PIXMA iP110 blinks four times .... white and orange (There's no problem with the ink or printhead)

[elisabethie]

I bought this printer a few years ago, and barely used it. I had it in the original box and kept is safe.

I pulled it out, and it's flashing orange/white four times. I tried to change the print head. It didn't work. I tried to change the ink. No change. I tried the resets I could find (unplugging, pressing two buttons five times)... it didn't work. I tried turning off my house internet, that didn't work either. I cleaned under the printhead... no difference. 

The printer still has the brand new electronic scent. I'm spending hours and hours on this, and I'm hoping someone else figured this out. 

[Patrick]

Hi elisabethie,

The power light and error light blinking 4 times is an indication that there is an internal issue with your iP110 and it would require service.  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.

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[elisabethie]

Hi Patrick,

I did call that number, and thanks for your reply.
They said the upgrade program would "bring it down" to about $222. And it's cheaper on Amazon.

I am unclear how this is a discount. 

Thanks,
Elisabethie

[Kapitan]

The exact cause depends on the printer model, since a 4x orange-white flash code means different things on different printers.

If it's a Canon printer, 4 flashes often indicate an ink tank-cartridge issue, but on some models it can also be a print head recognition problem. Since you've already replaced both the ink and print head, I'd suggest checking the following:

Make sure all cartridges are seated correctly and recognized by the printer.
Remove the cartridges and print head again, then carefully clean the electrical contacts with a lint-free cloth and reinstall them.
Check inside the carriage for any packing material, debris, or dried ink that could interfere with the contacts.
Try powering the printer off, unplugging it for 10–15 minutes, then powering it back on.
If the printer has been sitting unused for several years, it's possible that an internal component or sensor has failed despite the printer having very little actual use.

Could you post the exact printer model number? The 4-blink error code is model-specific, and with the model we can look up the precise meaning of the error instead of guessing.