Diagnosis
The loud grinding noise on startup is almost certainly the print head carriage assembly scraping against an obstruction or moving along a dry, unlubricated rail. This printer uses a carriage that slides on a silver metal rod; when the factory grease dissipates or dust accumulates, the carriage's plastic parts grind against the metal. Alternatively, a foreign object like a dropped paperclip or a broken internal piece may be blocking its path.
How to Fix It
- Turn off and unplug the printer to prevent injury and electrical damage.
- Open the scanner unit (the top cover) fully to access the interior. The print head carriage should be parked on the right side.
- Gently grasp the carriage and slowly move it back and forth along the entire length of the silver metal rail. Note any spots with noticeable resistance or catching.
- With a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water (not alcohol or solvents), carefully wipe the entire length of the silver rail to remove dust and old grease. Ensure it's completely dry before proceeding.
- Apply a tiny amount of pure white lithium grease or a specific printer rail lubricant (like Super Lube) to the rail. Spread it thinly with the cloth. Never use household oils.
- Manually move the carriage a few times to distribute the lubricant, then plug the printer back in and power it on to test.
If That Didn't Work
If the noise persists, a physical obstruction is likely. With the printer unplugged, use a flashlight to thoroughly inspect the carriage path, the area under the carriage, and the paper feed path for any debris like bits of paper, plastic fragments, or staples. Also check that the carriage belt is intact and properly seated on its pulleys. If you find and remove debris, test again. If the noise remains and you've confirmed the rail is clean and lubricated, the carriage motor or encoder strip may be failing.
Heads Up
Continuous operation with a grinding noise can permanently damage the carriage motor, strip gears, or wear out the carriage itself, leading to a costly repair or replacement. If cleaning and lubrication don't resolve it, discontinue use and contact Canon support for service.