Computer Printer Malfunction

[caryc]

I have an all purpose Cannon MP5 printer that I've had for probably over 5 years. The other day it stopped working and just flashed an error code. I forget what the code was now but I went on the internet and searched Cannon MP5 with that code.

I found suggestions to try for a fix, including, remove all the ink cartridges and remove the print head, then install them again. I did that and it still flashed that error code.

I read further down the page where people had answers to the problems. Two different people said that they got that same code and they ordered a new print head and it fixed the problem. By the way, on the printer digital readout it just gave the error code and said "check cartridge".

Anyway, I ordered a new print head from Amazon and it actually fixed the problem. I'm glad I did a search on that error code since I was just about ready to dump the printer in the trash and run down to Staples and buy another one.

So check out your error codes before heading to the trash can. :mrgreen:

 

[SAJohn]

Actually getting 5 years from an ink jet printer is amazing. I use a laser printer for all of my black and white work as it is much cheaper per page and one cartridge is good for thousands of pages.

 

[redhawker]

My last printer I actually went to the store to get an ink cartridge and as I passed by the printers I noticed there were a couple of them that were about the same price as the ink cartridge I was going to buy. Although my printer was working ok the other printers were wireless and had a scanner which my old one didn't so I bought a new printer instead of a cartridge.

 

[Pat-inCO]

I have an HP555 that I have been using for almost twenty years (a ream of
paper lasts in the years time frame). It started telling me I needed new ink
cartridges, so I opened the lid to have it slide them to center, so I could
read the numbers. Wrote them down and closed the lid.

Weeeeellllll, when you do the open/close, it goes into a head cleaning
routine. Once it finished, it tells me "no problems", and that was three
months ago. Amazing. I don't think I'll argue.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

My HP 4600 started eating paper and the ink is soooo expensive. I used to love it, now I hate it. :evil:

 

[caryc]

I have an HP555 that I have been using for almost twenty years (a ream of
paper lasts in the years time frame). It started telling me I needed new ink
cartridges, so I opened the lid to have it slide them to center, so I could
read the numbers. Wrote them down and closed the lid.

Weeeeellllll, when you do the open/close, it goes into a head cleaning
routine. Once it finished, it tells me "no problems", and that was three
months ago. Amazing. I don't think I'll argue.

I did several cycles of deep cleaning on the heads to no avail. The head was just beyond working.

 

[Bull Barrel]

Most if not all HP printers made in recent memory have the print heads in the catridges.
Many times they wont work because the cartridges are very inefficient and waste ink (imagine that). The excess ink is soaked up by a thick cloth pad. On some printers-the HP 100 in particular-has a sensor when the pad is full. They call it a "spit cup" and a light comes on. Eventually it stops printing. Clean it and it works again.

 

[caryc]

Most if not all HP printers made in recent memory have the print heads in the catridges.
Many times they wont work because the cartridges are very inefficient and waste ink (imagine that). The excess ink is soaked up by a thick cloth pad. On some printers-the HP 100 in particular-has a sensor when the pad is full. They call it a "spit cup" and a light comes on. Eventually it stops printing. Clean it and it works again.

I guess they can also charge you more for the print heads in the cartridges. I had an HP before this Cannon. I still prefer the Cannon.

 

[exavid]

A bit over a year ago I went to our local office supply to buy ink cartridges for my HP all-in-one printer. The price of the ink was so high I was able to buy an HP all-in-one color laser on sale for just a bit more than the ink cartridges for the inkjet. This thing is the best printer I've ever had, and that's quite a few. The toner cartridges last long time, the printer is fast, and it doesn't go through a bunch of start up routines. Wireless too so I can print .pdfs and pictures from my phone.

 

[mohavesam]

Many printer problems result from automatic Microsoft updates I am told by my IT guys. The connections may actually take 3-4 reboots to re-establish and recognize passwords/links. Witchcraft to me.

I go thru a home printer per year, and recycle the old ones directly to smoke (ashes-to-ashes, etc). Zero-carbon recycling you know. My HP business printers overcome everything it seems, but they're in a different class.

 

[Pat-inCO]

I did several cycles of deep cleaning on the heads to no avail.

Pssssst! (head scanning from left to right) :wink:

They can smell your fear! :roll:

. .