canon pixma mp620 with an error message of 5100

[reble]

I just got this Canon pixma mp620 printer used and put new ink cartridges in the printer. The printer starts up ok and starts to do it's start up routine but never completes the routine. The cartridge/head assembly slams into the left stop with a loud thud and a grinding of gears. Then the assembly just sits there and an error message of 5100 pops up on the screen. Can this printer be fixed? Or did I just wast money on a piece of junk.
I also found in the printer a loose peace of clear plastic strip less then 1/4" tall, The length is around the length of the print head run right to left and it has 2 holes. one on each end. It was lose between the front print head guide rail and the head assembly. Upon a close look at it with a strong magnifying glass there is a fine crosshatch of lines on it. On the right side is an upside down L next to the hole, On the left just after the crosshatch ends there is a black dot about an inch before the end of the strip. I am going to take an educated guess based on the printers symptoms this strip has something to do with telling the print head were to stop an the end of it's run. Also based on an other persons problem for the same printer. That person was told to clean the ink off some guide strip between the guide rail and the print head assembly. If i haven't missed the mark I would bet that the fact that this strip isn't in place is why I have the problem with the printer. Next thing is can this strip be put back in and make the printer work age?
Also how do I get the side covers off? I found the 2 screws on each side in the back, but I don't want to force what ever else holds the side panels on.



Steve

 

[PeterBJ]

You are absolutely right about the function of this plastic strip. It is called the timing strip. the markings are read by an optical reader inside the printhead carriage to provide information of the position of the printhead.

I think the problems are caused by the timing strip not being oriented properly. The "L" marking is actually the letter "L", meaning "Left" and the timing strip must be oriented so that the marking is placed at the left hand side of the printer when viewed from front. To insure it is not placed upside down the marking must look like a proper letter "L".

The timing strip is run through slits at the back of the printhead carriage and through an optical reader located inside the printhead carriage. Your printer uses the windowed PGI-x20/CLI-x21cartridges, which are more easily refilled than the next generation of opaque cartridges, so I think It is worth trying to get the timing strip back in place even if it will be a difficult job without taking the printer apart.

The service manual and parts catalog might be helpful, you could try searching the web for them, and if you are lucky finding them, please post the links, others might need the manuals too.

I once answered a question similar to yours, so see this thread for pictures. The printer is not the same, but the timing strip is located in the same way: http://www.nifty-stuff.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=7438

For instructions of disassembling the printer, you might find some useful tips here, even if it is a different printer model: http://www.druckerchannel.de/artike...ank_bei_canon_multifunktionsgeraeten_tauschen or Google translated into English: http://translate.google.dk/translat...ank_bei_canon_multifunktionsgeraeten_tauschen

The MP 640 looks very similar to the MP 620, maybe the MP 640 is just a more expensive version of the MP 620 with more features? If so the service manual for the MP 640 will be useful. Link here: http://www.bendata.de/Downloads/Canon/mp640_e.pdf

Good luck with the repair
Peter.

 

[reble]

Peter I just got via Fedex from Canon today the new timing strip and spring (I lost the old timing strip and never found the spring). I had a devil of a time getting the timing strip and spring in place. The old spring (all stretched out) was in the bottom of the printer case. I had to dust off my old electric typewriter repair tools in order to get the strip and spring in place, with a spring hook tool. The printer works great on the usb cable but I can't seem to get wireless connection to the printer working. Other then the wireless connection the printer is 100% working. Can you help me on the wireless connection? The service manual for the MP 640 was a great help in figuring out were the timing strip sat behind the print head carriage.


Steve

 

[PeterBJ]

I'm glad to hear that you got your printer working, but sadly I don't know very much about wireless networks. Your printer maybe perfectly OK now, but it can be difficult to set up the wireless connection. I had a lot of problems with a Canon Pixma 5200R Check out Canon's support: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/suppo...ion/pixma_mp_series/pixma_mp620#Wireless_Help . If that doesn't help then you could start a new thread with the subject: Canon MP620 - wireless problems.

Good luck with solving the wireless problems.
Peter.

 

[mrelmo]

the wireless connection is not from your laptop to printer or desktop to the printer which ever the case maybe. the connection goes through your modem is that how you are trying to connect?

 

[barfl2]

Correct it is via modem. I have the MP620 and the Linksey symbol for my system is down the bottom of the screen R/H side (HP Laptop) and it shows the signal strength in bars. Your system may of course be different.I have lost the signal sometimes but not had to do anything major before I got the signal again. But if that symbol is not showing the printer will not work.

You will have to establish whether you have a radio connection or not. Glad to see you have got Printer going. I am getting interested in Colour Management and have just printed out some stunning Test images. I was really surprised what quality it is capable of.

 

[reble]

I called Canon tech support this morning. The tech walked me through the setup steps. But there was one brick wall (I was surprised that he didn't think of it) that was keeping the printer from connecting. He kept insisting that I move the printer closer to the router (his thinking was there wasn't enough signal strength). My laptop was right next to the printer and the laptop has a full set of signal bars. The router is in the living room and I am in a spare bed room for my work shop/computer room. The problem was I had to turn Windows firewall off during the installation of the drivers/software.

I am running Win7 home 32bit on a Gateway model MD2614-U laptop. Once we find a sturdy table to put the printer on I will also be setting up the connection in my room mates tower computer OS Xp Pro. Now that I understand the wireless setup routine for this printer I can help anyone that is stuck on the wireless setup.


Steve