Do I need a new printhead? Maybe not.

What do I do when I experience lines of missing color, faint colors, or totally missing colors when printing?

• Remove the clogged printhead from the printer, being careful to handle the printhead by its sides and never touch the nozzles (the small gold/copper strips on the bottom.) Also don’t touch the electrical contacts on the back of the cartridge, as static electricity can easily kill the printhead. Set the printhead on its side onto a lint-free cloth. Carefully tape over the newly exposed hole in the ink tank with scotch tape. You can now close the cartridge holder back down such that any remaining printheads are reseated against the ink tanks. You can also close the printer access panel temporarily and let the carriage go back to its home position if you like.
• Boil a few ounces of distilled water in a measuring cup inside your microwave. (This should take about 90 seconds or so if the quantity is one fluid cup, or 8 oz.) You can use bottled water (such as Evian) if you prefer. Do not use tap water, as the mineral contaminants are large enough to cause clogs rather than clear them.