Poor print quality on the DM100i-DM200i and DM110i-DM220i

Step 1: Check your ink cartridge

1. Make sure you installed a genuine Pitney Bowes ink cartridge. 
2. If you need ink, order a genuine Pitney Bowes replacement ink cartridge:

Step 2: Run a test pattern to assess print quality

1. Press Options.
2. Press Page Down twice.
3. Select Advanced Features.
4. Select Maintenance Mode.
5. Select Printer Maintenance.
6. Select Test Print.
7. Insert an envelope as you normally would to print postage.
8. The test pattern should appear as a grid with no broken lines or smears in the pattern:

• If the test pattern looks good, press Enter/Yes. Then press Home to return to the Home screen.

• If the test pattern looks incorrect, with broken lines or smears in the pattern, or if there is no print at all, select No and your franking machine performs a print system purge.

9. If your print quality is still poor or non-existent after performing a print system purge, or if you have already said No twice, press Yes to return to the printer maintenance menu and run the stronger purge C.

Step 3: Run purge C to resolve print quality

1. Select Purge from the printer maintenance menu.
2. Select Purge C.
3. When your purge completes, the prompt to insert an envelope to print a test pattern displays. Insert an envelope again. If your pattern still has broken lines or smears, or if there is no print at all, clean your print head.
4. Press Yes to return to the printer maintenance menu.

Step 4: Clean your print head

1. Select Replacement from the printer maintenance menu.
2. Select Replace Print Head.
3. Remove the scale, if one is present.
4. Open your ink tank access cover. The print assembly moves to the front of your franking machine.
5. Open your print head cover.

6. Remove your ink cartridge from the print assembly, and set it aside with the red circle facing up.
7. While squeezing the clips that hold your print head in place, lift your print head up and out of the franking machine.

8. Wipe the copper-colored section of your print head with a dry, lint-free cloth or foam swab.

9. Reinstall the print head in your franking machine, making sure that it clicks into place.
10. Reinsert your ink cartridge and close the print head cover.
11. Close your ink tank access cover. The ink tank mechanism re-initializes.