PIXMA G4210: Issue with ONE color

[mnassour]

Hello!  First post here and I'm hoping it will save my Pixma G4210 from the scrap heap.  

For some reason, the red color keeps getting plugged up.  I do a deep cleaning, then a nozzle check and everything's fine.  Twenty-four hours later and the red is now a murky brown.  After 48 hours, the red is a murky grey.  Everything else is perfect.  Print head was recently replaced at Canon's suggestion, made no difference whatsoever.  Does anyone have any thoughts on what is going on here?

Thanks!

[Patrick]

Hi mnassour,

Are you using Canon ink in your G4210?  If so, the next step would be to perform an ink flush:

Performing an Ink Flush - G4210 - Canon Knowledgebase

If you continue to have difficulties, please contact one of Canon's Technical Support Representatives via phone or chat. To contact a Technical Support Representative, please use the link below to log into your My Canon account:

https://mycanon.usa.canon.com

Once logged in, click on your PIXMA G4210 and then click on the Product Support button. When that page loads, click on either the Phone Support button or the Chat Support button to access support.

Did this answer your question? If so, please click the Accept as Solution button below so that others may find the answer as well.

[mnassour]

Yes, I am using Canon ink, and have done flushes.  If the printer sits for more than 48 hours afterward without using the red color, it clogs up again.

[Patrick]

Hi mnassour,

Based on your description of the issue and what has already been performed, it would appear that the color cartridge (printhead) in your PIXMA G4210 is clogged and would need to be replaced.

If your PIXMA G4210 was purchased less than a year ago, please contact one of Canon's Technical Support Representatives via phone or chat to obtain your in warranty options. To contact a Technical Support Representative, please use the link below to log into your My Canon account:

https://mycanon.usa.canon.com

Once logged in, click on your PIXMA G4210 and then click on the Product Support button.  When that page loads, click on either the Phone Support button or the Chat Support button to access support.

If your PIXMA G4210 is out of warranty, you are eligible for Canon's Upgrade Program. This is for out of warranty units which have been diagnosed to require service, or for some reason are incompatible with a new or upgraded system. This option allows you a one-time opportunity to purchase a replacement product, discounted from the list price.

If you would like to take part in this option, please call our Sales Department at (866) 443-8002 Monday through Saturday, 9am to 9pm. Let them know you have been working with technical support and the Canon Upgrade Program was offered.

The G4210 uses the CH-2 printhead to print color and it is available for purchase from Canon:

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/ch-2-print-head

The steps for replacing can be viewed here:

Reseat / Replace the Print Head - G4210 - Canon Knowledgebase

Did this answer your question? If so, please click the Accept as Solution button below so that others may find the answer as well.

[mnassour]

I have already replaced the printhead as per recommendation of Canon support.  The replacement had no effect at all on the issue.

[Patrick]

Hi mnassour,

It would appear that your PIXMA G4210 would require service.  You are eligible for Canon's Upgrade Program. This is for out of warranty units which have been diagnosed to require service. This option allows you a one-time opportunity to purchase a replacement product, discounted from the list price.

If you would like to take part in this option, please call our Sales Department at (866) 443-8002 Monday through Saturday, 9am to 9pm. Let them know you have been working with technical support and the Canon Upgrade Program was offered.

Did this answer your question? If so, please click the Accept as Solution button below so that others may find the answer as well.

[Stevekgreer]

Dear mnassour:  I have the same problem with my G4210.  Here is how I solved it.  First know that deep cleaning will eventually saturate your ink absorption pad and it cannot be replaced, forcing you to buy a new printer.  So, you first have to install a great workaround.  Go to Octoinkjet, a firm in England and order the G4 Printer Potty Waste Ink Kit.  Will cost you about $60.00 (tax & shipping included).  Follow the enclosed instructions to install it on your printer.  It works like a champ.  There are YouTube videos for info. Next, create a word doc with half the page setup as a red filled textbox.  You will need to save it for printing later.  After you install the Printer Potty, (and yes you will need to drill a hole in the back to run the tubing…just follow the directions and videos), go to maintenance and do a deep cleaning for color.  Then print the word doc with the big red filled text box.  Check to make sure the red ink printed cleanly.  If not, re do the deep cleaning.  Since you have installed the Printer Potty Waste, no need to worry about ink overflow of filling up the absorption pads, or being told to buy a new printer.  Re run the red test page.  If it prints cleanly, you are good to go.  If not, replace the color printhead.  Then, every time the magenta nozzle clogs up again, do the deep cleaning into the Printer Potty Waste Ink tank, print the red page, and you will be good for a while.  I did this on my G4210 and saved myself a ton of money.  Just remember to clean out the Printer Potty collection tank every so often.  There is also a Octoinkjet video on how to reset the waste ink counter in your printer that you will need to do.  I know this sounds like a lot to do, but it really does work well.  Do a google search on the Octoinkjet for peace of mind.

[Stevekgreer]

There are a number of Printer Potty Waste Ink kits out there.  Here is the video link for installing the correct one on a Canon megatank printer:  https://youtu.be/pYP2JhPuoog?is=Z5rpP3PFy8iDd9Nr