Call to Arms for the dreaded U052 Wrong Printhead Error

[macnicol]

This is a "call to arms" for all of you Canon customers who have had this problem and have had their printers disabled because of it.  Please respond with the model of your printer and if you were able to fix it, what you did to fix it. 

We need to put pressure on Canon to respond this product defect.  It appears to be bad firmware that does not allow the user to override the problem and to continue to use the printer even in a degraded mode.  From my investigations the problem is NOT a printhead issue - no way one can be printing fine and then have this error alert without having changed the printhead or ink cartridges!

Canon, PLEASE take this issue seriously and provide a solution across the affected models.  If nothing else there should be a trade-in allowance for those printers that have been affected by this product defect.

I have had many Canon printers because they have superior functional specifications. I want to be able to continue using Canon products but only if I can have confidence that this product defect will not destroy my investment.

If Canon is unresponsive our next step should be to aggressively publisize this product defect on social media and on major product vendor outlet sites as negatives reviews.

Forum Users, please reply with your affected model number(s) and with details of any succdessful fix procedure.

[puppylove]

Some ideas:

REMEMBER - if you paid with your Credit card, and you're before 2 years from purchase date, your CC will provide warranty usually. Just about all cards offer this these days

If not, sell for parts. Lots of people will buy this either to try and fix or use for parts, get a little cash and recycle this way 🙂

My new HP 8610 is up and running and is beautiful - some great new features and looks sleek. Very happy! AND got it for an amazing price which is less than one Canon ink head probably lol

[DB55]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to get an HP tomorrow! I'm sorry that I purchased a Cannon for my classroom. I guess I should start saving up to replace that printer too. Thanks for all your support Cannon!

[ahramsey73]

Have had model MG5320 for about two years.  This is the first time I've gotten the U052 error. 

I was given three ways to try to fix the problem: 1) reboot, 2) remove and re-seat the existing printer head, or 3) contact Canon Support.  First two didn't work so gonna try the last.  From all the history on this issue, it seems like #3 should be the first and only option.  We'll see.

[Aardvark]

As dozens of previous poster have stated...................option #3 doesn't get you anywhere. Beware of buying another printhead. It won't cure the fault. Also beware of a small "discount" they offer you. You can find it cheaper online anyway.

[vmann57]

I have a MG5320 used 10 times now showing a U052 error. Have tried everything was working fine, nothing has been changed.

[thezillionthsue]

I removed the printhead and washed it very very thoroughly and let it dry very very thoroughly, then replaced it.

I installed all completely new cartridges (had them already, and if I can't fix the printer they'll be useless anyway).

I don't get the Wrong Printhead Error message any more, but now the printer won't print at all and I get an error message about  the printhead alignment failing or something, which the printer won't do on the auto setting, and as it won't print I can't do it manually either  

I've given up. I went out yesterday and bought a new printer. An Epson

[MattSchoch]

To spare everyone my own regurgitate all the words written about the Canon Printer, I'll just say in short, "The same happened to me. Prior to getting the error message, I loved it. All the things I did to try and 'bring it back' were to no avail, even calling Canon didn't work. What dept did you speak to? Do you remember the number you called? Any info you could provide would be helpful and appreciated.

[MattSchoch]

I'm referring to how you were able to get a free replacement . . .

[afmoffa]

I've just gotten the dreaded U052 reminder for my Pixma MP610 Printer. Okay, I'll call on Monday and we'll see how that goes, but I'm not expecting miracles.

Yes, I have removed the print head, I have unplugged the printer, etc. 

That so many people have this problem over so many years makes me wonder about Canon printers, but my s520 was such a champion (a decade ago) that I'll make a good-faith effort to get my MP610 back on track.

[LogOnFixIt]

MP830

Print Head error, and i spent $60 for new ink installed the entire set and the same error message. No solution from Canon so now I'm out the $400 paid for the machine and the and the $60 for the ink.

No wonder there stock is tanking..  Are there any successful solutions out there please?