When your Canon PIXMA TS5320 produces blank pages, missing text, or documents with color but no black ink, the problem usually stems from clogged print head nozzles, empty or improperly installed ink cartridges, or incorrect print settings. This guide walks you through proven printer repair steps that restore black ink output without unnecessary service calls. Whether you use standard PG-260 or high-yield PG-260XL black cartridges, these troubleshooting methods apply directly to your TS5320 wireless all-in-one printer.
Common Causes of Missing Black Ink on the TS5320
The PIXMA TS5320 uses a hybrid ink system with pigment-based black ink for sharp text and dye-based color inks for vibrant photos. Several factors can interrupt black ink flow: dried ink blocking the print head, air bubbles in the ink lines, a depleted or unrecognized cartridge, or software settings routing output to grayscale or draft modes. Before attempting any fix printer procedure, verify that your black cartridge has sufficient ink and that protective tape was fully removed during installation.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Black Ink Failure
1
Check Ink Levels and Cartridge Installation: Open the Canon PRINT app on your smartphone or access the printer's LCD panel. Navigate to Setup > Estimated Ink Levels. If the black bar shows empty or near-empty, replace the PG-260 or PG-260XL cartridge. Remove the current cartridge by lifting the front panel, pushing down on the black ink slot until it clicks, then pulling it out. Examine the copper electrical contacts and the ink outlet port for orange protective tape residue—this is a frequent cause of Canon PIXMA TS5320 black not printing. Reinstall firmly until you hear a distinct click.
2
Run the Automatic Print Head Cleaning: On the TS5320 touchscreen, press Setup (gear icon) > Maintenance > Cleaning. Select "Black" or "All Colors" and confirm. The printer will draw ink through the nozzles to dissolve dried pigment. This process takes approximately 2-3 minutes and consumes some ink. After completion, print a nozzle check pattern from Setup > Maintenance > Nozzle Check. Examine the black grid pattern—missing segments indicate remaining clogs. You may run up to two cleanings consecutively, but avoid excessive cycles as this depletes ink without benefit.
3
Perform Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Clogs: If standard cleaning fails, access Setup > Maintenance > Deep Cleaning. This intensive printer repair function uses substantially more ink and takes 3-5 minutes. The TS5320 forces higher-pressure ink pulses through the black nozzles to break up hardened pigment deposits. Print another nozzle check immediately after. If black segments remain missing after deep cleaning, proceed to manual print head cleaning—do not run additional automatic cycles, as you risk emptying a functional cartridge.
4
Manually Clean the Print Head: Power off and unplug the TS5320. Lift the scanning unit and wait for the cartridge holder to move to the replacement position. Remove both cartridges. Lift the print head locking lever (the gray tab behind the cartridge slots) and pull the print head assembly straight up. Dampen a lint-free cloth or coffee filter with distilled water—never tap water, which contains minerals. Gently wipe the black ink nozzle surface (the bottom face with tiny copper squares) in one direction. Do not touch the copper contacts with your fingers. Let the print head air-dry for 10 minutes, reinstall, and run one standard cleaning cycle before testing.
5
Verify Print Settings in Software: Open your document and select Print. Click Properties or Preferences. In the Canon printer driver, check that "Grayscale Printing" is NOT selected in the Main tab—this setting routes all output through color cartridges and can cause Canon PIXMA TS5320 black not printing when color cartridges are low. Ensure Media Type matches your paper (Plain Paper, Photo Paper Plus Glossy II, etc.). Under Quality, select "Standard" or "High" rather than "Draft," which may skip black ink deposition. For Windows users, click the Maintenance tab and confirm "Ink Cartridge Settings" shows "Use all colors" if both cartridges are installed.
6
Reset the Printer and Update Firmware: Persistent recognition errors sometimes require a hard reset. With the TS5320 powered on, disconnect the power cord from the rear. Wait 60 seconds—this drains residual charge from the logic board. Reconnect and power on. Check for firmware updates via Setup > Device Settings > Firmware Update, or download the latest version from Canon's support site using your serial number. Outdated firmware can cause false "ink empty" readings or communication failures between the cartridge chip and printer controller. After updating, print a test page from any application.
⚠️ Important: Never mix PG-260 pigment black ink with third-party dye-based "black" cartridges—these have incompatible chemical formulations that can permanently damage the TS5320 print head. If you recently installed a non-Canon cartridge and experience Canon PIXMA TS5320 black not printing, remove it immediately and install genuine Canon ink. Third-party cartridges may also void remaining warranty coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my TS5320 print color but no black ink?
This pattern strongly indicates a clogged black print head nozzle or an empty/undetected PG-260 cartridge. The color inks use a separate channel and may function independently. Run the nozzle check pattern to confirm—if the black grid is completely absent while color patterns show normally, focus your troubleshooting on black cartridge replacement and print head cleaning.
How often should I use my TS5320 to prevent black ink drying?
Canon recommends printing at least once every two weeks to keep pigment black ink flowing through the nozzles. The TS5320 automatically performs brief maintenance cycles when powered on after extended downtime, but these cannot fully prevent dried ink in idle printers. For seasonal users, consider removing cartridges and storing them in sealed bags with damp paper towels.
When should I replace versus clean the print head?
If manual cleaning with distilled water fails to restore black output, and you've verified the cartridge has ink, the print head likely has irreversible nozzle damage. Replacement print heads for the TS5320 (part QY6-8049-000 or equivalent) cost approximately $60-85. Compare this to printer replacement value—if your TS5320 is out of warranty and over three years old, a new printer may be more economical than continued printer repair attempts.
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