ImageCLASS MF656Cdw- Will Not Update Firmware

[sgoshert]

I recently installed a new MF656CDW.  It is working fine on the network and I can print to it fine. I can also access the remoteUI.  When I tried to update the firmware over the internet it first shows the message "Checking firmware version" for about minute.  It then shows an error "Communication error has occurred.  Cannot check firmware version".  The error log shows no errors.  I could find no documentation on this error and nothing on the internet. There is no reason that my router would be blocking it.   I called support and they had me check several setup settings and all were OK.  They seemed to run out of ideas.  The call was then mysteriously disconnected.  Not happy.  I discovered tonight that I had finger checked the date and time when I was doing the setup.  Once that was fixed the update now works fine.  That's all it was.  Also check your time zone setting. I wanted to post this in hopes that it will help out others with the same problem.

[mcCanon]

Yep, same here.  I just got printer in early Jan 2024.  Of course, I entered the current date in the printer as 2023 (because that is what you do for the month of Jan...)   Anyhow, fixed the year, and the firmware updated no problem.

[sgoshert]

Happy that it worked for you.😀

[someoneinto]

That worked for me. I can't believe that is a Canon bug. I wasted an hour of time on this. 

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Interesting solution, but not something I've had to do with my 644 or 656.  Your printer should get it's date and time from your network.  I used the firmware update icon which you'll see if you swipe right on the printer's LCD.  I updated both when purchased.  I got the 656 in Feb.  It upgraded to 1.04.

2 days ago I checked for updates on the  656 and it upgraded to version 1.05.  it took about 4 minutes and restarted.  I did not have to do anything special, set incorrect date, etc.  

Most routers allow NTP configuration also.  If the date and time on your network is not correct, it can cause upgrade issues with all types of devices.  

[sgoshert]

This solution is for when the incorrect date is set by accident during setup.  There is no mention about setting the incorrect date intentionally lthen correcting it.  I believe the date/time will only update from the network if the current setting is fairly close to correct.  It will not update if it's off by a year.