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.

[Aardvark]

After trying all the fixes suggested by all you good people, and several more I found on the 'net I decided enough was enough. Here is the final remedy. <link removed per forum guidelines> http://forums.usa.canon.com/t5/Forum-Info/Forum-Guidelines/m-p/15

[flawedexistence]

OOOOOOH!  Very nice.  It'll fit better in the trash can

[Aardvark]

I'm glad you saw it before my link was deleted. I thought the sledge hammer was very effective.

[Hexadecimus]

Same problem.  I was using our MP970 and the black tank ran out.  I carefully removed it and replaced it, and... U052.  I was very careful. There was no static buildup, I didn't mishandle anything.  I work on computers, laptops, and smartphones for a living.  I know how to handle parts much more delicate than an ink cartridge designed for the average user to replace.

On top of that, someone is still manufacturing and even refurbishing these from Hong Kong, probably the plant contracted to make the original parts.  They often do that in HK/China and sell gray market items and parts, sometimes with the original branding removed or covered.

Who do they think they're fooling?  All of us suckers who bought these printers, I guess...

[steenth]

MX892, what a POS!  got the dreaded U052 this am.  I have gone through maybe 1000 prints, maybe less.  Plus it's a ink hog, just attrocious!

Canon sucks

[Geomath]

I have had this problem too on my MP610.
How can one run diagnostics when you cannot get past the U051/2 error display?
What is wrong with my print head???
Why should I pay more for the head than for a new printer?
I am really £$%^ed off with Canon

[dionman]

Read my post of 4-27-14. I have a Cannon MG5320. Include me in your "call to arms." This U052 wrong print head error is more wide spread than I thought it was.

dionman

[tomhock]

If there is a class action taken, keep in mind some of us already recycled our printers at local recycle centers after trying all the "fixes", that never worked.  (My original post at Message 18)

[stuffed1printer]

If Canon were really genuine in wanting to give customers a solution to this printhead problem they would post a YouTube video of their technician repairing a customers printer in real time [no breaks in filming] following the companies instructions.We have programs showing up defective builders but never consumer products...probably because they are advertisers on TV. Bumper stickers would be most effective in shopping centre car parks. This built in obsolesence is not confined to printers only, car computers are able to count the distance travelled ....I wonder why? When your expensive onboard computer spits the dummy, you have nowhere to turn. Computer controlled cars will never become classic collectors items as they will have to be pushed due to lack of computer parts.

[mfmay001]

Canon MP640

Was printing fine and then it started not printing very well and the next thing I get is wrong printhead error.  I can't get pass that screen to try to do anything.  I'm stuck.  Very frustrating...unless Canon helps in fixing this problem...I will not buy a Canon again.