Epson CX5900 User Guide

Follow these steps to clean the print head so it can 
deliver ink properly. Before cleaning the print head, 
run a nozzle check to see if the print head needs 
cleaning (& “Checking the print head” on page 22).

❏ Print head cleaning uses ink, so clean it only if quality declines.

❏ If a message on the LCD screen tells you that a cartridge is 

expended or low on ink, you cannot clean the print head. You 
must first replace the ink cartridge indicated (& “Replacing Ink 
Cartridges” on page 19).

1.

Make sure the product is turned on but not 
printing.

2.

Press the F [Setup/Utilities] button.

3.

Use the l or r button to select Clean Print 
Head, and then press the x Start button to start 
cleaning.

During cleaning, one of the following screens is 
displayed.

c

Never turn off the product while head cleaning is in progress. 
You may damage it.

4.

When cleaning finishes, print a nozzle check 
pattern to check the results (& “Checking the 
print head” on page 22).

If there are still gaps or the test patterns are faint, 
run another cleaning cycle and check the nozzles 
again.

If you do not see any improvement after cleaning about four 
times, turn off the product and wait for at least 6 hours. This 
lets any dried ink soften. Then try cleaning the print head 
again. If quality still does not improve, one of the ink 
cartridges may be old or damaged and needs to be replaced 
(& “Replacing Ink Cartridges” on page 19).

If you notice that vertical lines are not aligned 
properly on the nozzle check printout, you may be 
able to solve this problem by aligning the print head.

You can align the print head by pressing the buttons, 
or you can run the Print Head Alignment utility from 
your computer. For the most accurate alignment, the 
utility is recommended.

1.

Load A4-size plain paper (& page 6).

2.

Press the F [Setup/Utilities] button.

3.

Use the l or r button to select Align Print Head, 
and then press the x Start button to print the 
alignment sheet.

Do not press the y Stop/Clear button while printing an 
alignment pattern.

4.

Look at pattern #1 and find the patch that is most 
evenly printed, with no noticeable streaks or 
lines. 

5.

Press the u or d button until the number for that 
patch is displayed on the LCD screen.

6.

Press the x Start button.

7.

Repeat steps 4 to 6 for each of the other 
alignment patterns.

8.

Press the F [Setup/Utilities] button to return to 
the previous mode.