How to Fix Banding and Faded Colors on Canon MG2522 - Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Question:
I printed a test page using my Canon MG2522 printer, but the results look terrible. The grayscale bars are uneven, the colors look washed out, and there are vertical streaks across the entire page. What am I doing wrong, and how can I fix it?

Answer:

After reviewing your test print results, it appears that your Canon MG2522 is printing, but the ink isn't being distributed evenly across the page. The heavy banding, streaking, and faded colors you're seeing are typically caused by issues in ink flow, nozzle performance, or mechanical alignment. Here's a detailed breakdown of possible causes and how to fix each one.

1. Partially Clogged Nozzles

Even if the printer appears to be working, small dried ink clogs in the printhead can block certain nozzles. This leads to uneven ink distribution, missing lines, or faint colors.

Fix:

• Open your Canon maintenance utility and run a Deep Cleaning (not a regular cleaning).

• Allow the printer to rest for 15-20 minutes between cleanings to prevent overheating the printhead.

• Afterward, print a Nozzle Check pattern.

• Repeat the process if gaps remain.

If repeated cleanings don't help, consider a manual cleaning using warm distilled water or a suction technique. This can restore clogged nozzles more effectively.

2. Low Ink or Air in the Ink Path

If your cartridge recently ran empty or was refilled, air bubbles may have entered the ink channels, interrupting the flow of ink.

Fix:

• Remove the cartridge and gently tap it (do not shake) to help trapped air escape.

• Reinstall the cartridge firmly so that the contacts connect securely.

• Run a nozzle check again.
  If the issue persists, refill the cartridge properly and make sure ink is reaching the printhead sponge.

3. Printhead Alignment Issue

If the printhead is slightly misaligned, even properly flowing ink won't land where it should, causing fuzzy lines or color shifts.

Fix:

• Access the Printhead Alignment function through your printer's settings or Canon software.

• Perform an automatic alignment, then recheck print quality.

4. Dirty Encoder Strip

The transparent strip running behind the carriage (called the encoder strip) helps the printer know where to place ink. If it's dirty or covered with ink mist, print quality will suffer.

Fix:

• Turn off and unplug your printer.

• Using a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water, gently wipe the clear strip behind the printhead carriage.

• Avoid touching it with your fingers - oils can damage it.

5. If You Recently Refilled or Installed New Cartridges

The Canon MG2522 uses integrated printhead cartridges, meaning the printhead is built into the cartridge itself. Over time, these wear out, especially after multiple refills.

Fix:

• Check that the vent hole on top of each cartridge is open. If it's sealed, ink can't flow properly.

• If you notice any ink leakage around the copper contacts or the printhead, gently clean the area with isopropyl alcohol and allow it to dry.

• If cleaning and deep maintenance don't restore quality, the cartridge may be worn out and should be replaced.

6. Next Steps and Ongoing Care

If you've tried cleaning, alignment, and cartridge maintenance without improvement, the printhead assembly within the cartridge may have reached the end of its usable life. Integrated printheads can only be refilled so many times before their internal components degrade.

For the best long-term results, always:

• Use high-quality ink refills designed for Canon cartridges.

• Print regularly to keep ink flowing through all channels.

• Avoid running cleaning cycles when cartridges are nearly empty.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It may take a few weeks before your printer can be dropped off. Our services cover either full printer repairs or specific parts, and we provide clear guidance on how to proceed. However, we understand that our repair costs may not be the most economical. Therefore, we recommend exploring self-help resources online - starting with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to find videos tailored to your issue.

Thank you once again for contacting us and for being part of the BCH Technologies community. Your engagement helps us continue improving our tutorials and troubleshooting support for printer users everywhere.