27Routine Maintenance Replacing Ink TanksWhen ink tanks run out of ink, replace them using the following steps.1 Open the Front Feeder.2 Make sure that the printer is on, and then open the Top Cover.The Print Head Holder moves to the center.3 Remove the ink tank whose lamp is flashing fast.(1) Push the tab and remove the ink tank.ImportantHandling Inkz To maintain optimal printing quality, we recommend the use of specified Canon brand ink tanks.Refilling ink is not recommended.z Once you remove an ink tank, replace it immediately. Do not leave the printer with ink tanksremoved.z Replace empty tanks with new ones. Inserting partially used ink tanks may cause the nozzles toclog. Furthermore, with such tanks, the printer will not be able to inform you when to replace thetanks properly.z Once an ink tank has been installed, do not remove it from the printer and leave it out in theopen. This will cause the ink tank to dry out, and the printer may not operate properly when it isreinstalled. To maintain optimal printing quality, use an ink tank within six months of first use.z Color ink may be consumed even when printing a black-and-white document or when black-and-white printing is specified.Color ink is also consumed in Print Head Cleaning and Print Head Deep Cleaning, which maybe necessary to maintain the printer’s performance. When an ink tank is out of ink, replace itimmediately with a new one.Cautionz Do not hold the Print Head Holder to stop or move it.z Do not touch the metallic parts inside the printer.ImportantIf the Top Cover is left open for more than 10 minutes, the Print Head Holder moves to the right.Close and reopen the Top Cover to return the holder to the center.Importantz Handle ink tanks carefully to avoid staining clothingor the surrounding area.z Discard empty ink tanks according to the local lawsand regulations regarding disposal of consumables.Notez Do not remove more than one ink tank at a time. Besure to replace ink tanks one by one whenreplacing more than one ink tank.z For details on ink lamp flashing speed, see “Gettingthe Ink Level Information” on page 22.*1*1 Do NOT touch the Print Head LockLever; remove only the ink tank.