topic Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870 in Desktop Inkjet Printers

U052 Printhead Problem MX870

chdevers — Thu, 30 May 2013 13:19:30 GMT

Stopped printing while in the middle of a big job with full ink tanks, then when turned back on, gave the dreaded U052 print head error message. I have tried everything given by Canon to re-start the printer, nothing works.

It dawns on me that maybe my ink tank stopped feeding ink despite the tank being full- the vent hole might not have been open all the way to allow ink to pass through.

I'm wondering whether this could somehow mess up the printhead, maybe it needs ink to keep it cool during operation or something??

It's completely aggravating that it stopped as it has and now that prevents even the scanner or fax from working-- this seems like a bad design.

Does anyone know whether the print head can be messed up if the tank stops feeding ink while in the middle of a print job?

Thanks! And if you know that answer, then what do you do to get printer working again??

Thanks!

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

Michael — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 21:53:58 GMT

Please try the following to see if we can resolve your issue:

1. Open the cover of the printer.

2. Remove all ink tanks from the printer.

3. Lift up the gray locking lever on the side of the ink tank holder.

4. Gently remove the print head from the carriage unit.

5. Place the print head back in and lock the lever down.

6. Place all of the ink tanks back in the printer.

7. Close the cover and turn the printer off.

8. Unplug the power from the printer. Leave the power unplugged for about 5-10 minutes.

Plug the power back in and turn the printer on. If the error persists, please contact our support group using the link below for additional assistance.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/standard_display/contact_us_consumer

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

chdevers — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 02:01:34 GMT

This "solution" DOES NOT WORK. I have tried it 15 times, the printer still comes up with that same error message.

What's worse, it DISABLES THE ENTIRE PRINTER -- I can't use any other function. I have been left high and dry because I have desperately needed to send scanned contracts out and there is no way to do it. I have had to rely on my partner to send me photos of the contracts so I can continue with business.... Canon has produced a terrible product because a simple failure puts the entire machine out of service, not just the failed print head mechanism. Horrible design, terrible software or hardware installed control system.

You even told me that purchasing a new print head won't fix the crazy thing. Who the heck designed this crazy piece of junk?

How do I get it it replaced or repaired? Moderator Note: Removed personal phone number per forum guidelines.

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

Jason — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 02:06:31 GMT

Hi chdevers,

Your service options will vary on a few factors, but we'll be glad to help! Please drop us a line through this link to get the process started: Contact Us

Thanks so much!

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

chdevers — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 02:31:31 GMT

OK, I received your e-mail and need to

OK, line is now dropped! What do I do to get this started?

Thanks

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

Jason — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 20:54:29 GMT

Hi chdevers,

Please click on the "Contact Us" link in the previous post. You'll be redirected to a page where you can email our techs directly. We'll need to provide you with your service options from there since we're going to need some personal information. Thanks so much!

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

renfru — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 20:34:55 GMT

I tried this on my mx860 and no results. This seems to be a problem that occurs on all Pixma printers at some time. Why hasn't Canon owned up to this problem, with no reasonable solution and recall these printers to a local dealer for a software update or firmware update. Apparently Canon and other inkjet printer manufacturers like these unfixable problems so that they can sell more printers.

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

marzookmajeed — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 01:00:03 GMT

Canon is not coming forward with an answer, so just return this printer and buy a HP printer. Make sure never buy a canon printer hereafter.

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

renfru — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 01:24:07 GMT

The reason I bought a Canon is because the HP's I had in the past all failed.

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

switchfan — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 20:45:45 GMT

This solution worked for me, after my printer was jostled (picked up and turned 90 degrees, then set down) and then began showing this error. I had never had the error before this, although the printer has been moved/jostled MANY times. It is old, and the print head will probably die soon. However, this worked. I made sure to turn the power off RIGHT AWAY after closing the lide, before the printer was able to process its way back to an error. This will probably not work if the print head really is dead. Another idea is to make sure the contacts are clean - you can search on the internet for detailed instructions on how to do that.

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

eddytsang — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 18:29:13 GMT

I have a similar issue on my MX860. What are the other options here?

