220-1101 Question 340
Single answerInkjetA small office uses an inkjet multifunction printer to print invoices. Users report that black text looks faded and has intermittent horizontal gaps, while color graphics still print normally. The technician has already confirmed the paper type is correct and that the black ink cartridge is not empty. Which action should the technician take NEXT to resolve the issue with the least risk and cost?
- A
Run the printer's printhead cleaning or nozzle cleaning utility
- B
Replace the fuser assembly
- C
Increase the print density in the printer driver to maximum
- D
Reinstall the printer and scanner software suite on the workstation
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This scenario tests the ability to distinguish common inkjet print-quality problems from laser printer issues and software-related problems. In inkjet printers, faded text and horizontal banding or gaps usually indicate clogged nozzles, especially when one color channel, such as black, is affected while others still print correctly. The best next step is to use the printer's built-in maintenance functions, typically called printhead cleaning, nozzle cleaning, or head cleaning. Vendor documentation from manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother commonly recommends performing a nozzle check and cleaning cycle before replacing cartridges or hardware. More invasive steps, such as replacing the cartridge or printhead, would generally come after the cleaning utility if the problem persists.
- A. Correct.
Correct. Faded black output with horizontal gaps on an inkjet printer commonly indicates clogged nozzles or a partially blocked printhead path for the black ink. Running the built-in printhead or nozzle cleaning utility is the standard first troubleshooting step because it is low risk, low cost, and directly targets the symptom. Many inkjet printers also provide a nozzle check or test pattern to confirm improvement after cleaning.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A fuser assembly is a laser printer component used to bond toner to paper with heat and pressure. Inkjet printers do not use a fuser, so replacing one would not apply to this scenario. This distractor targets confusion between laser and inkjet printer maintenance.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Increasing print density may make output appear darker in some cases, but it does not address missing horizontal lines caused by clogged inkjet nozzles. It could also waste ink and mask the underlying issue temporarily rather than fix it.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Reinstalling the printer software is unlikely to resolve a symptom that appears only in the black ink output while color prints normally. This points to a hardware or consumable delivery issue within the printer, not a workstation driver problem.