A little preparation

Before you start

  • Observe the lamps without holding a button. Have the computer’s Canon error message available if a job is waiting.

Step 1:Read the pattern before changing anything

  1. Watch one complete repeating group of orange Alarm flashes next to the triangle, ending at the longer pause. Count that group again to confirm it.
  2. Check whether only Alarm flashes or the green ON and orange Alarm lamps alternate. Those are different code lists.
  3. Read the support code in the computer’s error message. When one flash count has several meanings, use that code and the message to distinguish them.

Do not count flashes created while holding Stop for maintenance. A naturally recurring 21-flash error concerns paper-size detection; holding Stop until its 21st flash deliberately initializes settings. Those are different situations.

Step 2:Paper, tray and cover codes

  • 2 flashes: paper feed or size mismatch — codes 1003, 2100 or 2101.
  • 3 flashes: output tray closed 1250, output-slot jam 1300, transport jam 1303 or duplex-path jam 1304.
  • 6 flashes: output cover 1202 or cartridge-position 1486/1487; read the actual message.
  • 10 flashes: duplex paper 1310. 21: size detection 2103. 22: paper fed to one side 2102.

For 1003, insert the paper stack fully into the front tray and press Black or Color. For 1250, open the output tray and resume. For 2102, centre the paper and align both guides, then press Black or Color. A confirmed jam needs the separate location-specific paper-jam guide; do not pull an obstructed sheet from the front input tray.

For 2103, Canon first says to press Stop and retry. If it persists, use that exact code’s Canon instructions for paper-width detection; do not initialize the printer. For other size/duplex messages, use the precise code page in Canon’s linked error index.

Step 3:Cartridge, ink and absorber codes

  • 4 flashes 1687: installation. 5 flashes 1401/1403/1485: missing, unrecognized or incorrect cartridge.
  • 8 flashes: absorber nearly full, including 1702. 9 flashes 1890: protection or tape on the cartridge holder.
  • 13 flashes 1686: cartridge/remaining-ink warning. 16 flashes 1688: reported empty.
  • 14 flashes 1684 and 15 flashes 1682: recognition errors, not the same low-ink condition.

Use the cartridge-replacement guide for correct seating and regional supplies. For 1890, open the output cover, remove remaining shipping protection from the holder and close it. For 1702, Canon permits Black or Color to continue and directs you to service for repair; this guide does not teach dismantling or an absorber-counter reset.

The separate ink-warning guide explains the conditional five-second Stop action for 1686/1688. It disables remaining-ink detection; it does not refill a cartridge or make a recognition error disappear.

Other patterns and the right next action

11 flashes 4103 concern the print setting; 12 flashes 4100 concern the submitted data. Follow their own messages. If ON and Alarm alternate, use Canon’s separate alternating-light list: for example two flashes 5100, seven a 5Bxx code, or ten a B20x repair code. Do not interpret these using the orange-only list.

After applying the matching remedy, use the specific resume control shown by Canon and check one print or the intended operation. Stop is not a universal resume button. If the same code remains, follow its service instruction rather than cycling through unrelated resets.

A little extra help

Questions & troubleshooting

Do three orange flashes always mean a jam?

No. A closed output tray can produce the same count. Code 1250 differs from 1300/1303/1304; read the message before opening the machine.

Should I hold Stop for five seconds for any ink error?

No. The manufacturer documents that monitoring-disable action for 1686/1688. Recognition, wrong-position and missing-cartridge errors have different remedies.

Should I press Stop after every repair?

Use the control specified for that code. Some paper remedies use Black or Color; a cover or tray correction can resume differently.

References