Advanced Guide TroubleshootingContents > Appendix > Tips on How to Use Your MachineTips on How to Use Your MachineThis section introduces the tips on how to use your machine and for printing with optimal quality.Ink is used for various purposes.How is ink used for various purposes other than printing?Ink may be used for purposes other than printing. Ink is not only used for printing, but also for cleaningthe Print Head to maintain the optimal printing quality.The machine has the function to automatically clean the ink jet nozzles to prevent clogging. In thecleaning procedure, ink is pumped out from the nozzles. Used ink for nozzle cleaning is limited to asmall amount.ImportantThe ink pumped out from the nozzles, such as when cleaning the Print Head, is absorbed by inkabsorber in the machine. The ink absorber needs to be replaced when it is full. You cannot replaceit by yourself. When the error message appears, contact your Canon service representative assoon as possible.Refer to "Troubleshooting " in the on-screen manual: Advanced Guide.Does black-and-white printing use color ink?The use of each ink varies depending on the color of image to be printed or the contents of document.Two kinds of black ink (PGBK and BK) are used automatically depending on the media type to print or onthe settings of the printer driver. PGBK is used mainly for printing text-based documents and BK is usedmainly for printing photos, illustration, etc. Black-and-white printing may also use ink other than black ink.So, color ink is consumed even when printing in black-and-white.Ink lamp indicates when ink is running low.The inside of the ink tank consists of (A) the part where ink is preserved and (B) the sponge withabsorbed ink.When the ink (A) runs out, the ink lamp flashes slowly to indicate that the ink is running low. Then, whenthe ink (B) runs out, the ink lamp flashes fast to indicate that the ink tank needs to be replaced with a newone.See Replacing an Ink Tank .Printing on special paper: How to print with optimal quality!?Tip!: Check the machine status before printing!Is the Print Head OK?If print head nozzles are clogged, print will be faint and papers will be wasted. Print the nozzlecheck pattern to check the Print Head.See When Printing Becomes Faint or Colors Are Incorrect .Is the inside of the machine smeared with ink?After printing large quantities of paper or performing borderless printing, the area where papersgo through may get smeared with ink. Clean the inside of your machine with the Bottom PlatePage 118 of 947 pagesTips on How to Use Your Machine
