topic Re: PIXMA TS6420a: Tray selection error, photos coming out darker than the originals in Desktop Inkjet Printers

PIXMA TS6420a: Tray selection error, photos coming out darker than the originals

Vestal — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 03:38:32 GMT

TS6420a/Windows 10 - dark photos & tray selection, purchased 9/22
I'm working on a project where I print multiple pages of the same object and tape them together to make one image, ie. two 8 1/2" x 11" pages become one 8 1/2" x 19" image. This past week I've been getting a message essentially saying to use the top/back feeder; I've been using the bottom tray all along. No real big deal on that; setting up the printer in a different spot.

Also... For a few weeks now (or longer) the images are coming out darker than the originals. Lightening the originals up doesn't seem to help and usually changes the tone/feeling I'm trying to get.

If the problems were just the feeder tray, I could live with it. But the overly darkness problem I'm considering a new, similar priced printer. Any ideas?

Re: PIXMA TS6420a: Tray selection error, photos coming out darker than the originals

Patrick — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:20:59 GMT

Hi Vestal,

First, let's print a test page from your printer. Please load plain paper into the cassette and then follow these steps:

Press OK one time on your PIXMA TS6420a.

Use the down arrow to select Maintenance and press OK.

Press OK on Nozzle Check.

Select Yes and press OK.

A test page will print.

Please take a photo of the test page that just printed and then attach it to your reply of this post.

Did this answer your question? If so, please click the Accept as Solution button below so that others may find the answer as well.

Re: PIXMA TS6420a: Tray selection error, photos coming out darker than the originals

Vestal — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:21:07 GMT

Hopefully these will come across. The printed page also curled up almost immediately.

Thanks!directly from computerprinted page from computer

Re: PIXMA TS6420a: Tray selection error, photos coming out darker than the originals

Patrick — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:28:25 GMT

Hi Vestal,

Thank you for the images.

Next, please remove both ink cartridges from your printer and place them on a sheet of paper with the labels facing up. Please take a photo of both ink cartridges and please reply to this post with that image.

Did this answer your question? If so, please click the Accept as Solution button below so that others may find the answer as well.

Re: PIXMA TS6420a: Tray selection error, photos coming out darker than the originals

Vestal — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:56:19 GMT

Up until about a week ago, printer was working fine. About 25% color ink remaining, 75% black

Re: PIXMA TS6420a: Tray selection error, photos coming out darker than the originals

Stephen — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:02:15 GMT

Are these remanufactured or refilled cartridges, or are they genuine Canon Cartridges?

Re: PIXMA TS6420a: Tray selection error, photos coming out darker than the originals

Patrick — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:11:21 GMT

Hi Vestal,

Thank you for your reply.

The colors that you are experiencing in your printouts are caused by using third party ink cartridges. The colors in the nozzle check you posted are not printing correctly.

It is recommended that only genuine Canon ink cartridges are used with your PIXMA TS6420a.

They are available for sale directly from Canon:

Ink for your PIXMA TS6420a - usa.canon.com

Did this answer your question? If so, please click the Accept as Solution button below so that others may find the answer as well.

Re: PIXMA TS6420a: Tray selection error, photos coming out darker than the originals

Vestal — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:13:45 GMT

Is there any chance the age (4 years) might have anything to do with it? Plus the majority of 8 1/2 x 11's I print I get an support code 1000, telling me to load paper in the rear tray. That began happening a few days ago. So I'm a bit hesitant to spend $55+ for ink that may not solve the problem.
Thanks

Re: PIXMA TS6420a: Tray selection error, photos coming out darker than the originals

DerrickL — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:44:13 GMT

I don't know if there is a connection between the rear feed error and printing from the front cassette. If you can't change to the front, there printer could be malfunctioning, so first try changing back to the front feed:

Changing Paper Feed on Canon PIXMA TS6420

To switch the paper feed from the rear tray to the front cassette on the Canon PIXMA TS6420, follow these steps:

Access Printer Settings

Open the printer driver setup window on your computer.
Navigate to the Quick Setup tab.

Select Media Type

Choose the media type that corresponds to the paper you are using from the Media Type list on the Main tab.

Change Paper Source

From the Paper Source list on the Main tab, select the front cassette as your desired paper source.
Ensure that the paper loaded in the cassette matches the selected media type.

Confirm Settings

The printer will automatically determine the paper source based on your settings. If there are discrepancies between the printer driver settings and the actual paper loaded, an error may occur.

Re: PIXMA TS6420a: Tray selection error, photos coming out darker than the originals

Vestal — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:57:51 GMT

Last night (Mon. 3/16) I did order the original ink and will compare the differences when the ink arrives on Wednesday. Concerning the tray problem, the settings were set to automatic; manually those setting changes will hopefully make a difference there.
Thanks for your time & assisstance!