Fixing the Color Shift Problem in a Canon PIXMA TS8320

Understanding the Color Shift Problem
The Canon PIXMA TS8320 is a popular choice for home office printing because of its versatility and compact design.
Many users report that images printed from the device are off‑color—blues look greenish, reds appear orange, or photographs lose their vibrancy.
This is known as color shift. It is not a software glitch or a problem with the source file; it is a hardware or maintenance issue that can usually be resolved with a few routine steps.

What Is Color Shift?
Color shift occurs when the ink output from the printer does not match the intended color.
Because the TS8320 uses separate ink cartridges for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, any imbalance among them will affect the final print.
Common causes include clogged nozzles, low ink levels, incorrect cartridge installation, and firmware or driver settings that have drifted over time.

Recognizing the Problem
The first step is to confirm that the issue is indeed color shift rather than an artifact of the display or the original image.
Print a known reference sheet, such as the Canon “Print Quality Test Page,” and compare the result to a printed copy of the same sheet on a different printer.
If the same image looks correct on another printer, the problem lies with the TS8320.

Typical symptoms include:

• Cyan lines that appear blue rather than true cyan.
• Magenta that leans toward pink.
• Yellow that has an overly green hue.
• Black that is not deep enough, making the overall image look washed out.

If you see any of these, it is time to investigate further.

Common Causes of Color Shift
The following list explains the most frequent reasons behind color shift. Each item is a potential target for correction.

• Low or Uneven Ink Levels – When one cartridge is almost empty, the printer compensates by over‑using the others.
• Clogged Print Heads – Small debris or dried ink can block a nozzle, causing certain colors to print weakly or not at all.
• Incorrect Cartridge Alignment – If a cartridge sits slightly off‑center, the ink may not spread evenly.
• Firmware/Driver Mismatch – Out‑of‑date drivers can misinterpret the printer’s color profile.
• Paper Type and Settings – Using a low‑quality or incorrect paper can mask ink performance, creating the illusion of color shift.

Diagnosing the Issue
Start by performing a thorough diagnostics routine.

1. Print a Test Page – Open the printer’s control panel and select the “Print Test Page” option. Inspect each color stripe.
2. Check Ink Levels – From the printer’s menu or the Canon IJ Network Printer Utility, read the current ink levels.
3. Run Print Head Cleaning – The TS8320 offers a basic cleaning cycle; run it and note any error messages.
4. Examine Cartridges – Remove each cartridge, wipe the nozzle head with a lint‑free cloth dampened in distilled water, then reinstall.
5. Review Driver Settings – Open the Canon software on your computer and verify that the color management is set to “Auto” or “Printer Default.”

If any of these steps reveal an obvious fault, proceed to the corresponding fix.

Clear the Print Head
Clogged nozzles are the most common cause of color shift. The TS8320 includes a self‑service cleaning function, but a more thorough cleaning is often needed.

Procedure

• Open the printer cover and locate the ink cartridges.
• Remove each cartridge carefully; do not touch the exposed ink.
• Gently tap the cartridge to loosen any dried ink inside the print head.
• Hold the cartridge over a sink and rinse the nozzle head with a few drops of distilled water.
• Allow the cartridge to dry completely for at least 10 minutes.
• Reinstall the cartridges and close the cover.
• Run the printer’s cleaning cycle again from the control panel.

If the printer still shows color inconsistencies after this, you may need a professional cleaning service.

Replace or Reinstall Cartridges
Even if the cartridges appear full, the ink can become stale or contaminated. Swapping in fresh, compatible cartridges can resolve color shift.

Tips

• Use Canon‑branded cartridges or a reputable third‑party equivalent.
• Verify that the cartridge model matches the TS8320’s specifications.
• When installing a new cartridge, allow the printer to warm up for a few minutes before printing.

Updating Firmware and Drivers
Printer firmware updates often contain bug fixes and improved color handling algorithms.

• Visit Canon’s support website and download the latest firmware for the TS8320.
• Follow the on‑screen instructions to apply the update via USB or network.
• After the update, reboot the printer and re‑run a test page.

If the driver is out of date, install the latest version from Canon’s website or through your operating system’s update manager.

Calibrate the Color Profile
Color calibration aligns the printer’s output with standard color spaces (sRGB, Adobe RGB). Canon provides a calibration utility that can be accessed through the IJ Network Printer Utility.

1. Launch the utility and select “Color Calibration.”
2. Print the calibration sheet that appears.
3. Use a colorimeter or a calibrated monitor to analyze the printed sheet.
4. The utility will adjust the printer’s internal color profile accordingly.

After calibration, re‑print a sample image and check for color accuracy.

Use the Right Paper Settings
The TS8320 supports a variety of paper types, from plain office stock to glossy photo paper. Using the wrong paper setting can alter ink absorption, leading to color shift.

• Open the printer’s control panel.
• Choose the paper type that matches the paper you are using.
• If you are printing photos, select “High‑Quality Photo” to allow more ink coverage.

Adjusting the paper type can dramatically improve color fidelity.

Maintain a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Preventing color shift is easier than correcting it. Implement the following routine:

• Monthly: Run a full cleaning cycle.
• Quarterly: Inspect and gently wipe cartridge heads.
• Annually: Replace all cartridges, even if levels seem adequate, to avoid ink contamination.

By keeping the print head clean and the cartridges fresh, you reduce the likelihood of color shift.

When Professional Help Is Needed
If all troubleshooting steps fail, the issue may stem from a hardware fault that requires professional attention.
Common scenarios include a damaged print head, a failing sensor, or internal circuitry problems. Contact Canon support or a certified service center for diagnosis and repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my test page shows no color shift but my photos do?
Photos are often printed with more ink and on paper that absorbs ink differently. Try printing a high‑resolution color chart to confirm the issue.

Can I use generic ink to fix color shift?
Generic inks may not match the chemical composition of Canon’s originals, leading to inconsistent drying and color. Stick with approved cartridges.

Is it safe to clean the print head with water?
Yes, but use distilled or deionized water. Avoid tap water, which may contain minerals that clog the head.

Will cleaning the print head damage the printer?
When performed carefully, it is safe. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on the nozzle.

How long does a typical cleaning cycle take?
It usually takes about 5–10 minutes, depending on the printer’s firmware.

Can I reset the printer’s memory to factory defaults?
Yes, but it will erase all stored settings, so you’ll need to reconfigure it afterward.

Summary
Color shift on the Canon PIXMA TS8320 is a common, usually solvable problem.
By methodically checking ink levels, cleaning print heads, verifying cartridge alignment, updating firmware, calibrating color, and using the proper paper settings, most users can restore accurate color reproduction.
Regular maintenance keeps the printer in top shape and minimizes future issues.
With these steps, your home office will once again produce prints that look as vibrant as the originals.