topic Calidad cartridges locking up PIXMA MG3600 series printer and TS3420 in Desktop Inkjet Printers

Calidad cartridges locking up PIXMA MG3600 series printer and TS3420

blackmorephotos — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 14:38:31 GMT

For several months I have been using Calidad aftermarket cartridges bought retail here in Western Australia with no problems./ But since a month those cartridges have spontaneously "locked up" both of my Canon printers (M3600 and TS3420.) such that I cannot use either of them, even after replacing with new Canon brand cartridges.

So I have now had to buy a Brother laser jet printer that works fine from my Mac

Anybody else found (a) the same problem (b) a hack to fix this?

PS And no there was no "end of life" warning.

Re: Calidad cartridges locking up Canon printer

shadowsports — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:16:43 GMT

Greetings,

Using third party inks:

Canon does not keep you from using 3rd party inks or toners. Although not recommended, using them is not restricted. Correct function, including color accuracy and reliability can only be guaranteed if you use Canon inks and toners. These products also have a warranty.

Some printers will stop working and require service if their ink absorbers become full, but there is no predetermined end of life.

I've not heard of a ink cartridge "locking up" a printer. When someone has an issue with aftermarket, going back to OEM cartridges normally restores printing functionality. I'd check with the 3rd party and let them know that your printers are not functioning now after using their products.

If you'd like support from Canon, visit the site below and select your country or region.

https://global.canon/en/support/

Re: Calidad cartridges locking up Canon printer

DerrickL — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 13:33:22 GMT

My research says a cartridge lockout is usually caused by a third part cartridge.

Try this sequence to clear a cartridge lockout:

Turn the printer off with its power button, then unplug it from the wall for 5–10 minutes.
Remove every cartridge, including the Canon replacements.
Check inside for:
- Torn label material, plastic, or packaging
- Ink on the cartridge contacts
- A cartridge that is not seated fully
- The printhead or cartridge carriage stuck at one side
With the printer unplugged, gently move the cartridge carriage to the center if it is accessible. Do not force it.
Clean the small gold electrical contacts on the cartridges and in the carriage with a dry, lint-free cloth. Let any ink dry before reinstalling.
Reinstall only the Canon cartridges, pressing each one down until it clicks. Install them in the exact color/slot indicated.
Close all covers, reconnect the printer directly to a wall outlet, and power it on.
If prompted, choose OK, Continue, or Use installed cartridge. Do not repeatedly remove and reinsert cartridges.

If it still refuses to operate:

Check whether the printer displays a specific error code, such as 1684, 1688, 1485, 1403, or 5200. The code determines whether the issue is recognition, an empty-cartridge lock, printhead failure, or another fault.
If the printer says a Canon cartridge is not recognized, remove and reinstall that cartridge once. If the same slot fails with a known-good cartridge, the carriage contacts or printhead may be damaged.
If the printer powers on but will not print, cancel all jobs from the computer/phone and restart both the printer and device.
If the carriage will not move, the printer makes grinding noises, or the error remains with genuine Canon cartridges, the third-party cartridges may have damaged or jammed the printhead/cartridge recognition system. At that point, service or replacement of the printhead may be necessary.

Do not use the cartridge-reset button repeatedly or force the carriage. The exact Canon model and the message or error code on the display would identify the next step.