Canon Pixma MX870
Same problem as lots of posts… can’t get the grid pattern and so can’t make copies (from old magazine recipes). Can you help? [email protected]

Experienced technical support provide their insights in answering this question :
Did you try removing the print heads and flushing them under hot tap water?

How to Identify and Fix Common printer Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced technical support :

Why does the machine have two black ink tanks? There are two kinds of black ink in the machine: dye ink (BK) and pigment ink (PGBK). The dye ink is used mainly for printing photos, illustration, etc., and the pigment ink is used for text-based documents.
BK ink is intended for photographs, it`s richer. The printer defaults to PGBK for text, lines etc – unless it thinks they are part of a photo. So, you can force a Canon printer to use BK ink instead of PGBK by telling it that you are printing a photo onto plain paper.
Definition: PGBK

(PaGe BlacK or PiGmented BlacK) The black ink in Canon inkjet printers used for regular printed documents. The PGBK pigmented ink does not adhere well to coated stock. In contrast, the BK cartridge is used for photos.

How to Reset Canon Pixma Ink Cartridge. In many cases, you can press and hold the “ok” or “resume” button on the front of the printer for about 10 seconds. This prompts resetting Canon ink cartridge and should allow you to continue printing.
You can only install two black ink cartridges if your printer uses two different types of black ink. If you are trying to install a black ink cartridge in a color cartridge slot, your printer will not function and you could potentially cause damage to the machine.
If your Canon printer isn`t recognising a compatible ink cartridge, this may be because the data on the cartridge chip is stamped with an empty status before it was remanufactured. Hold down the stop / cancel button for 5 seconds to bypass the `ink has run out` message and your cartridge should work.
It`s usually because the printhead inside your printer is clogged or dried out. Like with most printers, Canon printheads can clog due to ink or dust drying up and collecting in the nozzle.
Some Canon printers use a black and tri-color cartridge and some use individual ink cartridges. Both types of cartridges deliver the same high print quality that you expect from Canon, but many consumers prefer individual ink cartridges since they offer more flexibility and a better long-term savings.
Verify the ink cartridge(s) is inserted properly. Some cartridges snap in place, and if they are not inserted fully, the printer won`t print anything. If a lever is moved from its original position to allow for installation of ink cartridges, ensure it is returned to its original position.
It is usually situated above the metal contacts, right in the center. Please note that the button is very small and almost unnoticeable, so don`t miss it! Use the end of a paper clip to press the button, hold it for about 10 minutes, and voila — you have just reset an Epson ink cartridge with a paper clip like a pro!
Verify the ink cartridge(s) is inserted properly. Some cartridges snap in place, and if they are not inserted fully, the printer won`t print anything. If a lever is moved from its original position to allow for installation of ink cartridges, ensure it is returned to its original position.
This error message is usually the result of a cartridge that is not firmly seated in its designated slot. To troubleshoot the problem, begin by completely removing the cartridge from its port. Reinstall the cartridge by positioning it so that it snaps into place and is securely fastened in its slot.
The easiest remedy for this is to open the box and stand the cartridge upside down for a few minutes before using. Next, get a damp paper towel, fold it into quarters and the set cartridge print head down onto it, holding it there for three minutes. This will help to prime the print head and pull the ink out.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

PGBK cartridge not working
ANSWER : Did you try removing the print heads and flushing them under hot tap water?

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Canon Pixma MX870

Expired Ink Cartridges – Any way to move paper with old cartridges?
ANSWER : You could try disconnecting the printer from the computer. Then change the date on the panel to prior to the expiration date. That should fool it.

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Canon Pixma MX870

New toner cartridge doesn't work
ANSWER : If it’s a brand new OEM, they haven’t made them in years. They will fail right out of the box. You can check the date of mfg. It’s printed on the side of the box.

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Canon Pixma MX870

generic ink cartridges will not work
ANSWER : Hi Fastedd

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Canon Pixma MX870

Chatter from toner cartridges before printing
ANSWER : The video may have the answer you want

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Canon Pixma MX870

hplj 4 stops working after being on for 5 minutes
ANSWER : Those are some strange symptoms. I would kind of suspect the culprit is the DC controller. The accordion jam is another issue. That is caused by the 2 exit rollers. They get glazed from age and aren’t able to push the paper out and it accordions because the fuser is still pushing it out and there’s nowhere for it to go.

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Canon Pixma MX870

run with empty ink cartridge
ANSWER : The only way is to buy a chip resetter and reset the chip on the cartridge. You can find them online for about $5. You just hold it against the cartridge until the light turns green. You do run the risk of damaging the printhead due to overheating because of no ink in it.

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Canon Pixma MX870

Color LaserJet 2500 new drum doesn't work.
ANSWER : The drums have a chip on them and it should have reset when you installed it. If not, then read this thread.

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Canon Pixma MX870