PIXMA MG3620 printer will not recognize properly installed ink cartridges

[MariaSam]

I am getting the 5 blinks error that my ink cartridges are not recognizable. I started getting this error with my existing cartridges after everything had been working fine, so I replaced them with brand new Canon brand PG-240XL and CL-241XL cartridges. I am still getting the error with the new cartridges.

I have tried all available troubleshooting steps online, including unplugging the printer for 10 minutes, uninstalling the cartridges/turning off and on/reinstalling, reinstalling the old cartridges/reinstalling the new ones, cleaning the connection points on the cartridges and printer, and nothing has worked. I've also updated the printer driver on my Mac, uninstalled and reinstalled the printer on my computer, etc.

I have spent hours working on this, and I am desperate to resolve this. Is there ANYTHING that actually works to fix this error??

[Patrick]

Hi MariaSam,

Because trying multiple ink cartridges did not resolve the error, it would appear that your PIXMA MG3620 would require service.  If your PIXMA MG3620 was purchased less than a year ago, please contact one of Canon's Technical Support Representatives via phone or chat to obtain your in warranty options. To contact a Technical Support Representative, please use the link below to log into your My Canon account:

https://mycanon.usa.canon.com

Once logged in, click on your PIXMA MG3620 and then click on the Product Support button.  When that page loads, click on either the Phone Support button or the Chat Support button to access support.

If your PIXMA MG3620 is out of warranty, you are eligible for Canon's Upgrade Program. This is for out of warranty units which have been diagnosed to require service, or for some reason are incompatible with a new or upgraded system. This option allows you a one-time opportunity to purchase a replacement product, discounted from the list price.

If you would like to take part in this option, please call our Sales Department at (866) 443-8002 Monday through Saturday, 9am to 9pm. Let them know you have been working with technical support and the Canon Upgrade Program was offered.

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

[DerrickL]

I am sure you pulled the tape off the 240 and 241 cartridges. I would consider purchasing a new printer. Considering what they cost, service could cost more by the time you ship it. They are available many places including Amazon, where I bought my MG3620, for less than 40.00 dollars, less than than the price of one  Canon color xl cartridge. I purchased mine back in August and have had no problems with it. 

https://www.amazon.com/Canon-MG3620-Wireless-Printer-Printing/dp/B010A7TZ76/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XHGOQWJ...

[LloydGC51]

I am having the same problem as others who have reported that suddenly black cartridges that worked previously on the MG3620 Canon printer are no longer working. Built in obsolescence?  Sadly, Canon doesn't offer a usable solution. I'm not going to pay $19.99 for a technician's help and I certainly won't waste my money on another Canon printer.  

[DerrickL]

If your PIXMA MG3620 printer is not recognizing properly installed ink cartridges that are new, try cleaning the cartridge contacts located on the printer itself  with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol, and then reseat the cartridges. 

[LloydGC51]

No luck. I tried the suggested solution three times and with two different 240XL black ink cartridges and the problem was not resolved. Any other suggestions? Thanks.

[MariaSam]

Yup, as I said in my original post, I tried this. It doesn't fix the issue.

[MariaSam]

I'd rather not unnecessarily buy an entirely new printer every time I need to replace my ink cartridges. I'd much rather save the environment from that unnecessary waste and just fix the product that should be working to begin with.

[DerrickL]

I can't tell you how to fix this, or even if it is fixable. My Pixma MG3620 works great so far and I have changed the color cartridge once with  no issue. The black will need to be changed very soon, we shall see. As far as replacement mg3620 costing less than the ink, the XL cartridges for sure, I agree with MariaSam and lets not forget, new printers come with half filled ink cartridges. 

If I were to have the same problem on my printer I would pull that cartridge reinstall it and then power off and on. If that didn't fix it I would do it again a couple more times in quick order.