Hi Divine,
It’s definitely frustrating when your ink lamps start behaving unexpectedly, especially while you're waiting for a new shipment. Based on the behavior you described for your PIXMA iX6850, here is what is likely happening and what you can try:
What the Lights Mean
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551C Flashing: This typically indicates that the ink has run out or the tank is in the wrong position.
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551M & 551Y Off: This usually means the printer no longer recognizes the tank at all. This can happen if the chip is dirty, improperly seated, or if the ink level detection has been disabled for that specific tank.
Troubleshooting Steps
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Reseat and Clean: Even if they were working yesterday, a tiny shift or dust on the chip can break the connection. Remove the 551M, 551Y, and 551C tanks. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the gold chips on the bottom of the tanks and then reinsert them firmly until they click.
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Check the "Orange Cap" Area: Ensure no dried ink or debris is blocking the sensor area where the cartridge sits.
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The "Resume" Bypass: If your printer is blocking you from printing because it thinks the tanks are empty, you can sometimes force it to continue. Press and hold the RESUME/CANCEL button (the triangle icon) on the printer for about 5–10 seconds. This may clear the error and allow you to use whatever ink is left until your new set arrives.
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Power Cycle: Turn the printer off, unplug the power cord for 60 seconds, and plug it back in. This forces the printer to re-initialize and re-scan the cartridge chips.
If the lights for M and Y remain off after these steps, the chips on those cartridges may have failed electronically. In that case, you’ll likely need to wait for your new ink to arrive to restore full functionality.
I hope you find this helpful, but if you do have other questions, just let us know, or give support a call at 1-800-OK-CANON (800-652-2666), weekdays between 9am and 5pm (ET).
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