PIXMA PRO-100 - Black Ink Not Printing

[CnnPXM100]

I'm using a Pixma Pro 100 purchased in December 2020 with a 2010 MacBook pro. Mainly print from Silhouette Studio and Photoshop with genuine Canon ink. I typically print at least a few times a week.

The issue:

Replaced the empty black cartridge last week, printed a few pages fine. Go to print more today and the black was faded. On nozzle check, the black doesn't show up at all. I've tried a variety of different print settings, and sometimes it will print grey (assuming it's using the grey cartridges) or just the outline of the black object.

Things I've tried:

• Many cleanings
• Many test pages
• 3 Deep cleanings
• Cleaning the print head (focus on the black (70% IPA); then the whole bottom in a solution of warm distilled water and a bit of Windex for a few minutes, again trying to clear out the black)

I'm including some photos of the cartridge, printhead, and inside the printer. The ink on the left foam has been there are long as I can remember, there's a smaller patch to the right of the print head that might be new, not sure. I don't recall looking to the far right ever, so I can't tell if the black ink splattered everywhere is new or not.

I don't understand what could have changed in less than a week or why it's only affecting the one color, but I'd greatly appreciate any help! Let me know if you need any more information or want me to try anything. Thank you!

[Patrick]

Hi CnnPXM100,

Because performing numerous printhead cleanings did not get your PIXMA PRO-100 to print black correctly, your PIXMA PRO-100 would require service.

You are eligible for Canon's Upgrade Program. This is for out of warranty units which have been diagnosed to require servic. 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.

[spacebeauties]

For what it's worth. I was getting no black in the test pattern despite multiple cleanings.  So I took the head out and put a few drops of windex on the black receptacle in the head bracket. Presto, black started printing. I attribute this to some of the windex's fluid spreading through the outlet by osmosis and dissolving any clogged particles.