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.

[ed-be]

And share

[JGoodson]

Very disappointed with Canon.  I had the MX712 for less than 2 years.  After installing a new Canon black print cartridge this month, I received the U052 error message.  I followed the troubleshooting suggestions from canon and others I found but none worked.  The printer is of no use now as it will not fax or scan due to this error.

[thezillionthsue]

ed-be,  you said "Try #stupidU502errorcode on twitter", but  there's nothing posted on twitter re that hashtag?

[kmlindig]

I ended up returning my MX892 to Costco, even though it was past their 2 yr return policy date.  I figured, let the big guys take this on.  I did NOT replace it with a Canon, and would warn any of my friends to avoid Canon at all costs until they start offering some valid customer service and fix this issue!    Loving my new EPSON!

[DonPayne]

Thanks for posting, meyerhd. Tried it on my Pixma MP610, over 5 years old, with the sudden U052 error; it did not work.

When I put the ink cartridge (the big "5" PGBK one) in the holder (the black plastic print head), the red light starts blinking immediately, while the printhead is still in the middle of the carriage. So I don't understand how the U052 could be caused by something under the far right of the carriage (where the printhead goes after you close the cover). Maybe there are multiple causes of this error.

My printhead has some kind of pad under the black plastic holder, kind of enclosed by that brown plastic ribbon cable that wraps around the back and bottom of the printhead. It appears to be soaked with black ink -- same color as the blinking cartridge. So it seems possible that the printhead has a crack or something that shorted out the electronics -- except that other posters here said that replacing the printhead did nothing. Sigh.

[talik719]

same here, canon mx715, worked fine then didnt, cant even use the scanner or fax now.

its a shame because i had my eye on an EOS 7D.

..might go see what nikon has to offer

[Countrysailor]

I've had enough & have now ordered an Epson. Nothing I could do would fix the UO52 message so goodbye to my Canon MP600R and 10 new ink cartidges, they are off to the dump.

It is quite obvious that Canon couldn't give a " Monkeys " So I can't either.

Ta ta canon. 

[Countrysailor]

Product Expert are you Julius ? Replacement or repair may be needed...I decided replacement , only not with another Canon.

[Mamagull]

I had a bit of fun - went with my brother to Staples to help pick out a new printer.

Of course a staff member was on us like bees on honey.  When he suggested the "C" word I said (very forcefully) NEVER.  Got a very wide-eyed look, so then I proceeded to explain the situation.  He said he hadn't heard of the problem, so I made a few notes for the clerk.  Brother reports that he really likes his new HP printer.

The best way to get the word out, people, is to be vocal, in the right place at the right time. I think I'll print out a few of the better replies here to carry with me for anyone interested..........

[skhenry2747]

I have a Canon PIXMA MP960 with the UO52 error stating I have an incorrect print head.  Is there any fix?