PIXMA MP560 Stripes on cyan colour

[Andy_in_Bristol]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum, and although I searched around before posting, please excuse me if I have not been able to find a previously-posted solution to this problem or broken any conventions in raising this new post.

I've been getting stripy prints from my Canon MP560, noticeably with the cyan colour.

I've just run the automatic head adjustment process, "normal" head cleaning cycle followed by a "deep" head cleaning cycle, and there is still a persistent stripe where the top half of the cyan band prints lighter than the top half; comparing with the magenta, I'm assuming this should have a consistently dark appearance. I've inserted a scan of the output, highlighting the problem in a red box.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what the issue is and how to fix it, please? It doesn't seem to fit the typical descriptions of problems with print heads that I have found and read before posting here.

Many thanks,

Andy.

[Hector]

Hi Andy_in_Bristol,

In the image it looks like some nozzles are clogged or the printhead is not working correctly. In this situation you can try one more deep cleaning to see if the images improve. If the issue continues you can try reseating the print head using the steps in the link provided HERE.

If you are still having the issue it looks like there is a problem with the printhead or the MP560. Outside of the 1 year warranty, you can contact our sales department at 1-800-652-2666 to use our Upgrade Program. The Upgrade program will give you a discount and free shipping on a replacement printer.

[Andy_in_Bristol]

Hello Hector, and thank you for replying to my query.

I have removed and replaced the print head as instructed, and have also run another cleaning cycle, and regrettably the problem remains exactly as before.

Is there any way that the print head can be cleaned? A quick search suggested that replacing the print head was probably uneconomical unless there is a way to get a reasonably-priced replacement? I am based in the UK, so I am not sure that the support route you suggest is valid in my case.

Regards,

Andy.

[Darius]

Hi Andy_in_Bristol.

The print head contains sensitive electronic components, and may be damaged if submerged into water, detergent, or solvents.

For support options in the UK, you'll need to refer to that branch of Canon. You may find the correct website through the Canon Global website: https://global.canon/en/support

Did this answer your question? Please click the Accept as Solution button so that others may find the answer as well.

[jlb]

Hello Andy, 

I have the exact same issue. Were you able to determine the cause and resolve the problem?

jb

[Andy_in_Bristol]

Hi JB,

Sadly not, however looking back at when I bought the printer I realised that it is actually ten years old, so decided that it had given pretty good service and was ready for semi-retirement. It is now "relegated" to printing in black and white and occasional non-photo colour use, as I still have quite a few black cartridges left. I decided that ten years' service for any modern technology is reasonable, if not desirable, given the rate at which consumer electronics sadly become obsolescent!

I have since bought the Pixma TR8550 that seems to be pretty good - I was particular keen on the ethernet connection (kids kept on complaining that the printer was not available) and also it supports AirPrint (another feature the kids were keen to see...!) The automatic document feeder has also been useful - it's not perfect, but with a bit of care, the paper feed is okay for a printer in this price range and that was a bonus feature for me. BTW, the best price I could find was to buy it directly from Canon which was a little surprising, which extends the warranty.

I have seen some videos out there describing how to wash print heads, however I suspect there is a high risk of permanent damage and as you will have seen earlier in this thread this is certainly not recommended - if it is no longer suitable for your needs and you're prepared to risk a write-off then maybe it's worth a go (I'd love to hear how you get on if you do!), or otherwise you might choose to use it as a second printer as I have (until I run out of ink!)

Good luck,

Andy.

[MRemes]

Resurrecting this for the same problem, except my cyan bar dark/light is swapped. Does anyone have an idea for even what part of the printer would affect this? Print head or something else?

[Danny]

Thanks for joining the conversation, MRemes!  If you've also got the PIXMA MP560, that's an older model which we have retired. While that means that Canon USA no longer offers direct support for it, your friends here in the Canon Community are welcome to offer suggestions!

You can also speak with a Canon Upgrade Program specialist to help you score a modern replacement that would meet your current needs at a discount. You can reach them weekdays and Saturdays at 1-866-443-8002.

Hope this helps!