaded into the printer paper cartridge or tray. Next, verify that no printer paper is jammed or partially fed into the printer. If you have one or more pieces of paper stuck in the printer, these will need to be manually removed before the printer will work again. 
• Most printers have a way of printing a test page. This page allows you to determine if the printer is physically working, aligned, etc. This test is usually accomplished by holding down a series of keys. If you are not sure whether your printer has this feature or how to perform it, refer to your manual or visit your printer manufacturer’s website. In addition to testing the printer using the printer self-test, Microsoft Windows users can perform a software self-test to determine whether their computer is able to see the printer and able to print. Follow the instructions from the Microsoft website to perform this test. 
• If your printer does not have any flashing lights and is connected properly, it's possible you may be encountering a driver-related issue. Please visit your manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your printer.

Here is a link to the Microsoft 'Printer Problems page', where you can find solutions to common problems with your printer.

How to Change and Replace an Ink Cartridge

If you are confused about replacing your cartridge, these general instructions will help. There are only a few steps:

1. Purchase an ink cartridge made specifically for your printer. You can find the right one with InkProCanada's 'EASY SEARCH' Tool, or just enter your model number into the 'Product Search box' on the upper right portion of our site. 

2. Turn on your printer and raise the lid or press the cartridge-changing button.

3. Wait for the cartridge carrier to slide out. (Never remove the old cartridge until you are ready to insert the new inkjet cartridge!)

4. To remove the old cartridge, put your finger behind the ridge on the top front of it and pull toward you. Either lift or turn the latch that holds the inkjet cartridge in place. If you have an Epson printer, lift the cartridge holder lid, and the cartridge will pop up for removal.

5. Carefully remove the tape from the ink opening on the bottom of new cartridge.

6. Load the new cartridge into the cartridge carrier. Make sure the new cartridge is oriented in the same direction as the old one.

7. Feel and hear the cartridge click into position. On some models, arrows will indicate when the cartridge is correctly positioned.

9. Close the printer cover. You are now ready to print!

10. If the printer does not work after you have changed the cartridge, in all likelihood it means that the inkjet cartridge is not securely in place. Just start from step one and try again.

Now some common basic ink-related troubleshooting questions.

(These tips and solutions apply to most major brands) 

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