Abstract: A service station (10) for use in an ink-jet printer comprises(a) pump means (12) for priming the printhead (18) of a cartridge (20),(b) a sled (14) to actuate the service station and seal the printhead, and(c) wiping means (58) for cleaning the printhead.The service station is fixed at one end of travel of a carriage (22) supporting the cartridge. The carriage is adapted to move bidirectionally by means of a controlled motor.The service station performs a number of functions, including clearing clogged nozzles in the printhead and removing bubbles therefrom, covering the nozzles with a protective cap (50) when the printhead is not in use to prevent contamination thereof, preventing ink from drying out in the nozzles, wiping contaminants picked up during printing off the nozzles, and providing a location (60) for firing the nozzles for clearing out thereof prior to printing.