Canon support code 1682 (FINE cartridge not recognised)
Support code 1682 means one of the two FINE cartridges (the combined print head and ink unit on budget PIXMA printers) is not recognised. The printer has tried to read the cartridge's electrical contacts and failed, so it cannot be sure which cartridge is installed. The related codes 1684 and 1686 indicate a cartridge that is the wrong type or whose ink has likely run out.
What causes it
- Cartridge not pushed up and back until it clicked into the holder
- Protective tape still covering the contacts or nozzles
- Ink or fingerprints on the gold contacts
- Wrong cartridge type, for example PG-245 in a printer that needs PG-243 or PG-275
- Cartridge electrical failure, which is common with refilled cartridges
How to fix it, in order
Work down the list and stop when the printer recovers. The steps are ordered from most likely and least invasive to last resort.
Open the cover and check which cartridge is flagged
The display or the Canon PRINT app names the cartridge. Lower the cartridge lock lever on that side and remove it.
Remove any tape
New FINE cartridges have an orange protective tape across the nozzles and contacts. Peel it off completely. Do not touch the contacts or nozzles with your fingers.
Clean the contacts
Gently wipe the gold contact area with a dry lint-free cloth or a slightly damp one if there is ink on it. Dry fully before reinstalling.
Reinstall and lock
Slide the cartridge into its holder at an angle, push it up and back until it clicks, then raise the lock lever until it clicks. Close the cover and wait for the printer to initialise.
Verify the cartridge model
Compare the cartridge number with the label inside the cover. The PG-240/243/245/275 black and CL-241/244/246/276 colour families look identical but are printer-specific.
Test with a different cartridge
If the error stays, try a known-good cartridge of the same type. If that works, the original cartridge has failed. If not, the holder contacts are at fault.
Clean the holder contacts
With the printer unplugged, look into the holder for the spring contacts and wipe them with a dry cotton swab. Reinstall and restart.
Stopping it happening again
When it is not worth fixing yourself
If you would rather not work through this alone, a printer specialist can take a look with you on a screen-share and tell you honestly whether the machine is worth saving.
Frequently asked questions
What does 1686 mean compared to 1682?
1682 means the cartridge is not recognised. 1686 means it is recognised but the printer thinks the ink may have run out. For 1686 you can usually hold Stop to continue.
Will a refilled cartridge cause 1682?
It can if the contacts got wet during refilling or the cartridge's electronics were damaged. Clean and dry the contacts first.
Why does the colour cartridge show 1682 and the black one is fine?
Only the flagged cartridge has a contact problem. Remove and clean that one; the other is fine.
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