I have an MP640
(not listed in the OP on the first page)
Same problem: U052 error. Some searching around online brings-up tutorials on how to clean a Canon printhead, but some other notes suggest something about heating elements being burnt-out, a damage which is irreparable and only "fixed" by getting a whole new printer. I don't know if this is "Planned Obsolescence" by Canon in order to sell more printers (or to sell more extended warranties), but if it is, Canon's reputation will take a huge negative hit on their reliability.
So, another question *I* have is: For the scanning job I want to do right now, I don't even care if the printhead is working! Why can't I get passed this error on the menu so I can scan my documents? Every thing else is working, right??? Honestly, I don't use the printer that much, and I've only had need to replace the ink cartrages twice since I bought the thing.
Of course, Canon is known for bringing us CHEAP products. I should have learned when my Digital Rebel Camera went bad, like clockwork, after 2500 photos. Canon has a cheap spring between their optical mirror and their focusing mirror that just doesn't hold up. It costs about $250 to replace a dumb little spring, and of course you'll have to pay for the shipping and wait several weeks for it to be repaired. But HEY! Lucky you! You can just buy a brand new one for $450! Stupid me... I DID! I bought another Digital Rebel and THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED after the same number of photos!!! So I thought I'd go more professional and bought a 20D... same **bleep** story, man... at least I had a warranty on the 20D, but then the stupid lens went bad! If it's not one thing with Canon, it's another!
So I jumped-ship and finally bought a Nikon SLR camera in 2008, I've shot COUNTLESS photos with it for SEVEN YEARS now, and the thing is STILL going strong! I will definitely buy another Nikon camera. I probably should look into a Nikon printer, now, too!
It all just seems so wasteful... on so many levels. First you have to throw-away all the parts of what should be a very nice working item! It's bad enough that their sub-quality printhead won't work, but now I have to throw-away a perfectly good scanner along with it! Second, you have to take the TIME to run to the store to shop around for a NEW one!... right at a time when you need to get a job done! So you have to waste time AND gasoline while you're falling behind on your work, just so you can go blow even MORE money on a crappy printer that you KNOW will only screw you again very soon!
How could anything be more dissatisfying?
Unfortunately, I've had the same bad luck with Epson scanners. They crap-out on you when it seems like you just bought it... and you have to junk a very nice looking "box" with a perfectly good scanner just so they can dip into your wallet again and again. You buy the thing feeling great about it, and then the company you patronized turns around and sticks it in your ear. It all feels so underhanded and dishonest.
