Canon Pixma Mp520 Quick Start Guide

							
67
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
This section describes troubleshooting tips  for problems you may encounter when using the 
machine.
z “An Error Message Is Displayed on the LCD” on page 68
z “LCD Cannot Be Seen At All” on page 70
z “An Unintended Language Is Displayed on the LCD” on page 70
z “Cannot Install the MP Drivers” on page 71
z “Cannot Connect to Computer Properly” on page 72
z “Print Results Not Satisfactory” on page 73
z “The Print Result Not Satisfactory When Copying” on page 77
z “Printing Does Not Start” on page 77
z “Machine Moves But Ink Is Not Ejected” on page 79
z “Paper Does Not Feed Properly” on page 79
z “Paper Does Not Feed from the Paper Source Specified in the Printer Driver” on page 80
z “Paper Jams” on page 81
z “Error Message Appears on the Computer Screen” on page 83
z “Error Message Appears on a PictBridge Compliant Device” on page 85
z “Cannot Print Properly from a Photo Index Sheet” on page 86
z “Cannot Remove a Memory Card” on page 86
z “The Document Cover Comes Off” on page 87
z “Scanning Problems” on page 87
If an Error Occurs When the Machine Is Connected to a Computer
When an error occurs in printing such as the ma chine is out of paper or paper is jammed, a 
troubleshooting message is displa yed automatically. Take the appropriate action described in the 
message.
The message may vary depending on the version of your Windows operating system.
Note
This section mainly describes the methods of machine operation for troubleshooting. To handle problems 
using your computer, refer to Troubleshooting in the  User’s Guide on-screen manual. For details on how 
to view the on-screen manuals, see “Reading the On-screen Manuals” on page 89.
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68Troubleshooting
An Error Message Is Displayed on the LCD
If an error message is displayed on the LCD, take the corresponding action described below.
MessageAction
“There are no photos in memory card.”
zThere are no image data saved on the memory card that can be read by this 
machine.
z The machine may not recognize the file if the file name or the folder path 
contains certain characters. Use only alphanumeric characters.
z Photo data edited or processed on a computer must be printed from the 
computer.
“The following ink may have run out. 
Replacing the ink tank is 
recommended.”
U041 If the lamp on the ink tank is flashing, ink may have run out.
Replacing the ink tank is recommended.
If printing is in progress and you want to continue printing, press the 
OK button 
with the ink tank installed. Then printing can continue. Replacing the ink tank is 
recommended after the printing. The machine may be damaged if printing is 
continued under the ink out condition.
See “Replacing an Ink Tank” on page 43.
NoteIf multiple ink lamps are flashing red, see “Getting the Ink Status Information” on 
page 43 and check the status of each ink tank.
“The following ink has run out. Replace 
the ink tank.”
U163 Ink has run out. (The lamp on the ink tank flashes.)
Replace the ink tank and close the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover).
Printing under the current condition may damage the machine.
If you want to continue printing in this condition, you need to release the function 
for detecting the remaining ink level. Press and hold the 
Stop/Reset button for 
at least 5 seconds, and then release it.
With this operation, releasing the function for detecting the remaining ink level is 
memorized. Please be advised that Canon shall not be liable for any 
malfunction or trouble which may be caused by continuation of printing under 
the ink out condition.
See “Replacing an Ink Tank” on page 43.
NoteIf the function for detecting the remaining ink level is disabled, the ink tank in 
gray is displayed in the remaining ink volume screen on the LCD.
See “Getting the Ink Status Information” on page 43.
“Print head is not installed. Install the 
print head.”
U051
“The type of print head is incorrect. 
Install the correct print head.”
U052 Follow the directions given in your setup sheet to install the Print Head.
If the Print Head is already installed, remove the Print Head once and then 
reinstall it.
If the error is not resolved, the Print Head may be damaged. Contact your 
Canon service representative.
“Some ink tanks are not installed in 
place.”
U072
“More than one ink tank of the following 
color is installed.”
U071 Possible causes are as follows:
z
Some ink tanks are not installed in the correct position. (The lamp on the ink 
tank flashes.)
z More than one ink tanks of the same color are installed. (The lamp on the ink 
tank flashes.)
