How to Change a Canon Printhead

The printhead on a Canon printer delivers small drops of ink through heated tubes to the paper. Over time, the heating elements for the tubes can fail, or the printhead can become clogged with paper dust and solidified ink. The printhead may need to be replaced if repeated attempts to run the cleaning function through the Canon printer maintenance utility do not bring the printed image back to an acceptable quality.

Instructions

1. Lift the top cover of the Canon printer. The print carriage will automatically move to the center position.

2. Press the release tab on the ink cartridge for each color and lift the cartridge out. Repeat to remove all the ink cartridges.

3. Raise the lock lever to release the printhead. Note the orientation of the printhead, and then lift the printhead out and remove it.

4. Unwrap the new printhead. Place the new printhead into the printer under the lock lever, making sure it faces the same way as the old printhead.

5. Lower the lock lever. It will snap into place when it is fully seated.

6. Reinstall the ink cartridges. Insert each ink cartridge according to the color guide on the lock lever. Insert the back of the cartridge first, and then snap the front of the cartridge into place.

7. Perform the "Printer Head Alignment" adjustment on the printer to complete the printhead installation.

References

• "Pixma iP5000 Photo Printer Quick Start Guide"; Canon; 2004
• "Pixma Pro9500 Photo Printer Quick Start Guide"; Canon; 2008