How to Resolve Canon Pixma MX 320 Error U059 with Modified Cartridges

Question:
In 2020, I purchased a modification kit from you to make spongeless cartridges for my Canon Pixma MX 320. At the time, I had just bought some new cartridges, and since I don’t use my colour printer much, I only recently started using the kit.
I installed a refilled cartridge with the modification kit yesterday, but the printer displayed error U059. All morning, I tried various reset methods I found online, but none of them worked.
Do you have an easy way to make the modified cartridge work?
Additionally, I can’t access my account on your website. I tried using my old email to reset the password, but it still doesn’t work. Could you update my email address so I can log in?
 
Answer:
Thank you for reaching out to us with your questions, and I’m sorry for the delay in responding. Printer issues can be frustrating, and I appreciate your patience as I take the time to address your concerns in detail. At BCH Technologies, we are grateful for your engagement, support, and interest in our modification kits. Your feedback also helps improve our technical expertise and resources, including our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies).

Resolving Error U059 on the Canon Pixma MX 320

The U059 error typically indicates that the printer doesn’t recognize the cartridge. This can be due to the cartridge not being installed correctly, an incompatible cartridge, or physical damage to the cartridge. Here are steps to address this issue:

1. Inspect the Cartridge and Printer Connections

  • Clean the Electronic Ribbon: Remove the cartridge and inspect its electronic ribbon for ink stains or glue residue. Clean gently with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
  • Check the Printer Pins: Inspect the brass pins inside the printer to ensure they’re clean and free of debris or moisture.
  • Reinstall the Cartridge: Reseat the cartridge firmly into its slot and try inserting and removing it multiple times to ensure proper alignment.

2. Evaluate the Cartridge’s Condition

If the printer still doesn’t recognize the cartridge after these steps, the issue may lie with the cartridge itself.
Canon cartridges include a reference resistor that the printer heats to measure its resistance. If the nozzle resistances differ too much from the reference resistor or exceed the allowable failure limit, the printer marks the cartridge as unusable. Unfortunately, this hardware issue cannot be resolved, and the cartridge must be replaced.

3. Consider Issues with the Modification Process

The modification process for making spongeless cartridges is a DIY project that requires precision. Common issues include:
  • Over-sanding: Sanding the cartridge too much can alter its height, leading to misaligned pins.
  • Glue Dripping: If glue covers any of the electrical contacts or pins, it may cause a failure to connect.

4. Finding Replacement Cartridges

If you need additional empty cartridges, search for your cartridge model on eBay using the keyword "empty virgin." Virgin cartridges have never been refilled and are ideal for modification. Avoid remanufactured cartridges, as they often include unreliable aftermarket chips that can malfunction.
 

Regarding Account Access

We transitioned to a new platform in August 2024, so orders placed before that time may not appear in your account. Unfortunately, due to increased security measures, we cannot manually update customer account information or reset passwords on the new Shopify-based system.
To regain access, please use the “forgot password” option with your email address. This will allow you to reset your password securely.
 

Leaving Feedback

Your experience is important to us. If you found this information helpful, we’d appreciate it if you could leave a review on our Google Business Page (https://g.page/r/CfL7k6nYvPQ9EAg/review). Your feedback helps us improve and provides valuable insights to others in the community.
 
Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. For this reason, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. However, we do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) through our local diagnostic facility. This service is structured to repair the entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed.
Just so you know, our repair service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and demand is high, so there may be a wait before your printer can be evaluated. If you want more help, we encourage you to explore self-help resources, starting with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies).
Thank you again for contacting us. We’re here to help with any additional questions you may have!