I have a canon i560 printer but no manual. i would like to perform a cleaning but can't find the directions on line. I'd appreciate it if you could provide some assistance

spaces missing in the printed document

Go on www.canon.com and they will give you all the information you need.

This sounds as though the actual print head has failed or is close to failing. You can get new print-heads form you local Canon service centre - they are not exactly cheap - but cheaper than a new printer.

It means the printhead is partially blocked, the best thing is a new printhead. Around $50.00

4 blinks of the amber light says that the ink is empty, at least 1 cartridge is empty.

Hi,

Double-click print centre icon.
when it opens up, select I560, then click configure.
click I560 then click select
click the down arrow to select test print.
nozzle, alignment etc...
run the tests try resolve the problem.

Hope this helps
Regards

Canon i560 Black Ink Problems

Was this the problem prior to changine the cartriages? If not check the contacts between the machine and the cartriges. there may be tape, ink, papaer in between.

If you are lucky clean the contacts on print head or change the waste ink absorber may solve the problem , if not you need to change the print head , part code:QY6-0064 or QY6-0042, about 38 $ on Ebay.

Here is also the manual reset procedure for I560 (and other Canon printers ):
1. Start with the printer OFF
2. Hold down RESUME and then hold down POWER
3. release RESUME
4. press RESUME twice, then release POWER
5. Let green light blink until printer is done moving print head.
6. Select functions below with RESUME press POWER to execute: Number of presses - light color - function :
0 presses - green - Test print (or exit service mode on i960)
1 press - orange - EEPROM info print (plus grid nozzle diagnostic on i960)
2 presses - green - EEPROM initialize
3 presses - orange - Reset waste ink counter