Cleaning the Encoder Film

FAQ ID: 8201545300

Release date: 23 April 2012

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Details

If vertical lines always appear on printouts or print always shifts from the correct position, or if Error 5100 occurs during printer operation, the Encoder Film inside the printer may be smeared.
Follow the procedures below to check the film condition, and clean it when necessary.

Helpful Information

[ Check if the Encoder Film is clear.]

Check: Check the Encoder Film conditions

[ If the Encoder Film is smeared, clean it while following the procedures below.]

Check: Clean the Encoder Film

Should another error or failure occur in the printer after cleaning the film, please contact your local Canon Help Desk.

Solution


Check: Check the Encoder Film conditions

1. Press the ON button to turn off the printer.


2. Unplug the power cord from the printer.


ATTENTION
  • Be sure to turn off the printer power and unplug the power cord first.


3. Open the Paper Output Cover.


4. Check if the Encoder Film (A) inside the printer is clear.

(A) Encoder Film (the transparent thin film)


5. If the Encoder Film is smeared as shown below, it needs to be cleaned.
Refer to [ Check: Clean the Encoder Film ] within this webpage.



Check: Clean the Encoder Film

Items required:

  • Cotton swab
  • Water with a few drops of neutral detergent (2 to 3 drops of neutral detergent in 1/4 cup of tap water)


ATTENTION
  • Do not use any other detergents.


1. Moisten a cotton swab with the prepared cleaning water. Eliminate extra water so that no water drops.


2. Using the moistened cotton swab, wipe the Encoder Film.


ATTENTION
  • Be cautious so that no water drops inside the printer.



(A) Encoder Film
(B) Rail


ATTENTION
  • Do not contact the rail (B). If the rail is contacted, the print quality may be deteriorated.
  • The Encoder Film (A) is fixed to the printer with the springs at the ends. If the film is pushed too strong, it may be dislocated. Do not push the film. Just gently move the cotton swab over the surface of the film.


REFERENCE
  • Keep your hands off the printer and clean the film with the tip of the cotton swab, as shown in the photo above.
  • Change the cotton swab to new ones frequently.


3. Eliminate any stains or smearing from the film until the entire film becomes transparent and clear.


4. If the trail of detergent is left on the film, clean it using a cotton swab that is moistened with just water.
If moisture is left on the film, eliminate it using a dry cotton swab, and wait until the film dries well.


5. Close the Paper Output Cover, and plug in the power cord of the printer.


6. Press the ON button to turn on the printer.
If an error occurs or strange sound is heard, contact your local Canon Help Desk.


7. Print the Nozzle Check Pattern, and confirm that the pattern is printed properly.
-> [ Printing the Nozzle Check Pattern ]


8. Print desired data, and confirm that the print quality is good.


If the problem persists, check and clean the Encoder Film again.
If the print quality is still not improved even after repeated cleaning of the Encoder Film, contact your local Canon Help Desk.




Applicable Models

  • PIXMA MX374
  • PIXMA MX375

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