Common Canon Printer Problems (and how you can fix them)

There’s no doubt that Canons latest range of inkjet printers are first class but, as with most peripherals, they still have their quirks. Here are just a few tips to help you fix some of the more common problems with several of Canon’s most recent models.

Canon PIXMA iP4950

Problem: Printer is leaving streaks on trailing edge of the paper

Printing outside the recommended print area usually causes this issue. To alleviate the issue, try using Canon high quality photo paper and changing print quality settings to high or fine.

Problem: Printer is leaving dirty marks on reverse of paper

As you might imagine, if you do a lot of printing the inside of your PIXMA iP4950 can become stained with ink. This is especially so if you do a lot of borderless printing. Firstly try cleaning the printers bottom plate. To do this open the printer driver setup window and select ‘Bottom Plate Cleaning’ from the maintenance tab. Fold an A4 size piece of plain paper in half horizontally and then unfold again. Load the paper into the rear tray with the point of the crease facing downwards.  Click ‘execute’ to begin the bottom plate cleaning process. If the problem persists try cleaning and visible protrusions inside the printer with a cotton bud dipped in a little isopropyl alcohol. Before cleaning the inside of your iP4950 please always remember to disconnect the printer for the mains first.

Canon PIXMA iP3600

Problem: Printer is scratching printed image

Firstly double check that you have selected the correct paper and print settings and that you are using suitable paper , i.e. if you are doing borderless printing, make sure the paper is suitable for Borderless Printing. If you are using on thicker paper ensure that the ‘Prevent paper abrasion’ option is selected. This widens the opening between the print head and paper. Finally check for dirt on the paper feed roller dirty. To clean the roller, use the roller cleaning function in the maintenance tab. If the scratching continues try cleaning the rollers with a little isopropyl alcohol and cotton wool.

Problem: PIXMA iP3600 is ejecting more than one piece of paper.

Check to see if the pad in the paper cassette is dirty. To clean, remove the cassette from the printer, and remove all paper. Then clean the pad from side to side with cotton wool dipped in a little cleaning alcohol.

Canon PIXMA iX6550

Problem: PIXMA iX6550 keeps going turning off or going offline.

If left idle the PIXMA iX6550 automatically switches itself OFF to save power. This can be altered int the printer settings to either 15, 30, 60, 120 or 240 minutes. It is also possible to set the printer to automatically turn ON before starting printing and turn the power saving function off altogether. Failing that you must instead try and remember to manually hit the printer’s on button before printing.

Problem: Print quality is still not great even following print head cleaning

If your PIXMA iX6550 displays a drop in quality then the first thing to try is Cleaning the Print Head. This process unclogs the print nozzles and helps to restore print quality. If print quality does not improve the PIXMA iX6550 also features a deep clean function which can be found in the maintenance tab. Please be aware however that the deep clean function uses quite a lot of ink and therefore only clean the Print Head deeply when absolutely necessary.

This helpful list of solutions to printer issues was written by ink cartridge suppliers, PrinterInks.com. If you’re in need of any Canon ink cartridges, or printing products from other leading brands then check out their vast online catalogue.