I have tried several new yelow cartridges and it still wont print yellow. No error messages. I have done deep cleaning several times and it says everything is OK.
Your print head is likely toast.
The only way to be sure is to test out your purge unit (aka capping assembly).
This assembly provides the suction when you use the cleaning function. One test is simply to install a new oem ink cartridge, do a bunch of cleanings and see that it is actually emptying the ink out of the cartridge (look in the cartridge and see that the ink is being used up).
Since you said you have tried several cartridges, I would hope this means you know 100% for sure that the ink level in the cartridge is going down (you cannot rely on the level indicator in your driver software).
Since your purge unit is working, then your print head is either so clogged that the purge unit isn't strong enough to clean it, or the print head is defective.
Remove the print head and inspect the bottom. Give the bottom surface (and no more) a rinse under very hot running water. Blot the bottom surface on paper towel and see if there is any yellow ink coming off in the paper towel. If you can find a tube that will fit over the yellow ink well in the print head (the part that contacts the ink cartridge) try and force water through the tube and see if a fine mist comes out the bottom of the print head. If yes, then the head is not clogged. If no, leave the print head to soak for several hours. A saucer with a small amount of water in it will do. Just let the bottom surface of the print head contact the water (the cap off of a can of spray paint usually works for this)
Let the print surface soak for a few hours, or even over night. Reinstall the print head and give it a deep clean. If it still does not work, call your local Canon repair shop and check the price of a replacement head.
If it's still just yellow causing a problem, then your print head is bad. There's a small chance that if you use it heavly for a while it may improve. It's either that or you will have to call a Canon service centre to get a price on a new head, replace the printer or try the tube method.
I have a large plunger that looks like a hyperdermic needle. I have a tube attached to the end, I fill the plunger with water and put the end of the tube over the inkwell and force the plunger down.
You'll have to Macgyver a tool to use to force the water through the head. Visit your local hardware store and wonder around. It's amazing the things you can find there. You may want to try a turky baster as well, I've been thinking one might make a good head repair tool.
Those are just about the only choices left. If you get the unit working, remember to use it regularly to keep the head in good condition.
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I have an HP Photsmart C4100 printer. I purchased remanufactured ink cartridges (both black and tri-colored) from Vivasmart. The black one works fine, but when I installed the tri-color, I got an error message that says "Print cartridge problem" The following print cartridge has a problem:
Tri-color. And I can't print. The screen on my printer says "Remove and check color cartridge." I have done this several times and it still won't print. I have turned off the power, removed the cartridges, and unplugged the unit, but it still didn't help. Any suggestions?
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I think you were right about the print head being plugged. The cartridge change was just to check for a defective cartridge. No yellow ink was being used. After the hot water clean we got some yellow. We then soaked it for two hours-- maybe it was a little better. After all this and setting the printer for intense yellow we get about 75% of what I think it should be like. What now?
I have exactly the same problem only with the magenta tank. The multiple cleanings, including the deep cleaning do not make the ink level in the magenta tank recede. Will try the cleaning of the printhead cartridge and see if it works. Canon only wants me to purchase a new printer at a discount. Was very disappointed they did not suggest anything but replacement or taking it somewhere to be repaired. Even when I asked about replacing the printhead, the question was ignored in my email. Thanks for the solution. Will try right now to see if it works!!!
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