pixma mg5520 only printing every other line of text

[LarryBates]

My pixma mg5520 is only printing every other line of text. It has been working fine but problem began thius AM.

I cleaned and deep cleaned the heads. Test pattern OK.
I downloaded and installed the latest drivers and changed the 250XL cart.
Nothing helps.
Larry Bates

[Patrick · Accepted solution]

Hi LarryBates,

Based on your description of the issue, the Encoder Film inside the printer may be smeared.  Please follow the procedures below to check the film condition, and clean it when necessary:

 1.  Press the power button to turn your PIXMA MG5520 off.

 2.  Unplug the power cord from the printer.  Be sure to turn off the printer power and unplug the power cord first.

 3.  Open the Paper Output Cover.

 4.  Check if the Encoder Film inside the printer is clear.  The Encoder Film is the transparent thin film.  Please view the image at the bottom of this post for further detail.

 5.  If the Encoder Film is smeared as shown in the image, it needs to be cleaned.

 6.  Place a few drops of neutral detergent (2 to 3 drops of neutral detergent in 1/4 cup of tap water) on a cotton swab with water. CAUTION: Do not use any other detergents.

 7.  Moisten a cotton swab with the prepared cleaning water. Eliminate extra water so that no water drops.

 8.  Using the moistened cotton swab, wipe the Encoder Film.  CAUTION: Be cautious so that no water drops inside the printer.

CAUTION:  Do not contact the rail. If the rail is contacted, the print quality may be deteriorated. The Encoder Film is fixed to the printer with the springs at the ends. If the film is pushed too strong, it may be dislocated. Do not push the film. Just gently move the cotton swab over the surface of the film.

Also, please keep your hands off the printer and clean the film with the tip of the cotton swab.  Change the cotton swab to new ones frequently.

 9.  Eliminate any stains or smearing from the film until the entire film becomes transparent and clear.

10.  If the trail of detergent is left on the film, clean it using a cotton swab that is moistened with just water.  If moisture is left on the film, eliminate it using a dry cotton swab, and wait until the film dries well.

11.  Close the Paper Output Cover, and plug in the power cord of the printer.

12.  Press the power button to turn your PIXMA MG5520 on.

13.  Please print a test page.

14.  If the problem persists, check and clean the Encoder Film again.

If you continue to have difficulties, please contact our support group using the following link:

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/standard_display/contact_us_consumer

[kidaho]

NO it did not corret my problem!  GRRRRR.  Does this mean I have to buy a new printer?  I only bought this one a short time ago.  NOT a happy camper!

[kidaho]

To be clear, it is not every other line that does not print.  It is about every 10th or 12th line.  I just had a paper jam prior to this new mess.  Any thoughts. 

BTW - this printer DOES NOT make clearing a paper jam very easy.  It would be nice if it had a port to clear out paper rather than just the in and out slits.

[LarryBates]

I found a better solution. I went on eBay and found a local computer dealer selling an open box MG5720 for $25. Works great. Still have the MG5520 setting in my garage and may have it cleaned ($35 at 0ffice Depot) if I have problems with the "new" one.

[kidaho]

Bummer. Yep. Sorry that this printer did not last. Makes me rethink buying a Canon every again. This was my first!

[kidaho]

Miraculously the printer reset itself. I did finally upgrade the driver and the first print was still not perfect. But it is now! Whew. Dodged that bullet!