Welcome back to another guide on troubleshooting your Epson Printer Colour Not Printing. In this article, we’ll address common print quality issues and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve them. Although this guide uses the Epson Printer model.

Before we begin, ensure you have enough ink in your printer. It’s recommended to have the ink levels at least halfway full or more to avoid interruptions during the cleaning process.

Step-by-Step Solutions: Epson Printer Colour Not Printing

Method 1: Perform a Nozzle Check

The first step in diagnosing print quality issues is to perform a nozzle check. This will help identify if there are any blockages in the print head nozzles.

Steps to Perform a Nozzle Check:

  1. Access Maintenance Menu:
    • Navigate to the settings icon on your printer’s display panel.
    • Select “Maintenance.”
  2. Initiate Nozzle Check:
    • Choose “Nozzle Check” from the maintenance menu.
    • Load A4 paper into the rear paper tray.
    • Press the “Print” button to start the nozzle check.
  3. Examine the Printout:
    • The printer will print a sheet with four rectangles in black, yellow, magenta, and cyan.
    • Inspect the printout for any missing segments or gaps in the rectangles.

If the printout shows missing segments, it indicates a clogged nozzle. If the printout looks fine but you still experience issues, proceed to the next steps.

Method 2: Clean the Print Head

Epson-XP-15000-head
Solved: Epson Printer Colour Not Printing 3

If the nozzle check reveals missing segments, you need to clean the print head to remove any blockages.

Steps to Clean the Print Head:

  1. Start Print Head Cleaning:
    • From the maintenance menu, select “Head Cleaning.”
    • Confirm the action and allow the printer to clean the print head. This process takes a few minutes.
  2. Perform Another Nozzle Check:
    • After the cleaning process, perform another nozzle check to see if the print quality has improved.
  3. Repeat if Necessary:
    • If the print quality is still poor, you may need to repeat the head cleaning process. However, avoid doing more than two cleanings in a row to prevent introducing air into the printhead, which can exacerbate the problem.

Method 3: Run a Power Cleaning

If print head cleaning does not resolve the issue, you can try a more intensive cleaning process known as power cleaning. This should only be done if the standard head cleaning does not work and should not be performed frequently.

Steps to Run a Power Cleaning:

  1. Access Power Cleaning Menu:
    • Go back to the settings menu and select “Maintenance.”
    • Choose “Power Cleaning.”
  2. Follow On-Screen Instructions:
    • The printer will provide instructions and warnings. Ensure your ink levels are sufficient and proceed with the power cleaning.
  3. Wait and Recheck:
    • Allow the power cleaning process to complete. This may take some time.
    • Wait for at least 12 hours before performing another nozzle check or power cleaning to allow the printer to settle.

Method 4: Manual Cleaning for Severe Clogs

If the power cleaning does not resolve the issue, the problem might be due to a severe clog in the printhead or issues with the ink delivery system. This requires a more hands-on approach, which involves manual cleaning of the printhead.

Steps for Manual Printhead Cleaning:

  1. Turn Off and Unplug the Printer:
    • Make sure the printer is turned off and unplugged from the power source.
  2. Remove Ink Cartridges:
    • Open the printer cover and remove the ink cartridges carefully.
  3. Prepare Cleaning Solution:
    • Use a specialized printhead cleaning solution or a mixture of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol (70-90%).
  4. Apply Cleaning Solution:
    • Dampen a lint-free cloth or paper towel with the cleaning solution.
    • Gently wipe the printhead contacts and nozzles to remove any dried ink.
  5. Reinstall Ink Cartridges:
    • After cleaning, reinstall the ink cartridges and close the printer cover.
  6. Perform a Nozzle Check:
    • Turn on the printer and perform another nozzle check to see if the issue is resolved.

Additional Tips

  • Avoid Frequent Cleanings: Excessive cleaning can introduce air into the ink lines, causing further clogs.
  • Use Quality Ink: Ensure you are using genuine Epson ink to avoid compatibility issues and clogs.
  • Regular Use: Regularly use your printer to prevent ink from drying in the nozzles.

Preventive Measures

To prevent future print quality issues, follow these tips:

  • Keep the Printer Clean: Regularly clean the exterior and interior of the printer to avoid dust buildup.
  • Store Cartridges Properly: Store ink cartridges in a cool, dry place to prevent them from drying out.
  • Use the Printer Regularly: Regular usage helps maintain ink flow and prevents clogs.

Video: Epson Printer Colour Not Printing

Conclusion

Remember to start with a nozzle check, proceed with printhead cleaning, and use power cleaning only if necessary. If these methods do not work, manual cleaning might be required. Maintaining your printer regularly and using it frequently can help avoid these issues in the future. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below.