PIXMA MG3620 - prints only half the page and copies are faded – Nozzle Check attached

[Marrryyy]

Hello everyone,

I have a Canon PIXMA MG3620 and I am having two problems.

1. When I print from my computer, only about half of the page prints. The rest of the page is blank.

2. When I make a copy directly from the printer, the entire page is copied, but the print is very faded and difficult to read.

Here is what I have already tried:

- Deep Cleaning (multiple times)
- Print Head Alignment
- Cleaning the encoder strip
- Reinstalling the printer driver
- Printing from different programs
- Printing from another computer

None of these solved the problem.

I have attached a Nozzle Check pattern and sample photos showing the half-page printing issue and the faded copy.

Does this sound like a clogged print head, a failing print head, an encoder issue, or something else?

Is there anything else I should try before replacing the printer?

Thank you very much for your help.

IMG_0092.jpeg

 

[DerrickL]

When you say it prints half a page? I assume it acts like it is printing the whole page? 

I own an MG3620 so I am familiar with it. Your nozzle check indicates one possibly two defective ink cartridges. Each has its own print head. Deep Cleaning is not going to fix this. They black one needs to be replaced, and I suspect the color one does too. The Nozzle check bars do no look like a correct MG3620 nozzle check based on mine prints and what is posted in the MG3620 guide. Are they Canon Cartridges? I ask because I had the same thing happen with refilled Canon cartridges from a third party I went through two brand new sets before giving up and ordering brand new genuine Canon cartridges and they printed just fine. I print a nozzle check once a week, from both my printers,  to keep the ink in the heads from drying out

You can see what a correct MG3620 nozzle check looks like here:

https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/s/article/ART162760

[Marrryyy]

Thank you for your reply.

Yes, they are genuine Canon cartridges that came sealed in the original Canon PIXMA MG3620 box. I received the printer as a gift at the end of 2024 and started using it only about 3 to 5 months ago. I have never used refilled or third-party cartridges.

Based on this, do you still think the cartridges are the most likely cause of both problems?

[DerrickL]

The print heads are built into the cartridges. I  suspect the cartridges are old now,  went unused for a long time, the ink partially dried, became thicker and clogged the nozzles, possibly the color one, the black one for sure .I would replace both of them. Cartridges that come with a Canon printer are "samples" and filled half-way at the most. 

[Marrryyy]

Thank you very much for your explanation and for taking the time to help me. That makes sense. Since the printer sat unused for quite a while, the starter cartridges may indeed have dried out. I’ll replace both cartridges with new genuine Canon cartridges and report back with the results. I really appreciate your help.