- Printers
- Inkjet printer
168A
Canon 168A on an inkjet printer: FINE cartridge not recognised
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Medium
Quick answer
The printer cannot find a correctly installed FINE cartridge or has detected one that is not compatible with this model. Open the cover, remove the cartridges, check they are the right ones for your printer and reinstall them until they click.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Do not force the cartridge into the holder: Canon says to push it until it clicks into place, no further.
Safe checks you can perform
- Cartridges present in the holder
- Reference compatible with your printer
- Reinstall until it clicks
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Recognition test with a correct cartridge
- Do not attempt this professional task: Cartridge holder check
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.
Recognition test with a correct cartridge
What they doIf 168A stays with cartridges of the listed reference that are properly seated, the Canon service technician tests recognition with a Canon cartridge of the correct reference.
They must show youthe test with the correct cartridge and whether the printer recognises it.
In writingthe result and, if anything is repaired, the part and the reason.
Cartridge holder check
What they doIf a correct cartridge is not recognised either, Canon service checks the holder the cartridge sits in, without you taking anything apart.
They must show youwhat they checked and a page printed after the work.
In writingthe diagnosis and the reference of any part replaced.
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.
Cartridges present in the holder
- Who:
- you, no tools.
- How:
- store the output tray extension and the paper output tray, open the cover and check that both FINE cartridges are there.
- Result that matters:
- none is missing.
- If one is missing:
- install it following Canon's replacement procedure.
- If both are there:
- take them out to check the reference.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the holder with the cartridges.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS3300 support code 168A
Reference compatible with your printer
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- read the reference printed on each cartridge and compare it with the one Canon lists for your model in the manual or on the box.
- Result that matters:
- both cartridges are the ones intended for this printer.
- If one does not match:
- replace it with the Canon cartridge listed for your model.
- If they match:
- reinstall them carefully.
- Evidence to keep:
- photo of the cartridge labels.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS3300 support code 168A
Reinstall until it clicks
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- place each cartridge in its holder and push it up until it clicks into place. Close the cover.
- Result that matters:
- 168A clears and the printer is ready.
- If it clears:
- seating was the problem.
- If it stays with compatible, well seated cartridges:
- contact Canon service.
- Evidence to keep:
- note of the references installed and the result.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS3300 support code 168A
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 168A
- Canon cartucho FINE no instalado 168A
- Canon FINE cartridge not installed 168A
- Canon support code 168A
- código 168A Canon
- PIXMA 168A
What it means
On the PIXMA TS3300, Canon gives two possible causes for support code 168A: the FINE cartridge is not installed or not installed properly, or the installed cartridge is not compatible with this printer. A FINE cartridge carries both the ink and the print head, and the printer must recognise it in its holder to print. The code does not say which cause applies or prove the printer is faulty: reinstalling and checking compatibility separate them. Check your own series list.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Lowsource verified
Do not force the cartridge into the holder: Canon says to push it until it clicks into place, no further.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS3300 support code 168A
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Cartridge not seatedCommon
Canon says to push the cartridge up until it clicks into place. This fits if the code clears after reinstalling it with nothing else changed.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS3300 support code 168A
- Cartridge not compatible with the modelPossible
Canon lists a FINE cartridge that is incompatible with the printer. Comparing the cartridge reference with the one Canon gives for your model tells you.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS3300 support code 168A
- Cartridge missingPossible
At first setup or after one was removed, a cartridge is missing. Opening the cover shows it.
Evidence: Canon PIXMA TS3300 support code 168A
Virtual technician
Does 168A 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 168A
Canon PIXMA Manuals · 2019 · official_doc
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