Canon Group
Close Close
Canon Experience Store Logo | Canon Australia
Canon Experience Store Test, try and buy all the latest Canon digital cameras, lenses, and printers. Visit
Canon Finance logo | Canon Australia
Canon Finance Finance the latest technology for your business when you need it. Visit
Canon Professional Services logo | Canon Australia
Canon Professional Services Join our network of professionals and support services with a CPS membership. Visit
SUNSTUDIOS logo | Canon Australia
SUNSTUDIOS Innovative space and services for visual creatives and professionals. Visit
Canon Business Services ANZ
Canon Business Services Discover our range of business services with Canon Business Services. Visit
Canon Medical Systems Corporation Logo | Canon Australia
Canon Medical Systems World-class diagnostic imaging products and intelligent healthcare IT solutions. Visit
Products
Get Inspired
Support
Canon for Business
search
About Canon
Contact us
Menu Menu Close Close Search
Home
/ Canon Support
/ SIMS Content Page
PIXMA MP980 Support
FAQs & troubleshooting

Printing Does Not Start

Content Id: 8200271700


Issue

Cause and solution

Check 1: Make sure that the power plug is securely plugged in, then turn the machine on.

While the Power lamp is flashing blue, the machine is initializing. Wait until the Power lamp stops flashing and remains lit blue.

Caution

When printing large data such as a photo or graphics, it may take longer to start printing. While the Power lamp is flashing blue, the computer is processing data and sending it to the machine. Wait until printing starts.

Cause and solution

Check 2: Check the status of ink tanks. Replace the ink tank if ink has run out.

You can check the ink status on the LCD or with ink lamps.

With the LCD on the Machine

(1) Make sure that the power is turned on, and press the HOME button.

(2) Press the left Function button.

Check if any symbol appears on the remaining ink volume screen.

Sufficient ink is left for printing if no symbol appears.

The ink with (Ink low) is running low. You can continue printing for a while, but we recommend you to have a new ink tank available.

Caution

You can also check the ink status on a screen of the LCD displayed while printing.

With Ink Lamps

(1) Make sure that the power is turned on, and open the Paper Output Tray gently.

(2) Lift the Scanning Unit (Cover) until it stops.

(3) Check the ink lamps.

Ink lamp is on

The ink tank is correctly installed and there is sufficient ink left for printing.

Ink lamp is flashing

Flashing slowly (at around 3-second intervals)

..... Repeats

Ink is low. You can continue printing for a while, but we recommend you to have a new ink tank available.

Flashing fast (at around 1-second intervals)

...... Repeats

The ink tank is installed in the wrong position or it is empty. Make sure that the ink tank is installed in the correct position as indicated by the label on the Print Head Holder. If the position is correct but the lamp flashes, the ink tank is empty. Replace it with a new one.

Ink lamp is off

The ink tank is not installed properly or the function for detecting the remaining ink level is disabled. If the ink tank is not installed properly, press the mark (Push) on the ink tank until the ink tank clicks into place. If it does not click into place, make sure that the orange protective cap has been removed from the bottom of the ink tank. If the function for detecting the remaining ink level is disabled, replace the ink tank with a new one. See "Replacing Ink Tanks "

If the ink lamp is still off after reinstalling the ink tank, there has been an error and the machine cannot print. Check the error message displayed on the LCD.

Checking the Ink Status

When the ink tanks run out of ink, follow the procedure below to replace them.

Caution

Handling ink

To maintain optimal print quality, we recommend the use of specified Canon brand ink tanks. Refilling ink is not recommended.
If you remove an ink tank, replace it immediately. Do not leave the machine with ink tanks removed.
Use new ink tanks for replacement. Installing used ink tanks may cause the nozzles to clog. Furthermore, with such ink tanks, the machine will not be able to inform you when to replace the ink tanks properly.

To maintain optimal print quality, install ink tanks in the machine within the date indicated on the package box. And also use ink tanks within 6 months of first use. (We recommend you to put down the date when installing them.)

Caution

Color ink may be consumed even when printing a black-and-white document or when black-and-white printing is specified.

Every ink is also consumed in the standard cleaning and deep cleaning of the Print Head, which may be necessary to maintain the machine's performance. When an ink tank is out of ink, replace it immediately with a new one.

1. Make sure that the power is turned on, and open the Paper Output Tray gently.

2. Lift the Scanning Unit (Cover) until it stops.

The Print Head Holder moves to the replacement position.

Caution

When opening the Scanning Unit (Cover), lift it with the Document Cover closed.
Do not hold the LCD or the Operation Panel.
Do not hold the Print Head Holder to stop or move it forcibly. Do not touch the Print Head Holder until it stops completely.
Do not touch the metallic parts or other parts inside the machine.

Caution

If the Scanning Unit (Cover) is left open for more than 10 minutes, the Print Head Holder moves to the right. In this case, close and reopen the Scanning Unit (Cover).

Caution

The machine may make operating noise when the Print Head Holder moves to the replacement position.

3. Replace the ink tank with the lamp flashing fast.

Push the tab (A) and lift the ink tank to remove.

Do not touch the Print Head Lock Lever (B).

Caution

Handle the ink tank carefully to avoid staining of clothing or the surrounding area.
Discard the empty ink tank according to the local laws and regulations regarding disposal of consumables.

Caution

Do not remove two or more ink tanks at the same time. Be sure to replace ink tanks one by one when replacing two or more ink tanks.
For details on ink lamp flashing speed, see "Checking the Ink Status".

4. Prepare the new ink tank.

(1) Take the new ink tank out of its package, pull the orange tape ()in the direction of the arrow to peel it off, then remove the film ().

