Canon PIXMA G3260
is not printing black.
Canon PIXMA G3260 is not printing black? Missing black usually points to a blocked nozzle, an empty or unseated black supply, or a setting that routes black text through the wrong path. On this tank model, check Canon PRINT discovery, GI-21 ink flow, and rear-tray paper alignment first. Check the exact supply and indicator pattern for this model below.
Try these in order.
Stop as soon as the printer behaves. Each step removes one likely cause without changing settings you may need later.
- Black text is blank while color still prints
- A nozzle check has missing black segments
- Black areas look gray, streaked, or uneven
- Canon PIXMA G3260 behavior points back to Canon PRINT discovery, GI-21 ink flow, and rear-tray paper alignment.
- 01
Run a quality or nozzle check
Print the built-in quality page before cleaning. It shows whether the failure is isolated to black and gives a baseline for the next check. On the Canon PIXMA G3260, use Canon PRINT or the 2-line monochrome LCD for this check.
Expected result: The check shows black missing while other colors fire normally.
- 02
Refill the black tank and open the vent
Top up the black ink tank and confirm its fill-hole vent is open. A sealed vent creates a vacuum that stops black ink flow.
Expected result: Black ink reaches the printhead and the level reads above empty.
- 03
Run one standard cleaning
Use one normal printhead cleaning cycle, wait for it to finish, and print the quality check again before trying a deeper routine.
Expected result: A follow-up quality check shows the black nozzles firing.
Match your symptom, jump to the right fix.
If: Color prints but black is blank
Then: The black path is isolated. Refill the black tank and run a nozzle check.
If: The black tank is empty
Then: Refill it, then run a single cleaning cycle to clear the air.
If: Black prints but looks gray or faint
Then: Check paper type and draft settings before cleaning the printhead.
Usually one of these.
- Canon PRINT discovery, GI-21 ink flow, and rear-tray paper alignment is the model-specific checkpoint to verify first.
- The black nozzle or printhead has dried ink buildup.
- The black ink tank ran empty or its vent is still sealed.
- The driver is using a draft, composite-black, or incorrect paper setting.
Move to the deeper fix.
Check the paper and driver settings
Choose the correct paper type, turn off draft mode, and confirm the document is not set to color-only or composite-black behavior.
Expected result: Black text prints with the intended density.
Use the official deep-clean routine
Follow the manufacturer sequence for deep cleaning or printhead alignment once. Stop if the guide warns that repeated cycles can damage supplies. Use the official Canon support page for the exact Canon PIXMA G3260 package before changing firmware or resetting the device.
Expected result: Black output is restored after one deeper cleaning cycle.
- Do not keep running cleaning cycles. Start with one and only escalate if there is no change.
- Only refill with the ink bottle series listed for this model; third-party ink can clog the printhead.
Before you reset everything.
Why do colors print but black does not?
Black uses a separate nozzle and ink tank channel. A color page can look normal even when that black path is blocked or empty. On this model, start with Canon PRINT and the official support instructions.
Does a sealed tank vent stop black ink?
Yes. If the fill-hole vent is still sealed, a vacuum forms and black ink cannot reach the printhead.
Should I keep running cleaning cycles?
No. Start with one standard cycle and a quality check. If there is no change, use the model-specific deep-clean or service instructions once.
Canon PIXMA G3260 facts that change the fix.
Supplies and parts
- Ink bottles
- GI-21 Black (PGBK), GI-21 Cyan, GI-21 Magenta, GI-21 Yellow
- Maintenance box
- MC-G02 maintenance cartridge (user-replaceable)
- User replaceable
- ink bottles, maintenance cartridge
The ink lamp lights or support code 1640 appears when ink reaches the lower limit. Refill to the fill line.
Error codes and lights
Out of paper.
Load paper and press OK.
Cover is open.
Close the cover.
Paper jam.
Clear the jam.
Ink reached the lower limit.
Refill the ink tanks.
Maintenance cartridge is not installed.
Install an MC-G02.
Maintenance cartridge cannot be used.
Replace with the correct MC-G02.
Maintenance cartridge is not recognized.
Reseat or replace the MC-G02.
Maintenance cartridge is full.
Replace the MC-G02.
Carriage error.
Clear any obstruction and restart.
Print head temperature error.
Let it cool and restart.
Connectivity and operating systems
- Connection
- Wi-Fi · USB
- Wi-Fi
- 2.4 GHz only
- Control panel
- 2-line monochrome LCD
- Paper trays
- Rear tray only (100 sheets)
- Works with
- Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 SP1, macOS, iOS, Android
Use the exact model guide.
These links point to the manufacturer resources for this model. Use the manual for panel symbols and the driver page for software or operating-system issues.
Sources checked 2026-08-13.