Why Does My Canon Printer Blink Orange Four Times After Installing a Modified PG-243 Cartridge?

Question:
I modified my Canon PG-243 cartridge according to a video tutorial. The modification process went smoothly, but when I insert the cartridge into my printer and try to print, the printer responds with a blinking orange light-four blinks-indicating an "incorrect cartridge" or "cartridge recognition" error. Interestingly, when I use another refilled cartridge prepared in the same way, the printer works. What might be causing this?

Answer:

When you encounter the four-blink orange error light on Canon printers, it generally points to a cartridge recognition issue. This could be caused by several factors:

1. Poor Electrical Contact

   • The printer relies on clean, solid contact between the cartridge's copper contacts (the electronic ribbon) and the printer's brass pins.

   • Remove the PG-243 cartridge and carefully inspect the contact area. If you notice any ink residue, adhesive, or fingerprints, gently wipe it away with a dry, lint-free paper towel.

   • Also check the printer's brass pins to ensure they are clean and not bent. Reseating the cartridge a few times can help re-establish connection.

2. Cartridge Hardware Failure

   • Canon PG-243 cartridges contain a reference resistor that the printer uses to measure nozzle performance. The printer heats this resistor and compares its resistance against the nozzle resistances. If too many nozzles deviate from acceptable tolerance, the printer marks the cartridge as defective.

   • Unfortunately, once the cartridge is flagged this way, it cannot be reset. The four-blink error is Canon's way of saying the cartridge has failed internally and will not function further.

3. Differences Between Cartridges

   • Even when two cartridges are modified or refilled the same way, their lifespans may differ. Some cartridges handle the refilling process better than others. It's possible your second cartridge was already compromised or nearing failure when you modified it.

4. Replacement Cartridge Considerations

   • If you need more cartridges for refilling, look for "empty virgin PG-243 cartridges" on platforms like eBay. A "virgin" cartridge means it has never been refilled before, making it more reliable.

   • Avoid "remanufactured" cartridges. These often include aftermarket chips that overwrite the OEM chip, which can malfunction if exposed to moisture. Recycled cartridges may also carry nozzle defects from prior use.

Unfortunately, if your current cartridge is the one causing the four-blink error, there is no repair method available-it must be replaced.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. For this reason, we are unable to provide remote troubleshooting or direct repair support. However, BCH Technologies does offer in-person printer evaluation and repair services (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). These services run on a first-come, first-served basis and may take a few weeks before your printer can be serviced. While our rates may not always be the lowest, you can choose whether to have the whole printer repaired or just specific parts. For those who prefer self-help, we recommend researching through YouTube, especially our BCH Technologies channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon near "About" on our channel to find relevant tutorials, or rely on YouTube's recommendation system for related videos.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting our work. We truly appreciate your patience and your contributions to our growing community of printer enthusiasts.