Caution

Make sure that the film is completely removed from the air hole (C). If the air hole is blocked with the remaining film, ink may leak out or may not eject properly.

(2) Hold the orange protective cap (D) as indicated in the figure below, then twist and remove it from the bottom of the ink tank.

Remove the protective cap while holding it to prevent the ink from staining your fingers.

Discard the protective cap once it is removed.

Caution

Do not touch the electrical contacts (E) on the ink tank. It can cause the machine to malfunction or become unable to print.

Caution

If you shake the ink tank, the ink may leak out and stain your hands and the surrounding area. Be careful to handle the ink tank.
Do not squeeze the side of ink tanks as this may cause the ink to leak out.
Be careful not to stain your hands and the surrounding area with ink on the removed protective cap.
Do not reattach the protective cap once you have removed it. Discard it according to the local laws and regulations regarding disposal of consumables.
Do not touch the open ink port once the protective cap is removed, as this may prevent the ink from being ejected properly.

5. Install the new ink tank.

(1) Insert the front end of ink tank into the Print Head at a slant.

Make sure that the position of the ink tank matches the label.

(2) Press the mark (Push) on the ink tank until the ink tank snaps firmly into place.

Make sure that the ink lamp lights up red.

Caution

You cannot print if the ink tank is installed in the wrong position. Be sure to install the ink tank in the correct position according to the label on the Print Head Holder.
You cannot print unless all the ink tanks are installed. Be sure to install all the ink tanks.

6. Close the Scanning Unit (Cover) gently.

Caution

Be sure to hold the Scanning Unit (Cover) firmly using both hands, and be careful not to get your fingers caught.
Do not hold the LCD or the Operation Panel.

Caution

If the error message appears after the Scanning Unit (Cover) is closed, refer to "An Error Message Is Displayed on the LCD "
When you start printing after replacing the ink tank, the machine starts cleaning the Print Head automatically. Do not perform any other operations until the machine completes the cleaning of the Print Head.
If printed ruled lines are misaligned or the print head position is misaligned, adjust the print head position. See "Aligning the Print Head"
The machine may make noise during operation, but this is normal.
Replacing Ink Tanks

Cause and solution

Check 3: Open the Scanning Unit (Cover) and check to see if the ink lamps are flashing red.

If there is still sufficient ink but its ink lamp is flashing red, an ink tank may not be installed in a right position. -⋗[ Replacing an　Ink Tanks ]

Cause and solution

Check 4: Open the Scanning Unit (Cover) and make sure that the ink lamps light up red.

If the ink lamp is not lit, press the mark on the ink tank until it clicks into place.

Cause and solution

Check 5: Make sure that the machine is connected to your computer properly.

When the machine is connected to your computer with a USB cable, make sure that the USB cable is securely plugged into the machine and the computer, then check the following:

If you are using a relay device such as a USB hub, disconnect it, connect the machine directly to the computer, and try printing again. If printing starts normally, there is a problem with the relay device. Consult the reseller of the relay device for details.
There could also be a problem with the USB cable. Replace the USB cable and try printing again.

When you use the machine over LAN, make sure that the machine is connected to the network with a LAN cable or is set up correctly. For details, refer to your setup manual.

Cause and solution

Check 6: Restart your computer if you are printing from the computer.

If there are any unnecessary print jobs, delete them.

Cause and solution

Check 7: Make sure that the Inner Cover is closed.

If the Inner Cover is opened, close the Inner Cover and press the OK button on the machine.

Cause and solution

Check 8: Make sure that your machine's name is selected in the Print dialog box.

The machine will not print properly if you are using a driver for a different printer.

In Windows, make sure that your machine's name is selected in the Print dialog box.

On a Macintosh, make sure that your machine's name is selected in Printer in the Print dialog box.

Caution

To make the machine the one selected by default, select Set as Default Printer (Windows), Default Printer or Make Default (Macintosh).

Cause and solution

Check 9: Configure the printer port appropriately.(Windows)

Make sure that the printer port is configured appropriately in the printer driver.

1. Log on as a user account with administrator privilege.

2. Click Control Panel, then Printer under Hardware and Sound.

In Windows XP, click Control Panel, Printers and Other Hardware, then Printers and Faxes.

In Windows 2000, click Control Panel then Printers.

3. Right-click the Canon XXX Printer icon, then select Properties.

4. Click the Ports tab to confirm the port settings.

Make sure that a port named USBnnn (where "n" is a number) with Canon XXX Printer appearing in the Printer column is selected for Print to the following port(s).

If the setting is incorrect, reinstall the MP Drivers or change the printer port to the correct one.

Cause and solution

Check 10: Either Media Type or Page Size setting in the printer driver is inappropriate.

When using Fine Art Paper "Photo Rag" or non Canon genuine specialty paper, be sure to select the type of each media from Media Type and either Fine Art A4 or Fine Art Letter from Page Size or Paper size.

Confirm the settings following the procedure below, and try printing again.

1. Ensure that either Fine Art A4 or Fine Art Letter is selected in the application.

If the page size you want to use is not displayed, open the File menu of the application and select Print. Then ensure that the name of your machine is selected.

2. Ensure that the paper selected for Media Type in the Main tab (Windows) or the Print dialog box (Macintosh) in the printer driver matches the paper loaded in the machine.

3. Ensure that the Page Size setting in the Page Setup tab (Windows) or the Paper size setting in the Page Setup dialog box (Macintosh) in the printer driver is the same as the size set in step 1.

"Was this helpful?"

Submit