Why Your Canon G7020 Prints Gray Instead of Blue — Common Causes and Proven Fixes

Customer Question:

I've been using my Canon G7020 printer for several days and noticed that blue ink isn't printing correctly—it shows up as gray instead of blue. I’ve already performed deep cleanings two days in a row, but the issue persists. Could it be that the cyan ink line or nozzle is clogged? Also, can I bring the printer to your shop for repair?

Answer:

Why Cyan Prints as Gray on the Canon G7020

This is a fairly common issue on Canon G-series MegaTank printers; the good news is that it’s usually minor.

There are a couple of likely causes:

1. Ink Contamination or Internal Mixing

• Sometimes, residual black ink from the capping station seeps into the cyan channel.

• This can cause your cyan ink to become slightly tainted, leading to a grayish tone instead of a true blue.

• This often happens when the capping station is too wet, also known as a "wet capping" situation.

2. Uneven Ink Tank Levels

• The Canon G7020 uses gravity and siphon pressure to regulate ink flow.

• If your cyan tank level is lower than the others, it may cause an imbalance in ink delivery, leading to faint or altered colors.

3. Partial Clogging

• A partial clog in the cyan nozzle can restrict flow, resulting in weak or discolored prints.

• However, a severe clog is less likely since you've already run multiple deep cleanings. If it were a complete block, cyan wouldn’t print at all.

How to Fix the Issue

Here are the recommended steps to correct this gray-blue printing issue:

1. Top Off All Ink Tanks

   • Make sure all ink tanks—especially cyan tanks—are filled to the same level. This helps ensure even pressure and consistent flow.

2. Let the Printer Sit Overnight

   • If the capping station is too wet, allowing the printer to rest can help dry the excess moisture and prevent further ink cross-contamination.

3. Run One or Two Standard Printhead Cleanings

   • You’ve already done deep cleanings, which is excellent, but some standard cleanings can sometimes flush out residual contamination more effectively without stressing the system.

4. Print Test Pages

   • Continue printing test pages. The problem will often resolve itself within 24 to 48 hours as fresh cyan displaces any tainted or mixed ink.

5. Check the Nozzle Test Pattern

   • If you see any breaks or faint lines in the cyan section, it might still be slightly clogged. In that case, consider using a professional printhead cleaning solution or technique.

What If the Problem Persists?

If the issue remains unresolved after following these steps, there could be deeper internal ink line contamination or a valve issue inside the printhead. While uncommon, these situations may require in-person service.

Drop-Off Repair Services

We do offer in-person printer repair through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It might take a few weeks before we can receive your printer, but once it’s in our queue, we’ll provide step-by-step repair guidance or perform the work for you. Our services cover both full-unit and partial repairs, depending on your needs. However, please note that our pricing may not be the most affordable option available.

That’s why we encourage DIY repairs when possible. You can begin by browsing tutorials on our YouTube homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon near the "About" section to find videos related to your issue. I’ve created hundreds of tutorials over the years, so searching directly is often faster than waiting for a reply or trying to locate a specific link.

Thank you again for reaching out. We’re glad to be part of your printing journey and look forward to helping you find the best solution for your Canon G7020.