How to Troubleshoot and Maintain Canon Pixma MX494 Cartridges for Optimal Performance
- By Kevin Day
- On Dec 03, 2024
- Comment 0
Question:
I’m having some trouble with my Canon Pixma MX494 cartridges. I refill them myself, but I’m unsure if the issue is with the microchip on the back or the sponges inside the cartridges. I’ve thought switching to sponge-free cartridges might be a better solution. My current cartridges are PG-445 XL black and CL-446 colour.
The problem worsens if the printer sits unused for a while. When I try to print after some time, the cartridges won’t work, even after I soak them in water to clean them. I’ve attached a photo to show the condition of the cartridges.
I’d like to know if your cartridge refill kits are compatible with my printer and cartridges. Will your kit fix these problems? I’m based in South Africa, so I’d appreciate any advice you could give me about my region.
Answer:
Thank you for reaching out to us! I'm sorry for not getting back to you sooner. Printer issues can be pretty frustrating, and we understand the urgency of resolving them. At BCH Technologies, we’re dedicated to providing thoughtful and detailed answers and ensuring your issues are handled carefully. Your engagement and support, primarily through our YouTube channel, are critical in enhancing our technical expertise.
Now, let’s dive into your question.
Our repair services can address entire printers or specific components with clear instructions. We understand that our rates might not suit everyone’s budget. If self-help is your preferred option, explore our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon near the "About" section to find relevant videos, or let YouTube suggest related content from other creators.
Thank you again for contacting us. We sincerely appreciate your trust in BCH Technologies and are here to support you.
I’m having some trouble with my Canon Pixma MX494 cartridges. I refill them myself, but I’m unsure if the issue is with the microchip on the back or the sponges inside the cartridges. I’ve thought switching to sponge-free cartridges might be a better solution. My current cartridges are PG-445 XL black and CL-446 colour.
The problem worsens if the printer sits unused for a while. When I try to print after some time, the cartridges won’t work, even after I soak them in water to clean them. I’ve attached a photo to show the condition of the cartridges.
I’d like to know if your cartridge refill kits are compatible with my printer and cartridges. Will your kit fix these problems? I’m based in South Africa, so I’d appreciate any advice you could give me about my region.
Answer:
Thank you for reaching out to us! I'm sorry for not getting back to you sooner. Printer issues can be pretty frustrating, and we understand the urgency of resolving them. At BCH Technologies, we’re dedicated to providing thoughtful and detailed answers and ensuring your issues are handled carefully. Your engagement and support, primarily through our YouTube channel, are critical in enhancing our technical expertise.
Now, let’s dive into your question.
Cartridge Compatibility and Regional Variants
Canon produces cartridges under different prefixes based on sales regions. For example, your PG-445 XL black and CL-446 colour cartridges correspond to the following:- PG-145/CL-146 (Central & South America)
- PG-245/CL-246 (North America)
- PG-345/CL-346 (Japan)
- PG-545/CL-546 (Europe)
- PG-645/CL-646 (Asia Oceania)
- PG-745/CL-746 (Southeast Asia)
- PG-845/CL-846 (China)
- PG-945/CL-946 (Korea)
Common Cartridge Problems and Solutions
-
Microchip Concerns:
When refilling, the cartridge's microchip doesn’t reset automatically. Instead, it triggers an “ink low” or similar warning. While this doesn’t affect printing, you must override the error. Check our YouTube tutorials, like this one (https://youtu.be/-KiksN51Xyw), for step-by-step instructions. -
Sponge vs. Sponge-Free Cartridges:
Canon’s cartridges are designed with sponges to regulate ink flow. Sponge-free alternatives may work, but they often struggle with proper ink distribution. For better performance, continue using your original cartridges and focus on maintaining them. -
Clogged Printheads:
Extended periods of inactivity can dry the ink, blocking the nozzles. Soaking the cartridge in warm water is a good start, but an ultrasonic cleaner is more effective for more challenging clogs. These devices vibrate at high frequencies to break up dried ink. In the U.S., they typically cost around $40, but prices in South Africa may vary. -
Kit Compatibility:
Our cartridge kits are tailored to many Canon models, including yours. However, before purchasing, please ensure the refill kit explicitly lists compatibility with the PG-445 XL and CL-446 cartridges.
Additional Considerations
Addressing printer issues can be a complex and hands-on process. Unfortunately, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting or support for printer repairs. However, we offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis and may require a few weeks.Our repair services can address entire printers or specific components with clear instructions. We understand that our rates might not suit everyone’s budget. If self-help is your preferred option, explore our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon near the "About" section to find relevant videos, or let YouTube suggest related content from other creators.
Thank you again for contacting us. We sincerely appreciate your trust in BCH Technologies and are here to support you.