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.

[rwsnc]

I have the same "Incorrect Print Head... blah blah blah" message on my MX922 printer.  Tried all options as suggested above.  No improvement.  I went a couple steps farther.  I purchased Canon Pixma MG6821 for $40 on the internet.  One of the reasons I bought this particular printer is because it uses the same ink cartridges AND print head as my MX922. I swapped print heads and got the same message.  I put the supposed "incorrect print head" from my mx922 into my new MG6821 and it worked fine (no surprise).  

I just got off the phone with Canon tech support.  They offered no help other than to suggest that I take or send my printer to a service center for repair.  I called a service center in my area a couple days ago and was told that the service charge would be $80 .... plus parts and labor.  

This will be my LAST Canon purchase.  They can take their products and attitude and kiss my behind.

[Julia]

I have an MX892 with the same print head error, U052. I have an interview tomorrow and can't print my documents. Can this be fixed or does Canon have to replace these printers. Seems like everyone having this problem is saying Canon has to replace and it's a firmware issue. What is causing this to happen. Thanks!

[rwsnc]

When I talked to tech support at Canon earlier this evening, he told me it was a hardware issue.  Frankly, I don't think he really knows, but that's just my personal opinion.

[Julia]

I learned how to clean out the print head so I did that and tried again, nothing. 

[unolabrat]

Canon MP560......was there every any fix to this.  I this cannot be fixed I will never buy a Canon again.  Just saying.

[Julia]

No resolution and I haven't been able to take it in yet. I'm very disappointed in Canon!

[rwsnc]

I'm 98% sure that a new print head is not going to solve the problem.  I've swapped out a new print head from a different Canon printer that uses the same print head.  Unless you're still under warranty, it's going to cost you more (much more) to get it checked out and repaired than it will to buy another printer.

[Mamagull]

Welcome to the forum. It has been a few years since I last posted. My canon printer makes for a great anchor.... I wish I could say that it surprises me to see the steady trickle of frustrated Canon printer owners coming to this forum. The fact that there are 1366 posts here should be a clue: Canon has the market in their pocket. They sell products that manage to function as advertised for a year or so then it shuts itself down. In desperation owners think that all of the previous complaints will have resulted in better customer service. Sorry folks. Canon got you too.
The Epson that replaced my anchor continues to give me stellar service.
The only advice that I and those who have hit the U052 wall can give you is this:
Don't waste your time or money listening to techs who will tell you anything except the truth. Send your printer to the local recycling center and replace it with an UP or Epson.

[Mamagull]

replace with an HP... Sorry for the typo

[luckyflyer]

I just picked up a printer at a yard sale and turned it on to find the same error message. After some inspection with a flashlight, I noticed one of the contact points on printer head carriage was bent sideways. They're tiny, delicate, and spring loaded. Use a micro flat-head screwdriver or tweezers to bend the contact point back straight and gently push on it to make sure it can be pushed back. Just be very careful replacing the print head. Worked for me, hope it works for you.