Canon support code 1688 (ink has run out)
Support code 1688 means the printer has determined that the ink in a FINE cartridge has run out. Unlike 1686 (ink may have run out), this code is based on the cartridge's usage count having reached its limit, so the printer stops rather than just warning. You can override it and continue, but Canon warns that printing with an empty cartridge can damage the print head.
What causes it
- The cartridge has printed its rated number of pages
- A refilled cartridge whose usage count was never reset
- The cartridge was used in another printer and the count carried over
- Heavy cleaning cycles consumed more ink than expected
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.
Check the flagged cartridge
The display names the cartridge. Print a nozzle check from the Maintenance menu if the printer allows; if the pattern for that cartridge is missing or very faint, it really is empty.
Replace with a new cartridge
Install a new genuine Canon FINE cartridge of the correct number. Remove the orange tape, click it into the holder, and lower the cover. The error clears immediately.
Override to keep printing
If you have just refilled the cartridge or need to finish a job, press and hold Stop or Resume for at least five seconds. The printer disables ink level detection for that cartridge and continues. Remember that printing with no ink overheats the nozzles.
Monitor print quality
After overriding, watch for missing colours or streaks. Stop printing and replace the cartridge as soon as quality drops to avoid burning out the head.
Reset the chip if refilled
FINE cartridges have no resettable chip; the printer tracks usage. The Stop-button override is the only way to continue with a refilled cartridge, and the printer will no longer show ink levels for it.
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
How do I bypass Canon error 1688?
Hold the Stop button for five or more seconds until the error clears. The printer continues but no longer tracks ink for that cartridge.
Can printing with an empty cartridge damage the printer?
Yes. The nozzles on a FINE cartridge are cooled by the ink. Firing them dry can burn them out, but since the cartridge includes the head, replacing the cartridge fixes it.
Why does my refilled cartridge show 1688 straight away?
The printer counts usage rather than measuring ink. A refilled cartridge still carries the old count, so the printer reports it empty until you override.
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