Canon 241XL and 240CL Cartridges Show Two Yellow Lights After Refill – How to Fix It

Question:
After refilling my Canon 241XL and 240CL cartridges and reinstalling them in my printer, I tried printing but was met with two yellow lights. I held the stop button for 10 seconds a couple of times, but the lights won’t go out. How can I fix this? Also, is it possible to reuse the spongeless gaps for other cartridges?

Answer:
When a Canon printer displays two yellow lights immediately after installing refilled cartridges like the 241XL and 240CL, it’s usually indicating an ink cartridge error. In many Canon models, two flashes or a steady amber light can mean the printer does not recognize the cartridge or believes it is empty. Holding the stop/reset button for about 10 seconds is the standard bypass method for the “ink out” warning, but if this doesn’t work, the issue may be deeper.

Common Causes of the Two Yellow Lights Error

1. Dirty or Damaged Chip Contacts:
   The gold contacts on the cartridge chip must be clean for the printer to detect it properly. Ink residue, fingerprints, or oxidation can cause communication failures.

2. Chip Misalignment:
   If the cartridge isn’t seated firmly or the chip is slightly off position, the printer may fail to read it.

3. Defective or Locked Chip:
   Some Canon chips lock after use, especially if they were in the printer until it registered them as empty. In this case, a replacement chip or cartridge may be necessary.

4. Cartridge Incompatibility:
   If the chip came from a different cartridge version or region variant, the printer may reject it entirely.

Troubleshooting Steps to Try

• Remove and Inspect the Cartridge: Take out both cartridges, checking for visible damage or misalignment.

• Clean the Contacts: Use a lint-free cloth and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to clean the gold contacts on both the cartridge and inside the printer’s carriage. Let them dry completely before reinserting.

• Reinstall with Firm Pressure: Ensure the cartridge clicks into place fully. A loose connection can trigger the error.

• Chip Replacement: If cleaning and reseating don’t help, the chip may need to be replaced. Replacement chips for these cartridges are available from certain third-party suppliers.

About Reusing Spongeless Gaps

Yes—you can reuse spongeless gaps with other cartridges in the same model family, provided they fit securely. Before reuse, thoroughly clean and inspect them. Make sure there are no cracks, warping, or dried ink deposits that could compromise ink flow or cause leaks.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. That’s why we’re not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Because of high demand, service is on a first-come, first-served basis and may take a few weeks after drop-off. We can repair an entire printer or specific components, with clear instructions on how to proceed. While our rates aren’t the most economical, we encourage you to explore self-help options through online research. A good starting point is using the search function on our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Click the magnifying glass next to “About” to look for specific videos. Since we’ve produced content for over nine years, this method is the quickest way to find relevant guidance—and YouTube may even suggest other creators’ videos that can help.

Thanks again for reaching out to BCH Technologies. We value your trust and look forward to continuing to support your printer needs with detailed, thoughtful guidance.