Pixma Mp230 Wont Print

Hey everyone, been having an issue with my printer for some time, it tries to print but sort of bites into the paper and simply gives up on the task, I think it might be low ink or possible dust build up but was wondering if there's an easy fix for it, i've added a video so you can see the problem (Model is Pixma mp230)



PS Sorry about the quality of the video, no idea what caused it to blur so much like that
PPS The scanner still works perfectly fine though I heard some printers wont even scan when the ink is gone

Kind regards

Matt

 

??? Is there no way to tell how much ink you have, such as a low ink light or report you can access? Typically, if ink is low, it will not even try to print, or it at least will ding, or flash an error light.

Did you check your manual for a troubleshooting guide?

To me, it looks more like a paper handling mechanism problem. This is not uncommon with such entry-level budget computers. They have become almost disposable items these days because it would cost more to fix than to replace it. The printer maker makes their money on the ink, not the printers. This is especially true with the printers that use one cartridge for all the colors (a real rip-off, IMO).

If me, I would try to open up the printer as much as possible to expose as much of the paper trail as possible, then blast out the dust and debris with compressed air. And if you think it is out of ink, you probably need to replace the cartridge. I am not a fan of 3rd party ink, but to see if the printer works without spending a lot of money, that may be the path you need to take.

If neither action works, you probably need a new printer and I recommend you "invest" more money into a better one. Canon makes good printers - the point is to stay away from the budget lines regardless the brand you pick. I would also recommend you avoid those that use one cartridge for multiple colors. It is a waste to have to replace all the colors just because magenta, for example, ran out with 50% of yellow and cyan still in the tank.

 

@Digerati Thanks for all the info, it probably is low ink, some printers are designed to cease functioning even when there's enough ink so ill try replacing them with new ones

 

Right, which is what I said above. But your appears to be trying but cannot properly grab and feed the paper.

All paper (especially budget paper) has paper dust that gums up the works eventually. And of course, dust floating in the air can get in there, as well as hairs and dander, which tend to be oily and attract even more dust. So cleaning the paper trail is still necessary.

If you don't have an air compressor with a properly installed in-line moisture and particulate filter, you can use cans of compressed dusting gas. These are more difficult because you have to keep the cans level to avoid spewing out liquefied gas, but they still work and are fairly inexpensive for occasional use.

 

@Digerati I bought a fresh black ink cartridge and installed it, the light next to "B" on the printer is now off, the light "C" is still on (Which I assumed is the colour ink) Still having the same printing problem however, perhaps the colour cartridge must be replaced too? I will give the compressed air a try and will post the result soon

 

Keep us posted.

 

@Digerati Hi again, I used compressed air on the printer and tried to print again, the paper got jammed this time, I took it out, put in another sheet but this time tightened the paper holder (The two ends that keeps it vertical) and it managed to print a black and white test document. It seems to be working now though im still not 100% sure on the problem, replacing ink, properly adjusting the paper holder or air dusting the insides (Or a combination) I have a working printer now thanks to your assistance

 

Let's hope it holds for a awhile. In the mean time, I would probably keep an eye out for a new printer. If you print mostly black and white, you might consider a laser next time. If you print a lot of color images, ink jet is still considered the best option. If you go ink jet I highly recommend you look at those with separate cyan, magenta, yellow and black cartridges.

 

Good advice.
Three months ago I bought a Canon i-SENSYS LBP6030 mono laser printer. It was on special for the equivalent of just $45.29. It included a starter cartridge which has a yield of 700 pages - the counter is currently at 618 pages.