Confirm that the ink tanks are installed in the appropriate positions.
See “Replacing an Ink Tank” on page 43.
“The ink absorber is almost full. Press 
OK to continue printing. Contact the 
service center.” The machine has a built-in ink absorber to hold the ink used during Print Head 
Cleaning, for example.
This error message indicates that the ink absorber is nearly full.
Press the 
OK button to cancel the error so you can continue printing.
However, because printing is disabled once the ink absorber becomes 
completely full and until the ink absorber is replaced, you are recommended to 
contact a Canon service representative as early as possible. (You will need to 
replace a particular part of the machine.)
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69
Troubleshooting
“The device may be incompatible. 
Remove the device and check the 
manual supplied with the connected 
device.” z
A communication time out occurs if an operation takes too long or if it takes 
too much time to send data. This may cancel printing. In such cases, 
disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.
When printing from a PictBridge compliant device, depending on the model 
or brand of your device, you may have to select a PictBridge compliant print 
mode on the device before connecting it to the machine. You may also have 
to turn on your device or select Play mode manually after connecting the 
device to the machine. Perform necessary operations before connecting your 
device referring to its instruction manual.
If the error is still not resolved, check if you can print another photograph.
z Check your device connected to the machine. Only PictBridge compliant 
devices or the optional Bluetooth Unit BU-20 can be connected to the 
machine for direct printing.
“The remaining level of the following ink 
cannot be correctly detected.
Replace the ink tank.”
U130 The remaining ink level cannot be correctly detected. (The lamp on the ink tank 
flashes.)
Replace the ink tank and close the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover).
Printing with an ink tank that was once empty may damage the machine.
If you want to continue printing in this condition, you need to release the function 
for detecting the remaining ink level. Press and hold the 
Stop/Reset button for 
at least 5 seconds, and then release it.
With this operation, releasing the function for detecting the remaining ink level is 
memorized. Please be advised that Canon shall not be liable for any machine 
malfunction or damage caused by refilled ink tanks.
See “Replacing an Ink Tank” on page 43.
NoteIf the function for detecting the remaining ink level is disabled, the ink tank in 
gray is displayed in the remaining ink volume screen on the LCD.
See “Getting the Ink Status Information” on page 43.
“The following ink tank cannot be 
recognized.”
U043
U140
U150 z
The ink tank is not installed. Install the ink tank.
See “Replacing an Ink Tank” on page 43.
z The ink tank is not compatible with this machine. (The lamp on the ink tank is 
off.)
Install an appropriate ink tank.
See “Replacing an Ink Tank” on page 43.
z An ink tank error has occurred. (The lamp on the ink tank is off.)
Replace the ink tank.
See “Replacing an Ink Tank” on page 43.
“****
Printer error has occurred.
Turn off power then back on again. If 
problem persists, see the manual.” Turn off the machine, and unplug the power cord of the machine from the power 
supply. After a while, plug the power cord of the machine back in, and then turn 
on the machine. If the same error occurs, contact a Canon service 
representative.
“Scanner is not operating correctly.” Turn off the machine, and unplug the power cord of the machine from the power  supply. After a while, plug the power cord of the machine back in, and then turn 
on the machine. If the same error occurs, contact a Canon service 
representative.
“The card is currently write-enabled. 
Set to read-only mode before 
performing operation.” The Card Slot is set to 
Read/write mode.
You cannot print in this mode. After writing on the memory card, set to  Read-
only mode  again.
“An unsupported USB hub is 
connected.
Remove the hub.” If a PictBridge compliant device is connected via a USB hub, remove the hub 
and connect it directly to the machine.
MessageAction
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							70Troubleshooting
LCD Cannot Be Seen At All
An Unintended Language Is Displayed on the LCD
CauseAction
The machine is not powered on or the 
LCD is in the screen-saver mode.zIf the Power lamp is off
The machine is not powered on. Connect the power cord and press the ON/ 
OFF button. The machine will power on and the LCD will display a message.
zIf the Power lamp is lit
The LCD may be in the screen-saver mode. On the Operation Panel, press a 
button other than the ON/OFF button.
