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.

[willowsage]

Well, what a depressing read, and nail in coffin of my Canon printer purchasing days. Tried reseating, soaking, turning off/waiting/turning on and zip. Ta Ta Canon. Hope my Eos doesn't go the same way, or it's good news for Nikon and Epson, I'd say!!!

[Tootsy42]

I received an Error U052 on my PIXMA MG5320.  I followed the instructions from Canon on how to fix it, but I didn't work. Then I contacted Canon and within 2 hours they responded:  "Thank you for contacting Canon product support.  I understand that your PIXMA MG5320 is getting a U052 error.  I am happy to assist you. Based on what you have described, we would like to replace the print head under warranty.  I've entered a request into our system for a replacement print head.  Please allow several business days for processing and delivery.

You will also be receiving a prepaid UPS shipping label in your email within three business days.  This shipping label is to return the non-functioning print head to Canon so that it can be properly recycled.  You can drop off the packaged print head at any UPS drop off point.

Please let us know if you have additional questions or concerns about your PIXMA MG5320.  Thank you for choosing Canon.

Sincerely,

Marnie
Technical Support Representative"

I can complain, they acted very quick and we should see what happens with the new print head.  I'll keep you all posted.

[adaj]

count me in too.  MP 500. Have had the dreaded error now for weeks and keep trying different things.  I have seen/read Canon's directions all over the net, but it doesn't work.  Almost all the posts I read also said the replacement heads don't seem to work either.

Did anyone find any solution?

I really liked this printer. Worked great for a few years and then BAM.  I even make sure I have back up ink... been buying the packs a Costco, yes it is always Canon ink.

Sigh... off to get a new printer.

[zanne1950]

Maybe you got the wrong rep  Try again   There was a message for me from this forum due to the uo52 error. Canon claims they are sending me a new printer due to ariive tomorrow and a shipping label to return the faulty one. It is obviously a computer problem, not a printhead problem. It will not help to clean,or replace printhead. People have done that. I hope Canon wants my old printer to diagnos the problem. I for one am impressed with their response. Shall see what is in box though. They said it would be the same or upgraded model.   I wouldn't call. Look on the forum for an email link someone posted to canonfriends

[zanne1950]

I posted to this forum and they are sending me a new printer check out the email canon friends link here somewhere I can hardly believe it You may have a PM that you have not checked I hadn't. personal message.

[Canon450]

I have recently encountered the dreaded "U052 Print Head" messaage on my MP610, which has been a dependable printer for some time. My experience with it led me to purchase an MX892 as a FAX machine. My experience with Canon in trying to get an answer to the U052 problem has been a text book case in "How to Anger the Customer". I have been a Canon fan with cameras, lenses, all-in-one printers, etc. But I am beginning to sense that my esteem for the brand may have been misplaced.

I will check in here regularly to see if any solutions to the problem is forthcoming.

[JLH]

This is the email you should use to contact Canon.  I received my replacement printer a few days ago...

canonfriends@cits.canon.com

[Canon450]

Thank you, JLH

[flawedexistence]

Well, you can add my MP830 to the long list of printers with this problem.  Too bad for Canon.  I own the MP830 and  an MG8120 but I can't imagine ever buying another Canon product.  Really a shame.........

[mystory2004]

I had received a note from " Christa",,,, no title, nothing formal.  She said I should send name, serial number, etc. to receive a replacement.  I thought the note was a scam.  When there is a LARGE error in a product and there is an attempt by the corporation to make amends, I thought there would be a formal  announcement.   I did not believe " Christa" with no title , so I deleted the message.

I have learned, recently, that customers receive a replacement after they send their unworkable Canon printer for 'repair."  I can't carry a big box like that up and down 28 steps, so I bought an HP printer and that will be that. I just need a place to recycle the Canon and all of those cartridges I bought..... I wonder how long the replacement Canons will work before the printhead error shows up.