Canon i950 Printer Problem

[ritpg]

Just installed its 3rd print head (from Canon). The problem was that
I couldn't get the printer to print yellow. Every printout had a blue
cast to it. Deep cleaning had no effect nor does the new print head.
I would have dumped the printer (it's never been all that reliable) if
I hadn't just bought a bunch of new ink cartridges. So now I'm $140
in the hole between the new print head and cartridges. And the ^*$#*
thing still doesn't work. I've read just about all I could find on
the Internet. No one seem to have this exact problem. I see where
yellow can bleed into the black but no instances where there is no
yellow printing out at all. Yes, I have tried several differrent
yellow cartridges to no avail. I should say that the printer is not
used much and has been idle for as long as a couple of months at a
time.

I'm not sure the deep clean function is working properly. I hadn't
done one in a while. When I start the deep clean, I hear the printer
making noise for a few minutes and then it stops. No print out (not
sure there should be one). The yellow ink level does not seem to go
down - no surprise - while the others do.

Thanks for any help.

 

[IntergalacticExpandingPanda]

down - no surprise - while the others do.

Thanks for any help.

What a pain!

Those printheads cost a pretty penny but in the case of the i950 are
pretty much justified. Good printer, good color.

The most likely explanation would be either a cable problem, the
yellow not getting any signal, or a circuit board problem. You'd need
at least a service manual to even think about diagnosing the issue.
I'd wager it's more worth your time to hit craig's list for a used
i950/960. Given the printhead is the most common issue, and you have
the printhead, this might yield a solution.

The alternative is a replacement printer, and the only printer canon
released similar to the i950 is the ip6600D which can only be had from
closeout dealers for about $200. From time to time canon has some
referbs on their site for well under $100, but it's been a while since
I've seen them.

The mp960 can be had for about $120
http://www.adorama.com/ICAMP960.html
and the mp970 can be had for about $200
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=205557532&listingid=39404036&dcaid=17902

The ip6600D IIRC is a better photo printer, but the mp960/970 are not
bad either. They are 7 tank models featuring pigment black. They are
however HUGE.

 

[ritpg]

What a pain!

Those printheads cost a pretty penny but in the case of the i950 are
pretty much justified.  Good printer, good color.

The most likely explanation would be either a cable problem, the
yellow not getting any signal, or a circuit board problem.  You'd need
at least a service manual to even think about diagnosing the issue.
I'd wager it's more worth your time to hit craig's list for a used
i950/960.  Given the printhead is the most common issue, and you have
the printhead, this might yield a solution.

The alternative is a replacement printer, and the only printer canon
released similar to the i950 is the ip6600D which can only be had from
closeout dealers for about $200.  From time to time canon has some
referbs on their site for well under $100, but it's been a while since
I've seen them.

The mp960 can be had for about $120http://www.adorama.com/ICAMP960.html
and the mp970 can be had for about $200http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=205557532&listingid=3940403...

The ip6600D IIRC is a better photo printer, but the mp960/970 are not
bad either.  They are 7 tank models featuring pigment black.  They are
however HUGE.

Thanks so much for the great information. I just printed out a page
from a web site and would ou believe that now it seems to be printing
too much yellow. Now colors range from yellow to green but no reds.
I then changed the USB cable as you suggested and the results were the
same. That $130 HP 4 in 1 ($400 - $220 (sale reduction) - $50 (printer
recylce) at Staples is looking better and better.

 

[IntergalacticExpandingPanda]

Thanks so much for the great information.  I just printed out a page
from a web site and would ou believe that now it seems to be printing
too much yellow.  Now colors range from yellow to green but no reds.
I then changed the USB cable as you suggested and the results were the
same. That $130 HP 4 in 1 ($400 - $220 (sale reduction) - $50 (printer
recylce) at Staples is looking better and better.

By cable, I meant the cable between the logic board and the
printhead. Swaping the USB cable should have little effect but it's
worth a shot just to say you tried it. At this point since swapping
heads doesn't resolve the issue it's either wiring or logic board.

The other option is an issue with the cartridge, which would also
explain the problem. If you're using aftermarket for laughs it might
help to go OEM for testing. The symptom you describe could be a
result of inadequate flow, as in something blocking the vent or the
sponge being over filled, followed by too much flow. Lack of flow on
OEM could also be explained by the vent being blocked.

 

[Arthur Entlich]

I have a small and not complete, but still helpful manual that I have
put together for Canon printers with hints for cleaning clogged heads.

If you would like to try some of the simple techniques it may save you a
head replacement.

If you;d like a copy, email me at:

e-printerhelp(at)mvps(dot)org

(at) = @
(dot) = .

No fee, no sales, no spam.

Make sure to mention it is for a Canon printer.

Art


If you are interested in issues surrounding e-waste,
I invite you to enter the discussion at my blog:

http://e-trashtalk.spaces.live.com/

 

[ritpg]

I have a small and not complete, but still helpful manual that I have
put together for Canon printers with hints for cleaning clogged heads.

If you would like to try some of the simple techniques it may save you a
head replacement.

If you;d like a copy, email me at:

e-printerhelp(at)mvps(dot)org

(at) = @
(dot) = .

No fee, no sales, no spam.

Make sure to mention it is for a Canon printer.

Art

If you are interested in issues surrounding e-waste,
   I invite you to enter the discussion at my blog:

       http://e-trashtalk.spaces.live.com/



ritpgwrote:


- Show quoted text -

Art, thanks for the offer but I'm quite sure the problem is not with
the print head. I just bought a new HP printer because I didn't have
the time to fool with this thing any more and I have not been
impressed with Canon's support. I doubt I will be buying any more of
their printers.