CauseAction
The language you want to be displayed 
is not selected.Select the language you want to be displayed according to the following 
procedure.
(1)Press the HOME button. Wait for about 5 seconds, select  , and then 
press the OK button.
(2)Press the ] button to select  , then press the OK button.
(3)Press the } button three times, then press the OK button.
If the Bluetooth unit is connected to the machine, press the } button five 
times, and then press the OK button.
(4)Use the { or } button to select the language you want to be displayed, then 
press the OK button.
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							71 Troubleshooting
Cannot Install the MP Drivers
CauseAction
Unable to proceed beyond the Printer 
Connection screen.If you were unable to proceed beyond the Printer Connection screen, follow 
the procedure below to reinstall the MP Drivers.
(1)Click Cancel on the Printer Connection screen.
(2)Click Start Over on the Installation Failure screen.
(3)Click Back on the screen that appears next.
(4)Click Exit on the PIXMA XXX screen (where “XXX” is your machine’s name), 
then remove the CD-ROM.
(5)Turn the machine off.
(6)Restart the computer.
(7)Make sure you have no application software running, including anti-virus 
software.
(8)Follow the procedure described in your setup sheet to reinstall the MP 
Drivers.
Installation does not start automatically 
when the Setup CD-ROM is inserted 
into your computer’s disc drive.
(1)Click Start then Computer.
In Windows XP, click Start then My Computer.
In Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon on the desktop.
(2)Double-click the CD-ROM icon   on the displayed window.
NoteTo use the Run command to start the setup program, specify your disc drive 
and then the name of the setup program, MSETUP4.EXE. The drive letter of the 
disc drive depends on your computer.
Double-click the CD-ROM icon on your desktop to start installation.
If the CD-ROM icon is not displayed, restart your computer.
If the icon is still not displayed, try different discs and see if they are displayed. If 
other discs are displayed, there is a problem with the Setup CD-ROM. Contact a 
Canon service representative.
Installation procedure not followed 
correctly.Follow the procedure described in your setup sheet for proper installation.
If the MP Drivers were not installed correctly, uninstall the MP Drivers, restart 
your computer, and then reinstall the MP Drivers. Refer to the PC Printing Guide 
on-screen manual.
NoteIf the installer was forced to be terminated due to an Windows error, the system 
may be in an unstable condition and you may not be able to install the MP 
Drivers. Restart your computer before reinstalling.
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72Troubleshooting
Cannot Connect to Computer Properly
„Printing Speed Is Slow / USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Connection Does Not Work
„“This device can perform faster” Message Is Displayed
CauseAction
Your system environment is not fully 
compatible with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed. If your system environment is not fully compatible with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, the 
machine will operate at a lower speed provided under USB 1.1. In this case, the 
machine operates properly but printing speed may slow down due to 
communication speed.
Check the following to ensure that your system environment supports USB 2.0 
Hi-Speed connection.
z
The USB port on your computer supports USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connection.
z The USB cable, and the USB hub if you are using one, support USB 2.0 Hi-
Speed connection.
Be sure to use a certified USB 2.0 Hi-Speed cable. We recommend the cable 
to be no longer than around 10 feet / 3 meters.
z The operating system of your computer supports USB 2.0 Hi-Speed 
connection.
Obtain and install the latest update for your computer.
z The USB 2.0 Hi-Speed driver operates properly.
Obtain the latest version of the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed driver compatible with your 
hardware and install it on your computer.
ImportantFor details on USB 2.0 Hi-Speed of your system environment, contact the 
manufacturer of your computer, USB cable, or USB hub.
CauseAction
Your system environment is not fully 
compatible with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed. Your system environment is not compatible with USB 2.0.
See “Printing Speed Is Slow / USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Connection Does Not Work” 
on page 72.
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73
Troubleshooting
Print Results Not Satisfactory
If the print result is not satisfactory such as  white streaks, misaligned lines, and uneven colors, 
confirm the paper and print quality settings first.
z Check 1: Do the page size and type settings match the size and type of 
the loaded paper?
