U052 Printhead Problem MX870

[chdevers]

Stopped printing while in the middle of a big job with full ink tanks, then when turned back on, gave the dreaded U052 print head error message.  I have tried everything given by Canon to re-start the printer, nothing works.

It dawns on me that maybe my ink tank stopped feeding ink despite the tank being full- the vent hole might not have been open all the way to allow ink to pass through.

I'm wondering whether this could somehow mess up the printhead, maybe it needs ink to keep it cool during operation or something??

It's completely aggravating that it stopped as it has and now that prevents even the scanner or fax from working-- this seems like a bad design.

Does anyone know whether the print head can be messed up if the tank stops feeding ink while in the middle of a print job?

Thanks!  And if you know that answer, then what do you do to get printer working again??

Thanks!

[eddytsang]

I have a similar issue on my MX860.  What are the other options here?

[m5manos]

Guys that works for me perfect!!!!!!!!

Disconnect the Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable from the back of the product, but leave the product turned on

Open the cover of the product and remove the print cartridges

Close the cover and wait for the Insert Ink Cartridges message to display

Disconnect the power cord from the back of the product and wait for one minute

Reconnect the power cord. If the product does not automatically turn on, press the Power button

Open the cover and reinsert the print cartridges

Close the cover. If prompted, print a calibration page.
Reconnect the USB cable, and try to print a print job from the computer

[m5manos]

Disconnect the Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable from the back of the product, but leave the product turned on

Open the cover of the product and remove the print cartridges

Close the cover and wait for the Insert Ink Cartridges message to display

Disconnect the power cord from the back of the product and wait for one minute

Reconnect the power cord. If the product does not automatically turn on, press the Power button

Open the cover and reinsert the print cartridges

Close the cover. If prompted, print a calibration page.
Reconnect the USB cable, and try to print a print job from the computer

[macnicol]

Doesn't work on my MP960. Used 2 diferent print heads.

[chermes54]

MY MX870 will not print either. Have turned it off and on, cleaned, run troubleshoot, etc.  Cartridges are half full but when I open the cover they are all lit up.  Can't remember if that is normal or not.  Not getting any error messages at all.

[morlaine]

It a very sad thing to say but it's true.  I have yet to get a solution from Canon that has worked.  And here is yet another example.  When I called to get a resolution their suggestion was to buy yet another Canon printer.  I want some of whatever they are smoking.  Why would anyone throw good money after bad.  I need a printer that is going to be dependable and this Canon printer is a prime example of the opposite.  I guess I'll try an HP as they are about 1/3 the price.  At least if it doesn't work, I won't feel like I've wasted an exorbitant amount of money like I did with this one.  Canon needs to stop building disposible printers, or if they can't build in quality, at least make them cheap enough that they can be considered disposible when they are purchased.  A very disgruntled ex-customer. 

[morlaine]

They have your money, that ended their caring about the customer. They won't own up to anything or take responsibility for anything.

[londonpsy]

I have just been struck with this error, too.  And have tried EVERY solution listed here.

What gives Canon? I have $100 worth of print cartridges and a very large and now useless printer on my desk.

I hope that your customer service will reach out an engage on this.  This is a consumer-driven market, and there are many alternatives to your products.  Why not demonstrate some customer service heroics and sort this problem out once and for all.

[seadog]

This has resoved the UO52 problem on very few printers, what we need is a firmware update.

[Isac]

I must agree with seadog!!!

I have a Canon Pro9500-II, a Canon Pixma MX885, a Canon Lasershot LBP-1120 (the laser printer that they told me to throw away, because they would not supply printer drivers for any OS later than Window XP), a Canon 7D camera, Heaps of Canon lenses and I have recommended Canon for the last 25 pus years. I have just had a very close friend call to say he he had an error which said “The type of print head is incorrect. Install the correct print head.” he has a Canon MG5460. After I had read the huge amount of problems associated with this problem and no fix to speak of, I told him to bin it and buy an Epson. I am sitting here waiting for "my turn" to have the same error and will do the same - BUY AN EPSON! When I upgrade my cameras and lenses I will also be dumping anthing that has CANON written on it and will be purchasing NIKON. I cannot believe that Canon is ignoring the very people who support them. It makes my blood boil! I do believe that Canon could easily fix this problem and regain some respect - MAYBE! I also believe that they are legally responsible for this mess simply because they know it exists. If they know they have defective products, the least they should morally do is recall them to either repair, replace or refund - take a look at our friends at VW - perhaps a class action would hurry things along. We are all just used by these big companies for one thing - PROFIT - and yes are letting down their customers and making them feel worthless. Thanks for reading.