Malfunctioning Printer.

[Richb2004v2]

I have had a cheap Canon iP1000 printer for about 2 years or so. I don’t use it so much but have changed both print cartridges a few times each. They aren’t expensive so it’s not big deal. I bought a new colour cartridge the other day and installed it. When I printed out the black was faded out in many places. The indicator shows both cartridges to be full. The colour on it isn’t too good either. I have tried a ‘clean’ several times and even a ‘Deep clean’, but it is not better. I wonder if I should buy a print head, which I presume is the thing that is easily removed and the two print cartridges sit in. I guess that’s the only thing it could be. I wonder if they are expensive?

Any ideas?

[lingling]

I have had a cheap Canon iP1000 printer for about 2 years or so. I don’t use it so much but have changed both print cartridges a few times each. They aren’t expensive so it’s not big deal. I bought a new colour cartridge the other day and installed it. When I printed out the black was faded out in many places. The indicator shows both cartridges to be full. The colour on it isn’t too good either. I have tried a ‘clean’ several times and even a ‘Deep clean’, but it is not better. I wonder if I should buy a print head, which I presume is the thing that is easily removed and the two print cartridges sit in. I guess that’s the only thing it could be. I wonder if they are expensive?

Any ideas?

Could also be that the new cartridge has been stored improperly (too hot). Did you check the expiry date before installing?

[Guest Reimar]

It is the Print Head. If you don't use the printer sometimes for a longer period, the ink dry out in the head and the nozzels are close by than.

You can use an Ultrasonic Cleaner for to "clean" the Print Head. But to buy a new Print Head, they are to expensive, a new Printer will be more cheap!

[Richb2004v2]

I thought that the print heads might be expensive. The printer was only about 1500 baht. I got 12 sheets printed at the local internet cafe for 30 baht. I might just stick to doing that.

Actually for the money I pay, the trouble I have and the terrible speed I think I should ditch my PC altogether and use the local cafe.

[Daffy D]

I have a iP1000, great little printer, but like you because it was not used enough the print head got clogged.

I live out in the boonies so every trip into town, any town, is an expedition to stock up on stuff. I stocked up on printer cartridges but when the time came to use them some did not print.

As the printer did not print anymore and there was nothing to lose I took out the cartridge carrier – take out the cartridges flip up the grey lever and the carrier comes out – I then set the carrier in a plate with few cm of water and watched the old ink come out. Did this several times swishing it about till the water was clear. I also poured some water inside the top, where the ink cartridge sits to wash that out.

The ink is water soluble so don't use anything else but water to wash/clean anything.

If you feel really adventurous you can flush the whole thing under the tap but what ever you do make sure the unit is completely dry before reinstalling it in the printer.

Either leave it out in the sun all day or place it on top of your monitor or TV to get it dry.

The thing with old ink cartridges is that they can be dried out even from new. The way round this and save money is to get ink refills. I find the easiest to use are the plastic squeeze bottles with a spout. Just take out the cartridges turn it upside down and drop ink into the right colored holes. The black is also important as some colors won’t look right if the black cartridge is empty.

The ink level monitor will not be any use with refilling cartridges so best disable it. But you will get a new lease of life from a good basic printer.

To stop the print heads getting blocked in future use the printer at least a couple of times a month.

I have a picture with primary colors on it just for this purpose.

Good luck

D.D.