When these settings are incorrect,  you cannot obtain a proper print result. If you are printing a 
photograph or an illustration, incorrect paper type  setting may reduce the quality of printout color. 
Also, if you print with an incorrect paper type  setting, the printed surface may be scratched. In 
borderless printing, uneven coloring may occur depending on the combination of the paper type 
setting and the loaded paper.
z Check 2: Did you set the print quality setting appropriately?
Select a print quality option suitable to the paper and image for printing. If you notice blurs or 
uneven colors, increase the print quality setting and try printing again.
* When printing from a PictBridge compliant devic e, set the print quality setting by using the 
Operation Panel on the machine. You cannot ma ke this setting from a PictBridge compliant 
device.
* You cannot change the print quality setting w hen printing from a wireless communication 
device.
The method to confirm the paper and print qualit y settings differs depending on what you do with 
your machine.
z Check 3: If the problem is not resolved, there may be other causes.
See also the sections below.
z“Printing Does Not Start/Printing Is Blurred/Co lors Are Wrong/Straight Lines Are Misaligned” 
on page 74
z “White Streaks” on page 74
z “Printed Paper Curls or Has Ink Blots” on page 74
z “Printed Surface Is Scratched/Paper Is Smudged” on page 75
z “Colors Are Uneven or Streaked” on page 76
To copy or to print from your 
memory card or printed photo by 
operating the machine
Confirm by using the Operation Panel on the machine.
See the pages where each printi
ng mode is explained in this 
manual.
To print from a PictBridge 
compliant device Confirm by using your PictBridge compliant device or the 
Operation Panel on the machine.
See “Printing Photographs Directly from a PictBridge Compliant 
Device” on page 37.
To print from a wireless 
communication device Confirm by using the Operation Panel on the machine.
Refer to “Printing Photographs 
from a Wireless Communication 
Device” in the  User’s Guide on-screen manual.
To print from a computer Confirm by using the printer driver. Refer to the PC Printing Guide  on-screen manual.
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74Troubleshooting
„Printing Does Not Start/Printing Is Blurred/Colors Are Wrong/Straight 
Lines Are Misaligned
„ White Streaks
„ Printed Paper Curls or Has Ink Blots
CauseAction
Ink tank is empty. See “An Error Message Is Displayed on the LCD” on page 68 to identify the ink 
error, and then take the appropriate action depending on the error condition.
The protective film is remaining. Make sure all of the protective film is peeled off and the air hole is exposed, as  illustrated in (A). If the orange tape is left as in (B), pull the orange tape and 
remove it.
(A) Correct
L-shaped air hole is exposed.
(B) Incorrect The tape is not peeled off.
Print Head nozzles are clogged. See “When Printing Becomes Faint or Colors Are Incorrect” on page 50 and  perform any necessary maintenance operation.
The media is loaded with the wrong 
side facing upwards. Many types of paper are made to be printed on only a particular side of the 
paper.
Printing on the wrong side may cause unclear prints or prints with reduced 
quality.
Refer to the instruction manual supplied with the paper for detailed information 
on the printable side.
Print Head is misaligned. If you did not align the Print Head after installation, straight lines may be printed  misaligned. Make sure to align the Print Head after you install it.
See “Aligning the Print Head” on page 56 and perform Print Head Alignment.
CauseAction
Print Head nozzles are clogged. See “When Printing Becomes Faint or Colors Are Incorrect” on page 50 and perform any necessary maintenance operation.
CauseAction
Paper is too thin. When printing data with high color saturation such as photographs or images in deep color, we recommend using Photo Paper Pro or other Canon specialty 
paper. See “Media Types You Cannot Use” on page 9.
Printing graphics with  Intensity setting 
set too high. Especially if you are using plain paper to print images with high intensity, the 
paper may absorb too much ink and become wavy, causing paper abrasion. 
When copying, refer to “Changing Intensity Setting” in the 
User’s Guide on-
screen manual and reduce the  Intensity setting. Then try printing again. 
When printing from your computer, refer to “Print Results Not Satisfactory” in 
the  User’s Guide  on-screen manual.
