HP Deskjet 1220c and 1180c Professional Series Printer - Printing Internal Tests

This document explains how to print the built-in (internal) tests of the HP Deskjet 1220c and 1180c series printers. These tests can be used to ensure the printer is working properly or to troubleshoot specific printer issues. The internal tests will not verify whether the computer-to-printer connection is working properly, except when the sample page is generated from the Toolbox.

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All internal test pages can be printed without being connected to a computer. This allows you to test that the printer is set up and operating correctly.

The sample page can be used as a quick check of the image quality from the black and color print cartridges. Unlike most printing, this page prints from the bottom of the page to the top for user viewing during printing.

1. Turn the printer off and then turn it on again by pressing the POWER button.
2. Press and hold down the RESUME button and release it when the Power light starts to blink.

The sample page can also be printed from the Toolbox (provided the Toolbox is installed) to verify that the printer is connected to the computer properly and that the printer and printer software are working properly.

1. Double-click the Toolbox icon on the Desktop or run it from the HP Deskjet 1220c and 1180c Printer program group.
2. Select the PrinterServices tab and click Print a Test Page.

The information displayed on the diagnostic page includes the printer model, serial number, service ID (born-on date), firmware revision, total page count and last error code (see Figure 1). If an error code (hex) number is displayed, it represents the last error that occurred regardless of whether the problem that caused the error has been fixed and the printer is presently operational. To print a diagnostic page see the following:

1. Turn the power on.
2. Press and hold down the POWER button.
3. While holding down the POWER button, press the RESUME button four times.
4. Release the POWER button.

If printouts have incomplete text or graphics that are not corrected by cleaning the print cartridges, use the pen recovery diagnostic test. The pen recovery diagnostic test is a three-level cleaning procedure that attempts to clear blocked print cartridge nozzles. The tests can be run either from the Toolbox under Printer Services or by pressing the button sequences below.

The Level 1 print cartridge cleaning is a light-cleaning mode. Use this level first to clear blocked nozzles.

1. Turn the power on.
2. Press and hold down the POWER button.
3. While holding down the POWER button, press the CANCEL button twice.
4. Release the POWER button.

After running the Level 1 print cartridge cleaning routine, run the nozzle pattern test explained in the "Printing the nozzle pattern test" section below to verify that the cartridge has recovered. If no irregular gaps are present on the printout of the nozzle pattern test, the print cartridge has recovered. If there are irregular gaps in the printout, run the Level 2 pen recovery.

The Level 2 cleaning is an intermediate cleaning mode to be used if the Level 1 mode does not recover the nozzles.

1. Turn the power on.
2. Press and hold down the POWER button.
3. While holding down the POWER button, press the CANCEL button twice and the RESUME button once.
4. Release the POWER button.

After running the Level 2 print cartridge cleaning routine, run the nozzle pattern test explained in the "Printing the nozzle pattern test" section below to verify that the cartridge has recovered. If no irregular gaps are present on the printout of the nozzle pattern test, the print cartridge has recovered. If there are irregular gaps in the printout, run the Level 3 pen recovery.

The Level 3 cleaning is the most intensive cleaning mode that takes about two minutes to complete. Use this level as a last resort in recovering clogged nozzles. This routine uses a considerable amount of ink.

1. Turn the power on.
2. Press and hold down the POWER button.
3. While holding down the POWER button, press the CANCEL button twice and the RESUME button twice.
4. Release the POWER button.

After running the Level 3 print cartridge cleaning routine, run the nozzle pattern test explained in the "Printing the nozzle pattern test" section below to verify that the cartridge has recovered. If no irregular gaps are present on the printout of the nozzle pattern test, the print cartridge has recovered. If irregular gaps still appear in the printout, replace the cartridge.

note:

Do not use the pen recovery tests unnecessarily or the life of the print cartridge will be shortened.

This test prints a pattern to determine which nozzles, if any, are clogged or not firing and can be used to verify a successful cleaning routine (see Figure 2). Look for irregular spaces or gaps in the test pattern; these indicate faulty nozzles.

1. Turn the power on.
2. Press and hold down the POWER button.
3. While holding down the POWER button, press the CANCEL button eight times and the RESUME button four times.
4. Release the POWER button.

This test provides calibration of the print cartridges. Calibration includes print cartridge alignment and optimizing the turn-on energy for the installed color print cartridge.

1. Turn the power on.
2. Press and hold down the POWER button.
3. While holding down the POWER button, press the RESUME button three times.
4. Release the POWER button.

Eight green checks, one on each line of the printout, signify that the calibration was successful.

note:

When a print cartridge is removed from the printer then reinserted or replaced, the printer will automatically run an alignment and print the calibration page.

This test prints continuous pages of the letter H and is useful for troubleshooting paper feed problems or other intermittent problems that are difficult to replicate.

1. Turn the printer on.
2. Press and hold down the POWER button.
3. While holding down the POWER button, press the RESUME button eight times.
4. Release the POWER button
5. Press and release the POWER button to terminate the test.