Canon Printer Shows Ink Errors After Refill? Here’s What to Do with PG-240, CL-241, PG-245, and CL-246 Cartridges

Question:
I refilled my Canon cartridges (PG-240, CL-241, PG-245, CL-246), but my Canon MG2470 printer still shows ink errors. How can I fix this issue and get my printer working again?

Answer:

1. Printer Prints Blank Pages or Low-Quality Output

If the printer powers on and attempts to print but the page is blank or streaky, the issue usually lies with the cartridge not being primed properly. After a refill, air can remain trapped inside the cartridge’s sponge or nozzles.

Fix: Use a priming clip tool to restore proper ink flow.

• For PG-240, CL-241 (XL or non-XL): Priming Clip Tool (https://bchtechnologies.com/priming-clip-for-canon-pg-240-cl-241-pg-40-cl-41-ink-cartridge-as-pmclip-t-cn/)

• For PG-210, CL-211, PG-243, CL-244, PG-245, CL-246 (XL or non-XL): Priming Clip Tool (https://bchtechnologies.com/priming-clip-for-canon-pg-210-cl-211-pg-243-cl-244-pg-245-cl-246-ink-cartridge-as-pmclip-s-cn/)

If you purchased our “EZ” First-Timer Kit, a priming clip is already included.

2. Printer Shows "Low Ink" Warning or Yellow Light

Canon integrated cartridges track usage with a one-way counter. Once the counter reaches the preset page limit, the printer assumes the cartridge is empty—even if you refilled it.

• A steady yellow light or computer warning means the ink counter is getting close to its maximum. You can ignore this and continue printing.

• Once the counter reaches the maximum, you’ll see Error 1686 or Error 1688 on your screen. The cartridge and hazard lights will blink.

Fix: Disable the ink monitor.

• Do not close the error window on your computer.

• With the window open, go to your printer and hold down the STOP (triangle) button for 5 seconds.

• The warning will disappear, and you can continue printing indefinitely.

• The cartridge LED will keep blinking yellow, but this is normal. If the blinking bothers you, cover the light with a small piece of tape.

For a demonstration, see this video starting at the 3:15 mark: Canon Ink Monitor Reset Tutorial (https://www.youtube.com/embed/kzQVXjbrZ5Q).

3. Cartridge Installation Issues

Sometimes cartridges feel stuck or hard to install. This usually happens because too much force is applied in the wrong direction.

Fix:

• When installing, focus on lifting up the cartridge instead of pushing it forward.

• When removing, focus on pushing down rather than pulling forward.

• If it still feels too tight, lightly sand the bottom of the top cover as shown in Canon cartridge installation troubleshooting videos.

4. Cartridge Missing or Damaged Error (Errors 1682 or 1684)

If the printer shows messages like “The following cartridge is missing or damaged” or “Check Ink 1682/1684,” the printer isn’t making good contact with the cartridge chip.

Possible Causes & Fixes:

1. Dirty electronic ribbon → Clean gently with a lint-free cloth.

2. Cartridge not seated correctly → Remove and reinsert several times to improve contact.

3. Damaged cartridge → If you modified the cartridge (such as making it spongeless), the shell may be too low, preventing the chip from touching the printer contacts. Filing the cartridge bottom slightly can restore alignment.

Addressing printer issues can be complex because they often require hands-on troubleshooting. For this reason, we are unable to provide remote repair support. However, BCH Technologies does offer an in-person printer repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Please note that due to high demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can accept your printer. While our service costs may not be the lowest, many customers find DIY to be the best option. A great place to begin is our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), where you can use the search function to locate videos on specific cartridge or printer issues.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. Your continued feedback helps us serve the community better and keep sharing useful printer repair solutions.