Open and Clean Canon Pixma IX6550 Printer

I bought this A3 printer in 2011 and even the ink absorber pad is full I don't want to dump it.

So let's open it and clean it.

Step 1: Safety First

Turn off the printer and unplug the power cable.

Step 2: Open the Printer 1/2

• Start by removing the 2 screws on the back
• Then remove the cover on the front lef. To do this you need to unlock the flap on the printer's top (you need to over the top cover) and there is a pin on the below

Without the front left cover you can see more clips.

Step 3: Open the Printer 2/2

Use these clip to remove the main printer cover

Step 4: Clean the Inside

• Move the cartridge receiver to discover to reveal the ink absorber

As you can see the ink absorber is really dirty and for good reason. When your printer late to start printing (after long time without print any page) it cleaning the inkjet nozzles with these little silicone blades.

To clean all the splashed ink I use some warm water, some cotton swab, some cotton and paper towel.

• Remove the stamps (the material of these elements is interesting, it absorbs but is not soft at all) and its rubber support
• Submerge all parts in warm water and replace the water until the pad is clear (you can use some soap)
• Clean all splashed ink in the printer with some wet cotton swab
• Remove the long foam under the cartridges and clean it
• Let dry all parts before putting them back in place

Step 5: Reassemble the Printer and Test It

To reassemble the printer, you can use the Step 2. At the end put back in place the 2 back screws.

You can now plug the power cable and test you printer!

Hope this instructable help you in any way.

Comments

[TessaC11]

Hello,
I have the Canon Pixma Ts3150
I opened it to get a paper out and now the printer wont turn on
i didnt touch the green power bar
Any advise? it is a relatively new printer

[Jack NUMBER]

Hard to help you without your full process. Sorry

[dwaller4]

Terrifically helpful guide to disassembling my ix6550 but after cleaning everything I still got the B200 error. Nevertheless, many thanks for sharing. Dave

[Pecampos]

hi, in Model IX6850 there is a small hatch front and right side. One must slide it to the left to take it out and undo a terminal under it before proceeding to push the four side tabs and two front tabs.

[barriesmail]

Hi Jack
Thank you for a clear and concise guide to rectify this issue. However, having undertaken all of the steps described my printer still emits the eight flashes error code 1700, indicating ink absorber full. In order to reset the printer I have followed a procedure offered by easyFIX https://easyfixs.blogspot.com/2019/10/how-to-reset-canon-pixma-ix6500-series.html Unfortunately, in my case, this does not work. Despite various other configuratation on the theme I am stuck. Can you offer any furthe adviced as to how to proceed? Thank you, Barrie.

[Jack NUMBER]

Hello Barrie, I'm sad to read this :/ To be honest it doesn't fix my error code too (it was "B200"). I've read a lot of things (true or not) about Canon's error codes, how to reset them, etc. I even called Canon's repair department but they can't communicate about error code or how to fix it. They suggested to me come with my printer and after 40€ charge and 4 days they could tell me how much it will cost to fix the printer. I gave up.

[barriesmail]

Hello Jack, thank you for your response, your comments appreciated. In view of the lack of support (from Canon) in this area I suspected the worst of them. Built in obsolescence to maximise profit and sales ... part of their Customer (don't) Care policy.
Regards, Barrie.

[W1ndjamm3r]

Hi Jack,

Thank you for this guide. I really did help me to open up the same printer. I have to say it was a bit harder than it looks, some degree of violence is required to get the top off. Unfortunately, my errors were multiple and cleaning the printer was only enough for me to discover that my printer actually also had a mechanical error. It was a small spring that had broken. Getting to it and to understand how it was supposed to bee connected was a bit too much for me. Basically I needed to take it apart completely to reach the spot where the spring was attached. I gave up, the printer served me well for many years, time to buy a new one. I did learn to clean it though, good info to have for the next one.

Thanks again,

//Matthias

[Todey]

Important - with the printer switched on, first open the ink compartment so that the ink carrrier moves to the centre. Then remove power. Do not use the printer switch to turn off. If you've already removed the case it's not too late, you put it back loosely to do this.
To remove the case, as well as the tabs shown in the photos, you will also need to push back four side tabs. These are accessed through slots in the top sides of the case. There are two tabs on each side, marked by small triangles. Use a medium flat-blade screwdriver to lever the tabs inwards while pulling the case upwards. You might need to use a screwdriver in the slot between the top case and the base, to lever them apart.

[DIY Hacks and How Tos]

It is a shame that so many people will just go out and buy a new printer rather than just taking a few minutes to clean it and keep it working.