(A) (B)
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75
Troubleshooting
„ Printed Surface Is Scratched/Paper Is Smudged
CauseAction
Paper Feed Roller is dirty. Clean the Paper Feed Roller. Cleaning the Paper Feed Roller will wear the 
roller, so perform this procedure only when necessary.
For details on cleaning, see “Cleaning the Paper Feed Roller (Roller Cleaning)” 
on page 61.
Inside of the machine is dirty. When performing duplex printing may leave some ink inside the machine,  causing printouts to be smudged. In this case, perform Bottom Plate Cleaning to 
clean the inside of the machine.
For details on cleaning, see “Cleaning the Inside of the Machine (Bottom Plate 
Cleaning)” on page 64.
Printing on inappropriate type of paper. zCheck to see if the paper you are printing on is not too thick or curled.
See “Media Types You Cannot Use” on page 9.
z When performing Borderless Printing, print quality may be reduced at the top 
and bottom edges of the paper. Make sure that the paper you are using is 
suitable for Borderless Printing.
For details, refer to “Printing Area” in the  User’s Guide on-screen manual.
Printing on thick paper. Selecting the  Prevent paper abrasion setting will widen the clearance between 
the Print Head and the loaded paper. If you notice abrasion even with the media 
type set correctly to match the loaded paper, set the machine to prevent paper 
abrasion by using the Operation Panel on the machine or the printer driver.*
* Deactivate the  Prevent paper abrasion  setting once printing is complete. If 
not, this setting remains enabled for all subsequent print jobs.
z Setting with the Operation Panel on the machine  
From the  HOME screen, select  Settings, Device settings , and Print 
settings  in this order, and then set  Prevent paper abrasion to ON . For 
details, refer to “Changing the Machine Settings” in the  User’s Guide on-
screen manual.
z Setting with the printer driver  
Refer to “Print Results Not Satisfactory” in the  User’s Guide on-screen 
manual.
Printing graphics with the  Intensity 
setting in the printer driver set too high. Especially if you are using plain paper to print images with high intensity, the 
paper may absorb too much ink and become wavy, causing paper abrasion. 
When copying, refer to “Changing Intensity Setting” in the 
User’s Guide on-
screen manual and reduce the  Intensity setting. Then try printing again. 
When printing from your computer, refer to “Print Results Not Satisfactory” in 
the  User’s Guide  on-screen manual.
Printing beyond the recommended 
printing area. If you are printing beyond the recommended printing area of your printing paper, 
the lower edge of the paper may become stained with ink.
For details on recommended printing area, refer to “Printing Area” in the 
User’s 
Guide  on-screen manual.
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76Troubleshooting
„Colors Are Uneven or Streaked
Paper is curled. For Plain Paper
Turn the paper over and reload it to print on the other side.
Leaving the paper loaded in the Rear Tray for a long time may cause the paper 
to curl. If this happens, load the paper with the other side facing up. It may 
resolve the problem.
We recommend putting unused paper back into the package and keep them on 
a level surface.
For Other Paper
If you are using paper with either any of the corners or the whole printing 
surface curled, the paper may become dirty, not feed properly, or both. Use 
such paper after correcting paper curl as follows.
(1)With the printing side (A) facing up, cover the paper with a fresh sheet of 
plain paper to avoid staining or scratching the surface.
(2) Roll up the paper in a direction opposite to paper curl as seen below.
(3) Check to see that the paper curl is within approximately 0.08 to 0.2 inches / 2 
to 5 mm (B) in height.
We recommend printing curl-corrected paper one sheet at a time.
NoteDepending on the media type, the paper may be smudged or may not be fed 
properly even if it is not curled.
In such case, follow the procedure described above to curl the paper before 
printing.
This may improve the print result.
CauseAction
Print Head nozzles are clogged. See “When Printing Becomes Faint or Colors Are Incorrect” on page 50 and  perform any necessary maintenance operations.
Print Head is misaligned. See “Aligning the Print Head” on page 56 and perform Print Head Alignment.
CauseAction
(1) (2)
(A)
(A)
(B)
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