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

m5manos — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 20:51:27 GMT

Guys that works for me perfect!!!!!!!!

Disconnect the Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable from the back of the product, but leave the product turned on

Open the cover of the product and remove the print cartridges

Close the cover and wait for the Insert Ink Cartridges message to display

Disconnect the power cord from the back of the product and wait for one minute

Reconnect the power cord. If the product does not automatically turn on, press the Power button

Open the cover and reinsert the print cartridges

Close the cover. If prompted, print a calibration page.
Reconnect the USB cable, and try to print a print job from the computer

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

m5manos — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 20:52:02 GMT

Disconnect the Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable from the back of the product, but leave the product turned on

Open the cover of the product and remove the print cartridges

Close the cover and wait for the Insert Ink Cartridges message to display

Disconnect the power cord from the back of the product and wait for one minute

Reconnect the power cord. If the product does not automatically turn on, press the Power button

Open the cover and reinsert the print cartridges

Close the cover. If prompted, print a calibration page.
Reconnect the USB cable, and try to print a print job from the computer

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

macnicol — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 21:29:14 GMT

Doesn't work on my MP960. Used 2 diferent print heads.

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

chermes54 — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 23:12:15 GMT

MY MX870 will not print either. Have turned it off and on, cleaned, run troubleshoot, etc. Cartridges are half full but when I open the cover they are all lit up. Can't remember if that is normal or not. Not getting any error messages at all.

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

morlaine — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 21:29:21 GMT

It a very sad thing to say but it's true. I have yet to get a solution from Canon that has worked. And here is yet another example. When I called to get a resolution their suggestion was to buy yet another Canon printer. I want some of whatever they are smoking. Why would anyone throw good money after bad. I need a printer that is going to be dependable and this Canon printer is a prime example of the opposite. I guess I'll try an HP as they are about 1/3 the price. At least if it doesn't work, I won't feel like I've wasted an exorbitant amount of money like I did with this one. Canon needs to stop building disposible printers, or if they can't build in quality, at least make them cheap enough that they can be considered disposible when they are purchased. A very disgruntled ex-customer.

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

morlaine — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 21:32:42 GMT

They have your money, that ended their caring about the customer. They won't own up to anything or take responsibility for anything.

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

londonpsy — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 19:57:53 GMT

I have just been struck with this error, too. And have tried EVERY solution listed here.

What gives Canon? I have $100 worth of print cartridges and a very large and now useless printer on my desk.

I hope that your customer service will reach out an engage on this. This is a consumer-driven market, and there are many alternatives to your products. Why not demonstrate some customer service heroics and sort this problem out once and for all.

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

seadog — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 10:28:32 GMT

This has resoved the UO52 problem on very few printers, what we need is a firmware update.

Re: U052 Printhead Problem MX870

Isac — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 04:11:42 GMT

I must agree with seadog!!!

I have a Canon Pro9500-II, a Canon Pixma MX885, a Canon Lasershot LBP-1120 (the laser printer that they told me to throw away, because they would not supply printer drivers for any OS later than Window XP), a Canon 7D camera, Heaps of Canon lenses and I have recommended Canon for the last 25 pus years. I have just had a very close friend call to say he he had an error which said “The type of print head is incorrect. Install the correct print head.” he has a Canon MG5460. After I had read the huge amount of problems associated with this problem and no fix to speak of, I told him to bin it and buy an Epson. I am sitting here waiting for "my turn" to have the same error and will do the same - BUY AN EPSON! When I upgrade my cameras and lenses I will also be dumping anthing that has CANON written on it and will be purchasing NIKON. I cannot believe that Canon is ignoring the very people who support them. It makes my blood boil! I do believe that Canon could easily fix this problem and regain some respect - MAYBE! I also believe that they are legally responsible for this mess simply because they know it exists. If they know they have defective products, the least they should morally do is recall them to either repair, replace or refund - take a look at our friends at VW - perhaps a class action would hurry things along. We are all just used by these big companies for one thing - PROFIT - and yes are letting down their customers and making them feel worthless. Thanks for reading.