topic PIXMA G4210 worked with no problems, then was not used for 2 yrs. Now won't print. in Desktop Inkjet Printers

PIXMA G4210 worked with no problems, then was not used for 2 yrs. Now won't print.

Polcat123 — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:25:55 GMT

Printer was in use with no problems before it was stored in a residence for 2 years. 1) Now it will not print. My Canon Pixma G4210 uses ink bottles not cartridges. I'm wondering if the ink lines could be clogged with dried ink and if they are, how I would clean them? The ink in the printer bottles is still liquid. I'm not computer/printer knowledgeable. Appreciate any suggestions to get printer operating again. Yes, my G is correct. It's a capital G not a small g on my printer. 2) How can I be sure I'm buying pigment ink, not dye ink for my printer when none of the ink's I've seen say which they are? The only over the counter dye ink I know of is clothes dye . I don't have a car and usually purchase thru Walmart's on the computer. I'm not sure this should be listed under inkjet printers.

Re: Canon Pixma G4210 worked with no problems, then was not used for 2 yrs. Now won't print.

SignifDigits — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 12:33:12 GMT

Any print head will dry out and clog if not used. I'll leave it to others to address the cleaning process and buying ink - likely many passes of the cleaning cycle using a lot of ink will be required. In the future you should run of of the test patterns once a week or two to keep things working to prevent this from reoccurring. Running your printer regularly will save you both ink and trouble in the long run.

Re: PIXMA G4210 worked with no problems, then was not used for 2 yrs. Now won't print.

DerrickL — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:24:44 GMT

Worth a try, guide to deep clean print head:

https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/s/article/ART169336

Re: Canon Pixma G4210 worked with no problems, then was not used for 2 yrs. Now won't print.

Polcat123 — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 04:51:01 GMT

I moved and printer was not put in office. I checked the computer to see how to clean the printerheads. It said to go to clean and run. I've done that several times over the past 3 days. Also deep cleaned at least 3 times. I have no idea how many times I should clean to see it this is going to fix the problem. Ran paper thru on copy, no print. The last time I cleaned the printerhead, it said check manual. I was tired, turned printer off. When I turned it on today, it had lost all settings and has to be completely reset again (wireless). Not sure I can do that. As I recall there are a lot of settings on this printer and I don't know what a lot of them do. I deep cleaned the printerheads today. Ran paper thru on copy No print. Ran nozzle check then paper thru. No print. I had a printed page to copy. I'm not sure what ink flush and lock transport does. Cleaned roller and bottom. I'm pretty close to having to add ink. It's near the line. Goring to order ink. I don't know how many times it would be safe to run cleanprint heads without messing up the printer. Can I physically check the printerheads to see if they are inked or still dry?

Re: PIXMA G4210 worked with no problems, then was not used for 2 yrs. Now won't print.

Polcat123 — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 04:53:45 GMT

I can only handle typing responses one time. Arthritis in hands.

Re: PIXMA G4210 worked with no problems, then was not used for 2 yrs. Now won't print.

shadowsports — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:02:09 GMT

Greetings,

Sorry this has happened. This is one of those situations where you can spend a lot of money on ink trying to get the printhead unclogged and the feeding lines charged. Without use the ink dries extremely hard. It can clog the feeding tubes as well as the tiny channels inside the printhead.

The other thing you need to be mindful / careful of is if there's a clog and the ink can't get through the printhead it could leak inside the printer. Very important that you keep an eye on that. Should something like this happen cotton balls, Q-Tips and a little alcohol are very effective. Latex gloves are also recommended because inks will stain anything they touch.

The article above is helpful for performing a deep clean. It's also possible that you may need to remove the printhead for further inspection and cleaning. Again wearing gloves will protect your skin and any electrical contacts.

Reseat / Replace the Print Head - G4210 https://share.google/tdX1mnmxmnhsTihlw

There's also a maintenance function for charging the feeding tubes. With some persistence and more ink it's possible that you'll be able to get the printer working properly again. Depending on the extent of the clog it can take a few days to soften and clear. We'll be here to help along the way, but be patient as the process can take time.

Re: PIXMA G4210 worked with no problems, then was not used for 2 yrs. Now won't print.

DerrickL — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:28:36 GMT

Printers including ones from Canon depending on how much you print and what you print, can be very inexpensive now, a good one for less than 60 dollars. A refurbed printhead for your printer is close to 70 dollars and the Canon genuine ink is over 50 dollars for a three pack. You may find a replacement is more economical and will work out of the box.