Question

Difficulty: MediumPrinter and Multifunction Device Issues

An IT support technician is troubleshooting a desktop inkjet printer used in a graphic design office. Users report that printed photo proofs have visible horizontal white streaks running across images and that colored lines are misaligned following a recent ink cartridge replacement. Which TWO of the following actions should the technician perform FIRST to resolve these symptoms? (Select TWO.)

  1. Perform a printhead nozzle check and run a cleaning cycle to clear clogged nozzles.Answer
  2. Execute a printhead alignment calibration procedure using the printer maintenance utility.Answer
  3. C
    Replace the fuser heating element and transfer roller assembly.
  4. D
    Reconfigure the printer connection port settings from Standard TCP/IP to a WSD port.

Answer

The technician should perform a printhead nozzle check/cleaning cycle and execute a printhead alignment calibration procedure.
Performing a printhead nozzle check and cleaning cycle removes dried ink blockages responsible for horizontal white streaks. Executing a printhead alignment calibration corrects misaligned ink drops across print passes, which often occurs after disturbing the carriage mechanism during cartridge installation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlying technology and symptoms
The device is an inkjet printer experiencing horizontal streaks (clogged printhead nozzles) and line misalignments (misaligned printhead positions).
Print defects on inkjet printers after cartridge replacement typically stem from clogged ink jets or mechanical alignment shifts.
2
Address the horizontal white streaks
Run a nozzle check test pattern and perform printhead cleaning cycles.
Clearing dried ink from nozzle orifices restores continuous ink flow across the page.
3
Address the line misalignments
Run the printhead alignment utility and select optimal calibration patterns.
Aligning printhead passes ensures accurate drop placement during bidirectional printing.

Key Concept

Inkjet print quality troubleshooting requires identifying nozzle blockages and printhead alignment issues prior to replacing hardware components.
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