topic Re: Canon TA-20 imagePROGRAF says "Cannot feed the print head with ink" in Production Printing

Canon TA-20 imagePROGRAF says "Cannot feed the print head with ink"

lfreeman — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 13:27:51 GMT

We have a Canon TA-30 ImagePROGRAF that we keep getting the error message "Cannot feed the print head with ink". We have removed and reinserted each of the inks in the ink tank, since they had been replaced fairly recently. We have tried to shut the printer down and restart and the same error continues.

We also notice that the print head does not move all the way across the top of the printer, allowing us to check to see if it needs cleaning. We have tried unplugging the printer and manually trying to move the print head, but it does not move.

We are unable to access the Home screen to print a check pattern or check through any maintenance issues.

Could you advise us of what we need to do to get the print head to move over so we can see if it needs cleaning or replacement, and if that is the reason we are getting the error message "Cannot feed the print head with ink"?

Re: Canon TA-20 imagePROGRAF says "Cannot feed the print head with ink"

Danny — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 13:29:25 GMT

Thanks for joining the conversation, lfreeman!

So that the Community can help you better, we need to know exactly which Canon printer model you're using. Your post's subject line refers to the imagePROGRAF TA-20 while the text portion refers to the imagePROGRAF TA-30. That, and any other details you'd like to give will help the Community better understand your issue!

If this is a time-sensitive matter, click HERE search our knowledge base or find additional support options HERE.

Thanks and have a great day!

Re: Canon TA-20 imagePROGRAF says "Cannot feed the print head with ink"

lfreeman — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 13:20:31 GMT

I apologize for the confusion. I just hit the wrong number in the post. Should be "We have a Canon TA-20 ImagePROGRAF..."

Re: Canon TA-20 imagePROGRAF says "Cannot feed the print head with ink"

greenie95125 — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 06:49:31 GMT

I'm interested in the reply as well. I recently changed my head, and while it was preparing the ink system, the ink lines emptied, and nothing I do can get them to prime again. This seems similar to your issue without the error message. Frustrating.

Re: Canon TA-20 imagePROGRAF says "Cannot feed the print head with ink"

STACStudio — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:23:55 GMT

Hello, We are experiencing this same issue with the TA-20. Was this issue resolved? We cannot progress to try and clean the print head or anything because of this error. How do we resolve the issue? Thanks

Re: Canon TA-20 imagePROGRAF says "Cannot feed the print head with ink"

lfreeman — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:56:25 GMT

STACStudio, it has not been resolved yet. It seems there are a few people having the same issue, but not comment yet as to how to fix it. We will probably call in a repair person.

Re: Canon TA-20 imagePROGRAF says "Cannot feed the print head with ink"

STACStudio — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:02:16 GMT

lfreeman, Thanks for the response. It would be great if a response was forthcoming. It is one of the blacks that seems to be having the issue, it was working perfectly fine and now it is preventing anything being printed, despite the other black available. Is this likely to damage the printhead? Please let me know what happens when the repair person comes out. Thanks.

Re: Canon TA-20 imagePROGRAF says "Cannot feed the print head with ink"

shadowsports — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:44:58 GMT

Greetings,

When conventional methods fail engaging with Canon's Dealer Network is probably the best way to get your device running again. If you need help finding a dealer visit the printers support portal and select find a dealer.

https://www.usa.canon.com/support/p/imageprograf-ta-20

Re: Canon TA-20 imagePROGRAF says "Cannot feed the print head with ink"

Yonubear — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 16:58:58 GMT

i'm having the same exact issue yet if i run a test print in maintanice mode i get perfect nozzle tests and the kink lines are full no air gap

Re: Canon TA-20 imagePROGRAF says "Cannot feed the print head with ink"

STACStudio — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 17:05:59 GMT

Yonubear, I had the exact same experience.

We were using a non-genuine cartridge at the time the issue occurred (as it was the only one we could get in rural Ireland at short notice). Despite the cartridge working perfectly well the week before with no issues at all, the fault seems to be directly related to this. We replaced with a genuine cartridge and this appears to have resolved the issue in full. Not sure if you're in the same situation or if this is of any use? Good luck.

Re: Canon TA-20 imagePROGRAF says "Cannot feed the print head with ink"

lfreeman — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 19:03:12 GMT

I am going to try this and see if it helps! Thank you!