i455 print head

[mmcl26554]

 I have an i455 color printer.   It doesn't have a lot of hours on it as I only use it when I need color.  But it does a very nice job with color,  Recently it has stopped printing, in that it only prints blank pages.  Mostly   when I try to print it will just give me the code for the print head not connected and not even attempt to print.  I have tried cleaning the contact points on the print head with a pencil eraser but no avail.  I can purchase a new print head for $25, but I need to somehow find out if the problem is the printer or the print head.  If it is the printer itself then I would waste the $25 I could use to replace the printer.   Can anyone assist me in this?

Michael

[Karl1]

hi mmcl26554,

Unfortunately without taking the printer apart, the only easy way to find out whether the problem is print head or printer related is trial and error with a known working print head.  My best advice would be to see if you know anyone who has a working i455 that you might be able to try swapping print heads with, but other then that, taking your chances replacing the print head or looking into upgrading to a newer model would be the only options I can suggest.

[mmcl26554]

Karl,

Thank you for your reply.   I do not know anybody who has one so I can't do that.   However, you did mention "...without taking it apart".  Would you elaborate on that.   I am quite adept ad disassembling and repairing all sorts of things.  Including desk top and laptop computers.   Electronics has been a life long hobby and I have several pieces of test equipment.   So it there is a way to make the determination by disassembling and some testing that may be a viable option.  In any case I have nothing to lose.

Michael

[Devin]

Hi Michael,

Unfortunately, we cannot advise on taking apart the printer since this printer is not serviced.  My recommendation would be to try this in another i455 to see if it works.  Otherwise, and I understand your reluctance to do this, but you would need to try purchasing a print head from our Sales Department.  I am sorry that I cannot be of further assistance to you. 

[mmcl26554]

I can purchase a print head on ebay for $25 but I would like to be able to tip the scales tword the problem being with the print head before spending any money.  I don't think you people even sell the print heads as you have declared the i455 dead. But even if you do they surely would be expensive and I might even have to give you my first born to pay for it!  

Sometimes after removing and replacing the print head it will attempt to print a nozzle test and print correctly.  But most of the time it just flashes green and 6 yellows.  However, it will always run through the cleaning phase.  Something is intermittent between the printhead and the printer and I am certain it is not the connections.   What does this sound like to you?  Print head or printer?

Michael

[Devin]

Hi Michael,

I understand not wanting to purchase a print head without knowing that it is the issue.  However, I will say that this is most likely the problem since reseating can sometimes get it to work.  I cannot be sure of this though so it is only my opinion.  I would not recommend purchasing a print head from eBay because this is not an authorized dealer of Canon products and you may not get a new one.  Our Sales Department does sell these.  They can be reached by calling 1-800-828-4040 between 8AM and 12AM EST Monday through Sunday (excluding holidays). 

[mmcl26554]

Yes, I know the print heads off ebay are used, but if they work who cares and it certainly beats the $80+ spent for an over priced OEM.   Besides if it is defective I can return it and no loss.  So why buy new?

The price you guys want for the head is more than I paid for the printer new.

Michael.   

[mmcl26554]

Thanks for your help, I'll just invest in a new one!

Michael