- Printers
- Inkjet printer
1686
Canon 1686 on an inkjet printer: problem with a colour cartridge
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Medium
Quick answer
The printer detected an issue with one or more colour cartridges. You can replace the indicated cartridge with a new genuine one, or disable ink level detection by pressing Stop for at least 5 seconds.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- With detection disabled the printer will not warn you about that cartridge's level, and Canon notes quality may drop when ink runs low.
Safe checks you can perform
- Indicated colour cartridge
- Replacement with a new genuine cartridge
- Level detection disabled (alternative)
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Cartridge holder check
- Do not attempt this professional task: Warranty review
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Cartridge holder check
What they doIf 1686 stays with a new genuine cartridge, Canon service checks the cartridge contacts and reading.
They must show youthe test with a new cartridge and its result.
In writingpart replaced, reason and a test without 1686.
Warranty review
What they doCanon service checks warranty before any work.
They must show youthe warranty status.
In writingwhether the repair is covered.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Indicated colour cartridge
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- check on the screen or computer which colour cartridge the printer indicates.
- Result that matters:
- you know which cartridge to deal with.
- If it names one:
- act only on that one.
- If you cannot tell:
- check the ink status in the printer software.
- Evidence to keep:
- screenshot or photo of the message with the indicated cartridge.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS3300 support code 1686
Replacement with a new genuine cartridge
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- open the cover, replace the indicated colour cartridge and close the cover. Canon recommends new, genuine Canon cartridges.
- Result that matters:
- 1686 clears.
- If it clears:
- that cartridge was the cause.
- If it stays with a new genuine cartridge:
- contact Canon service.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the removed and the newly installed cartridge.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS3300 support code 1686
Level detection disabled (alternative)
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- if you prefer not to replace it now, press the Stop button for at least 5 seconds and release it to disable ink detection for that cartridge.
- Result that matters:
- you can print or copy while ink remains, or scan with the cartridges installed.
- If it prints:
- do so knowing quality may drop when ink runs low.
- If it does not respond:
- replace the cartridge.
- Evidence to keep:
- note the date you disabled detection.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS3300 support code 1686
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Printers
- Brand
- Canon
- Product type
- Inkjet printer
Known code variants
- Canon 1686
- Canon cartucho color 1686
- Canon color cartridge 1686
- Canon support code 1686
- código 1686 Canon
- PIXMA 1686
What it means
In the PIXMA TS3300 manual, Canon says 1686 means the printer has detected an issue with one or more colour ink cartridges. It gives two options: replace the indicated cartridge, or disable the remaining-ink detection by pressing Stop for at least five seconds. With detection disabled you can print or copy until the ink runs out, with possible quality loss, and scan while the cartridges stay installed. The code concerns the colour cartridge, not a printer fault.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Lowsource verified
With detection disabled the printer will not warn you about that cartridge's level, and Canon notes quality may drop when ink runs low.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS3300 support code 1686
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Colour cartridge low or emptyPossible
Canon's text talks about printing until the remaining ink is depleted, which points to ink level. You can tell because quality drops in that colour.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS3300 support code 1686
- Colour cartridge the printer cannot monitorPossible
Canon describes an issue detected in the cartridge without detail. Ruled out by installing a new genuine cartridge.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS3300 support code 1686
Virtual technician
Does 1686 still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
Canon PIXMA TS3300 support code 1686
Canon PIXMA Manuals · 2019 · official_doc
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