Panasonic UF-E1, Service Manual

Page: 189 / 271

UF-E1
185
6. Damage to the encoder strip can cause print quality problems. Check for problems with the encoder
strip and spring. If necessary, replace affected parts (see sections 6.12.5 and 6.12.6).
6.7.1.2. Missing Dots
Figure 6.11.1 Example of missing dots shown as partial printed rows (white stripes) in the printout
If any rows of dots are missing on printouts (as shown in Figure 6.11.1 above), check for the following prob-
lems:
1. The print cartridge may be past its expiration date, running out of ink, or faulty. If so, replace the print
cartridge (see section 6.11.2 for details about print cartridge problems).
2. The print cartridge may not be making good electrical contact with the carriage assembly. Make sure
that the print cartridge is seated and pressed securely against the carriage contacts. Remove and
reinstall the print cartridge, making sure that the cartridge snaps into the carriage assembly, as shown
in Figure 2-2.
Figure 6.11.2 Properly installed print cartridge
3. The carriage contacts or print cartridge contacts may be dirty (see section 6.11.1.2.1 about cleaning
the electrical contacts).
4. The print cartridge may have been stored uncapped and out of the mechanism, which can cause
crusted ink on the nozzles (see section 6.11.1.2.2 about cleaning the orifice plate and print cartridge
nozzles).
5. There may be a hardware problem. Check the following:
a. The flex circuit (between the carriage assembly and the logic PCA) may not be making good con-
tact. Reinstall the flex circuits into connectors on the logic PCA.
b. The carriage assembly may be faulty. Check for problems with the carriage assembly. If necessary,
replace the carriage drive system. Refer to the procedure in section 0.