Canon Inc. is renowned for producing high-quality printers, and understanding the warranty that comes with your Canon printer is crucial for peace of mind. This guide breaks down the Canon U.S.A., Inc. Limited Warranty, specifically tailored for your Canon printer purchased and used within the United States. This warranty ensures your new or refurbished Canon-brand printer is protected against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
What’s Covered Under the Canon Printer Limited Warranty?
Canon U.S.A., Inc. (“Canon USA”) warrants your Canon printer against manufacturing defects for a specific period, starting from your original purchase date. For new printers, this period extends for one (1) year from the date of original purchase. If you’ve purchased a refurbished Canon printer, it also carries a (1) year warranty from the original purchase date.
During this warranty period, if your printer malfunctions due to a defect in materials or workmanship under normal use and service, Canon USA commits to resolving the issue. This resolution could involve:
- Repair: Canon will repair your defective printer using new, remanufactured, repaired, or recycled parts.
- Exchange for a New Printer: In some cases, Canon may opt to exchange your defective printer for a brand new unit.
- Exchange for a Refurbished Printer: Alternatively, Canon might exchange your printer for a refurbished model of comparable quality and functionality.
The decision to repair or replace your printer will be made by the Canon USA repair facility or a Canon USA Authorized Service Facility (ASF) after a thorough inspection of the returned product. It’s important to note that any warranty repair or replacement does not extend the original warranty period of your Canon printer. To avail of the warranty service, you will need to provide dated proof of purchase, such as a copy of your sales receipt.
What’s Not Covered by the Canon Printer Warranty?
While the Canon Limited Warranty offers broad protection, it’s essential to understand what it does not cover. Certain situations and components are excluded from this warranty coverage:
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Damage Due to Misuse or Neglect: The warranty does not cover damage resulting from:
- Abuse, neglect, mishandling, or improper packaging by the customer.
- Alteration, accident, electrical current fluctuations, or improper use.
- Failure to adhere to operating or maintenance instructions outlined in the Canon user manual.
- Damage caused by environmental conditions not prescribed in the manual.
- Services performed by unauthorized service providers not affiliated with Canon USA.
- Physical damage such as dropping the printer, scratches, or abrasions, which are presumed to be caused by misuse.
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Damage Caused by Non-Canon Parts and Supplies: Using parts, media, software, or supplies not sold by Canon USA can void your warranty. This includes:
- Non-Canon brand ink cartridges.
- Refilled ink cartridges that cause damage to the printer or lead to frequent service calls.
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Altered or Removed Serial Number: The warranty is void if the printer’s serial number or dating has been defaced, altered, or removed.
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Accessories and Consumables: The limited warranty does not extend to any accessories or consumable items. This explicitly excludes:
- Paper
- Ink cartridges
It’s crucial to use only Canon-approved consumables and handle your printer with care to ensure your warranty remains valid.
Understanding the “As Is” Software Warranty
Any system software (whether pre-loaded on your Canon printer or provided on software disks/CD-ROMs) and utility software distributed with or for the printer are provided “as is” without any warranty from Canon USA. The warranty for such software, if any, is detailed in the software manufacturer’s license agreement included with the software. If you haven’t received a copy of this agreement, it is advisable to contact Canon USA immediately.
Limitations of Liability: What to Expect
It’s important to be aware of the limitations of liability under the Canon Limited Warranty. After the express limited warranty period, no implied warranty, including merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, applies to your Canon printer. Furthermore, no other express warranty or guarantee given by any third party is binding on Canon USA.
Canon USA is not liable for:
- Loss of revenue or profits due to printer malfunction.
- Inconvenience experienced.
- Expenses for substitute equipment or services.
- Storage charges.
- Loss or corruption of data.
- Any other special, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use, misuse, or inability to use the printer. This applies regardless of the legal theory behind the claim and even if Canon USA or its ASF was aware of the possibility of such damages.
In no case will the recovery from Canon USA or its ASF exceed the original purchase price of the printer that caused the alleged damage. You assume all risk and liability for loss, damage, or injury to yourself and your property, and to others and their property, arising from the possession, use, misuse, or inability to use the Canon printer, unless directly caused by the negligence of Canon USA or its ASF.
This limited warranty is exclusively for the original purchaser of the printer or the person who received it as a gift, and it outlines your exclusive remedy in case of defects.
Canon Printer Service Options: Carry-In/Mail-In and InstantExchange
Canon USA provides comprehensive customer technical support options to assist you with your printer. You can access interactive troubleshooting, download the latest drivers, find operating hours, and get answers to frequently asked questions on the official Canon support website. Toll-free live technical support is also available during business hours.
For warranty service, Canon USA offers two primary hardware support options:
1. Authorized Service Facility Carry-In / Mail-In Service:
This service allows you to carry your Canon printer to a Canon USA Authorized Service Facility (ASF) or mail it in for repair or exchange at Canon’s discretion. You can locate the nearest ASF on the Canon USA website or by contacting their Customer Care Center. Printers covered under warranty will be repaired or exchanged and returned to you without charge by the ASF.
2. InstantExchange Service:
Canon’s InstantExchange Service offers a faster replacement option. A Canon technician will first attempt to diagnose and resolve your printer issue over the phone. If the problem cannot be fixed remotely, and you are eligible for InstantExchange, you will receive a reference number. You will need to provide your printer’s serial number, purchase information, and a shipping address.
Canon USA will then ship a replacement printer to you, prepaid. Upon receiving the replacement, you must return your original printer in the same packaging, including the reference number, proof of purchase, and a detailed explanation of the problem. Crucially, remember to retain your printhead, ink cartridges, and tanks before returning the printer.
InstantExchange service aims to ship the replacement printer on the same day if the request is made before 3 p.m. E.T. on weekdays (excluding holidays), although same-day shipment is not guaranteed due to factors beyond Canon’s control. The replacement printer may be new or refurbished and will be covered for the remaining period of your original warranty. Using the InstantExchange service means you will keep the replacement printer, and Canon USA will retain your originally purchased printer. This service is available only during the express limited warranty period and within the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Conclusion: Leveraging Your Canon Printer Warranty
Understanding your Canon printer’s limited warranty is vital for protecting your investment. By adhering to usage guidelines, using genuine Canon supplies, and being aware of the warranty terms, you can ensure a smooth experience should you require service. Canon’s Carry-In/Mail-In and InstantExchange services provide convenient options for resolving warranty-related issues, ensuring your Canon printer continues to deliver reliable performance. Always keep your proof of purchase handy and familiarize yourself with the support resources available from Canon USA to maximize your printer ownership experience.
