Troubleshooting a Canon MG7550 Printer: Resolving Error 6502 and Ink Cartridge Issues

If you own a Canon MG7550 printer and are encountering a perplexing 6502 error message after attempting to revive your printer following a period of disuse, fear not. In this tech overview, we'll delve into the conversation between a printer enthusiast and a helpful contributor who discussed potential solutions to this problem. We will also provide additional insights and tips for resolving ink cartridge-related issues.

Error 6502: The Printer's Dilemma

The MG7550 printer owner embarked on a mission to revive their printer, which had been dormant for an extended period due to the need for a printhead cleaning. After thoroughly cleaning and drying the printhead, they faced the dreaded 6502 error when attempting to restart the printer. Furthermore, even when removing the ink cartridges, the printer did not respond as expected.

Possible Causes: Chip Contacts and Ink Sensors

The first responder in the conversation suggested that the 6502 error might not be directly related to the printhead itself but rather to the chips or the chip contacts in the printhead carriage. In Canon printers, the LED on the ink cartridge chip is detected by an ink sensor to determine the presence of a cartridge. A malfunctioning sensor could be the culprit behind this error.

Seeking Solutions: The Service Manual and Service Tools

To address this issue, the responder recommended consulting the service manual for the MG7550. Unfortunately, this specific manual was elusive, but they provided a service manual for the MG8120, a printer of a similar ink cartridge generation. Pages 11/70 and 68/70 of this manual contain valuable information related to error 6502 and the ink sensor, which could prove useful for troubleshooting.

Additionally, the responder emphasized the importance of using a service tool with version 4720 or newer, as older versions could block access to the service mode. They even provided a link for downloading the recommended service tool.

A Glimmer of Progress: Cartridge Compatibility

The printer owner later shared some progress they had made. They discovered that their printer accepted an old set of OEM starter cartridges, albeit nearly empty. Curiously, the compatible cartridges that had previously worked without issue now triggered the 6502 error, even when using fresh replacements. Unfortunately, they were unable to test refillable ink cartridges due to a lack of bulk ink.

Despite the ink cartridge issues, the printer owner conducted a nozzle check and achieved better results than expected, albeit with room for improvement. Notably, the PGBK channel was entirely absent, potentially due to the cartridge, and the M and GY channels displayed some blockages in finer dot sizes.

Progress and Further Exploration

If you're confronted with a Canon MG7550 printer displaying error 6502 after a period of inactivity, the root cause may lie in the ink cartridge chips, chip contacts, or ink sensors. Consulting a service manual and using an appropriate service tool can be instrumental in resolving the issue. Additionally, exploring cartridge compatibility and performing nozzle checks can provide valuable insights into the printer's health.

While this conversation sheds light on potential solutions, keep in mind that each printer issue can be unique, and further troubleshooting may be necessary. If you find this information helpful, consider exploring more resources and technical insights to keep your printer in optimal condition.

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