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.

[carrot12]

I have the MX712 printer that I purchased from Costco about 4 years ago.  I also received the message and am upset that it basically holds my printer hostage from being able to do anything, even scan.  Luckily, I called up Costco and since it was only a few years ago, and they have records of it, they are allowing me to return the entire thing!  I recently refilled all my ink cartridges, so they are allowing me to return the refills as well!  I love Costco!

[JohnWPB]

"Folks, there's really no point in endlessly putting another 'me too' message on this thread. "

Ummmm Yes there is!  It continues to show those that have Google'd the problem, and have ended up here.  It continues to show that more and more people are having this problem, and Canon is doing nothing about it.  I wish EVERYONE that has had this problem occur would post a "me too" and maybe someone would take notice to thousands of people posting.....

[dkrc]

Same here, just started getting this message, and after reading the comments, it looks like I will no longer be buying a canon printer or any other canon products. I have not called them yet, but i will be calling tomorrow. I had a protection paln with office depot, but canon never informed me of the class action law suit or the defect...very pooor customer service on there part.

[aliris19]

I'm happy to pile on. I think this is something like the 125th page of multiple posts. I have an MX892. Cleaned the printhead but am doubtful of success. Purchased the thing from Costco so I'll call them in the morning. 😞

Thanks, all, for posting!

[aliris19]

Apologies for a repeat post if I've responded in the wrong place. I've got a MX892 with the same printhead error. I cleaned the printhead with water and am waiting for the plug to un-static itself. I'm doubtful anything will be better when I reconnect the power (several upstream posts suggested waiting 10 minutes before reconnecting). I think this is bricked.

Could it be a static charge that fries something on the connecting pins of the machine? That might explain why it won't reset?

Sad!

This was purchased at Costco so I'll call and ask whether I really can get a refund. Such a waste.

[RDM57]

Same issue, Canon MG5300.  Printing fine then suddenly it reports that the "wrong printhead" is in place and must be changed.  I've only used genuine Canon inks or Canon refurb cartridges.  I've removed and cleaned the contacts on the printhead to no avail.  Cost to replace the printhead are higher than the original printer costs!  So, is there a printhead hour timer that stops the machine, so that we must go buy a new one?  Seems like planned obsolescence.

[OldSkoolTek]

PIXMA MP600

Had this error today. Looked up fix... didn't work

My fix

1    Removed Printhead

2    Rinsed in warm water (inkside out to nozzles)

3    Cleaned where Printhead seats in Printer with alcohol swab GENTLY

4    Installed

No Error !

[tomward]

The printer went wrong. Took it in to a pc shop. The power cable had gone. New cable. Plug in turn on and pow! UO52 message. Cant do anything. Turn of and on many times. Take out ink many times. Clean interior of wet ink several times. Is there an answer or is Canon products CRAP!!  Anyone?

[Joel_P]

@OldSkoolTek

That's how mine started.

There is no known fix hence the law suit. There should be another settlement coming up.

[OldSkoolTek]

Update to my Post

Printer worked for two pages and failed again.

Pulled out the printhead and it was puddled with ink.

Have always used Canon inks so the story of different 3rd party inks does not apply to me.

Error  will not reset am very upset, looking for a new printer now