PIXMA MX922 won't print black on ID cards

[coboyle]

I have a Canon MX922 printer and it prints perfectly fine. I've been using it to make custom ID cards for my class students, but recently, it hasn't been printing black on the ID cards. When I print on regular paper, everything comes out exactly as it should. When I try printing the same on the ID cards, the black text areas are just a light shade of blue. I've tried messing with the main settings and changing it from paper to photo finish, but to no avail. I've also tried cleaning, deep cleaning, cleaning the roll and cleaning the printer heads, but still no black ink on ID cards.

[Patrick]

Hi coboyle,

First, let's perform a test of your printer.  Please load plain paper in the cassette and follow these steps:

1.  Please press the MENU button on your PIXMA MX922.

2.  Use the down arrow key until the wrench and screwdriver icon is selected, then press OK.

3.  On Maintenance, press the OK button.

4.  Select Print nozzle check pattern and then press OK.

5.  Select Yes and then press the OK button.

Please take a photo of the Nozzle check that just printed and then attach that image to your reply of my post.

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

[coboyle]

Hey Patrick,

Thanks for getting back to me. I've done this before and gone through the light and deep cleaning on there as well. Based off the print outs, everything seems to be fine but I cannot print the black on the ID cards now. I attached a scanned print after checking the nozzle heads as you suggested. Let me know if you have any additional suggestions or solutions. Thanks and looking forward to your response. 

[Patrick]

Hi coboyle,

The cause of the issue that you are experiencing is "BK" is not printing.

There should be a "BK" bar below yellow.

Please make sure that the BK ink tank contains ink and perform 2 deep printhead cleanings:

MX920 series > Maintenance > Cleaning the Print Head Deeply

If BK still does not print, your PIXMA MX922 would require service.  The printhead could be clogged or this issue could be caused by a different malfunction.  You can try replacing the printhead, but please note, parts purchased from Canon are not refundable or returnable and there is no guarantee that replacing the printhead would resolve this issue.

You may contact the Parts Department by dialing 1-866-481-2569.  The hours of operation the Parts Department are 9:00 AM to 7 PM ET, Monday through Friday.  They can provide you with availability and cost.

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.

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

[coboyle]

Hey Patrick,

Thanks for the quick response. I checked the settings and don't see anything about "cleaning the printer head deeply". I see a cleaning and a deep cleaning option, but it doesn't mention the print heads. The only thing referencing the print heads is the printout I attached for you. I've done the option "deep cleaning" multiple times since this issue occurred to no avail. Should I try the standard "deep cleaning" again and send you the printout? Thanks.

[Patrick]

Hi coboyle,

Were you able to click the link that I provided?  It shows the steps to perform a deep cleaning.

If you have already performed this numerous times, then your PIXMA MX922 would require service, as I described above.

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

[coboyle]

Hey Patrick,

I'm back in the office today and I'll check this again right now. I see the link with clear instructions and have performed this action many times. Including before i sent you the print out. I'll try it again this morning but it didn't seem to work either other time. This just happened recently as we've been printing cards for over a year with this machine. It just recently the black doesn't come through, it shows up as a lighter blue color. Again, if i print it on paper, the black comes out fine and even a sample card I made using a program online printed the black on the cards but it was too small. When I adjusted the size, the same issues occurred with black not coming through. I hope this additional information helps narrow it down. I'll try the deep cleaning again now and look out for your response. Thanks!

[coboyle]

Good day Patrick,

Now that we're back from the holidays, I am experiencing the same issue with printing the cards. I've done the deep cleaning and printer head cleaning, and everything comes out looking good. It's still like the photo I sent over where the black shows up fine and all the printer heads seem clean. Unfortunately, we still cannot get black to print on the cards. Do you have any other suggestions or possibly a representative we can bring out or take the machine to? Thanks.