Poor print quality or no printing on the DM100i-DM225

Alert: The USPS has discontinued all IBI meter technology, and many devices must be returned and withdrawn from service by the end of 2024. If your device is affected, new business rules will disrupt your mailing operation. Check Your Account to see if your device is affected and contact your Account Representative to migrate to a compliant solution.

• Solution 1: Check your ink cartridge
• Solution 2: Run a test pattern to assess print quality
• Solution 3: Run test purge C to resolve print quality
• Solution 4: Clean your printhead  

Solution 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  

Solution 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 meter performs a print system purge.

Poor Test Print

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.

Solution 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 printhead.
4. Press Yes to return to the printer maintenance menu.

Solution 4: Clean your printhead

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 meter.
5. Open the printhead 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 printhead in place, lift your printhead up and out of the meter.

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

9. Reinstall the printhead in your meter, making sure that it clicks into place.
10. Reinsert your ink cartridge and close the printhead cover.
11. Close your ink tank access cover. The ink tank mechanism re-initializes.
12. Select Continue.