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Prestige XL4

Prestige XL4 - How to Perform Print Head Swap Test & Install Print Heads

Every step links to its own moment in the video, so you never hunt for the right part again.

  • 15 steps
  • 73 instructions
  • 1 video
  • Updated 2026-04-20

Installation & setup guideThe full manual, beyond first setup. · All manuals

Prestige R2 Print Head Swap (White ↔ Color) – Diagnostic Procedure

  1. 0:00Overview and Applicability
  2. 0:31Step 1 – Remove Media and Prepare Printer
  3. 1:04Step 2 – Open Covers
  4. 1:37Step 3 – Remove White Print Head
  5. 3:43Step 4 – Remove Color Print Head
  6. 5:32Step 5 – Swap Print Head Positions
  7. 7:12Step 6 – Reinstall Dampers and Diverter
  8. 8:35Step 7 – Reconnect Ribbon Cables
  9. 9:08Step 8 – Initial Power Test
  10. 9:42Step 9 – Reinstall Covers
  11. 10:16Step 10 – Reload Media
  12. 10:47Step 11 – Fill Ink After Swap
  13. 12:03Step 12 – Nozzle Check
  14. 12:48Diagnostic Interpretation
  15. 13:57Conclusion
Written steps15

Overview and Applicability

Watch this part0:00
  1. This procedure swaps the White and Color print heads to help diagnose internal printer issues.
  2. Applies to Prestige R2, L2, XL2, XL2 Pro, XL3, and XL4.
  3. Perform this only when a technician suspects a hardware-related nozzle issue.

Step 1 – Remove Media and Prepare Printer

Watch this part0:31
  1. Go to the back of the printer.
  2. Lift the roller lever upward.
  3. Roll the media out until it is fully clear of the printer bed.
  4. With the printer ON, press the Left Arrow once to disengage the carriage.
  5. Press and hold the Left Arrow to move the carriage to the center.
  6. Power the printer OFF.

Step 2 – Open Covers

Watch this part1:04
  1. Remove the two screws on the top printer lid.
  2. Open the lid fully.
  3. Loosen two screws on the left and two on the right of the daughterboard cover.
  4. Remove the daughterboard cover.
  5. Loosen two screws on the left and two on the right of the carriage cover.
  6. Remove the carriage cover.

Step 3 – Remove White Print Head

Watch this part1:37
  1. Place a paper towel on the left side of the carriage.
  2. Clamp the white ink lines.
  3. Remove the diverter by removing its two screws.
  4. Carefully disconnect the ribbon cable blocking damper access.
  5. Remove all white dampers.
  6. Place dampers and diverter on the paper towel.
  7. Remove the four screws securing the white print head.
  8. Carefully disconnect the remaining two ribbon cables.
  9. Lift the white print head out by the plastic frame only.
  10. Place it on its side—never touch the nozzle face.
  • Hold dampers by the outer plastic only.
  • Note: the screw with the large washer goes in the top-right position.

Step 4 – Remove Color Print Head

Watch this part3:43
  1. Clamp all CMYK ink lines.
  2. Place a paper towel on the right side of the carriage.
  3. Remove Black and Yellow dampers and place on the left towel.
  4. Remove Cyan and Magenta dampers and place on the right towel.
  5. Remove the four screws securing the color print head.
  6. Disconnect both ribbon cable sets.
  7. Lift the color print head out by the plastic frame only.
  8. Set it aside safely.

Step 5 – Swap Print Head Positions

Watch this part5:32
  1. Install the WHITE print head into the COLOR position.
  2. Insert all four screws loosely.
  3. Fully tighten once all screws are seated.
  4. Install the COLOR print head into the WHITE position using the same method.
  • QR code label should face you.
  • Seat screws by turning counterclockwise first, then tighten clockwise.

Step 6 – Reinstall Dampers and Diverter

Watch this part7:12
  1. Install color dampers onto the WHITE print head using the damper position diagram.
  2. Unclamp the ink lines.
  3. Route ribbon cables underneath ink lines as shown in the reference.
  4. Reinstall the diverter and secure with two screws.
  5. Install white dampers onto the COLOR print head.
  6. Unclamp all ink lines.
  • Order does not matter for white dampers.

Step 7 – Reconnect Ribbon Cables

Watch this part8:35
  1. Use the wiring diagram to reconnect all ribbon cables.
  2. Blue tape sides must face each other at the daughterboard.
  3. Press ribbon cables straight down—do not wiggle.
  4. Adjust tape and slack if cables are too tight or loose.

Step 8 – Initial Power Test

Watch this part9:08
  1. Turn the printer ON.
  2. Watch the daughterboard closely.
  3. Confirm NO blinking red light.
  4. Immediately power OFF before the carriage docks.

Step 9 – Reinstall Covers

Watch this part9:42
  1. Reinstall the carriage cover and tighten two screws per side.
  2. Reinstall the daughterboard cover and tighten screws.
  3. Power ON the printer.
  4. Allow the carriage to dock.
  5. Verify again that no red light is visible through the cover vents.

Step 10 – Reload Media

Watch this part10:16
  1. Feed media from the back with the roller lever still up.
  2. Pull media through the front.
  3. Rotate rear rollers to apply tension.
  4. Lower the lever to lock media.
  5. Use Down Arrow to advance film slightly.

Step 11 – Fill Ink After Swap

Watch this part10:47
  1. Bypass the cover sensor using a metal object (example: drill bit).
  2. Press Menu → Head Maintenance → Fill Ink.
  3. Select Two Head.
  4. Run Fill Ink for 30–45 seconds (start timing once ink flows).
  5. Press Cancel.
  6. Perform 2–3 head cleanings.

Step 12 – Nozzle Check

Watch this part12:03
  1. Press Menu → Head Maintenance → Head Status.
  2. Print a nozzle check.
  3. Compare results to pre-swap nozzle check.

Diagnostic Interpretation

Watch this part12:48

What you need

  • If nozzle issue MOVES with the print head:
  • Likely print head, ribbon cables, or cable connections.
  • If nozzle issue STAYS on the same channel:
  • Likely capping station, dampers, ink system, or electronics.
  • POSSIBLE ROOT CAUSES
  • Capping station height, seal, or alignment
  • Wiper blade issues
  • Bad dampers, ink tubes, or filters
  • Head strikes or dried print head
  • Ribbon cables, daughterboard, motherboard, or powerboard

Conclusion

Watch this part13:57
  1. Use the swap results to narrow down the faulty component.
  2. Continue targeted troubleshooting with your technician.
  3. Proceed with part replacement only after confirming root cause.

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