If you have one of the two printers in the Canon PIXMA MG3600 printer series, you may be wondering what the common hardware issues are. In this guide, we look at the basic features of MG3650 and MG3560S printers, which problems users frequently encounter, and how to fix these.
What is the Canon PIXMA MG3600 Printer Series?
The PIXMA MG3600 is an affordable series of Canon printers that are designed for home use.
They are an all-in-one printer that scans and copies documents, in addition to printing. These printer is Wi-Fi enabled and can be connected to your smart phone for easy and convenient printing. They also have automatic two-side printing.
Unlike many other Canon printers, these model don’t have a display screen due to the fact that it’s a compact, entry-level model.
Which Printers Are in the MG3600 Series?
There are two printers that make up this series; the MG3650 and the MG3650S. The difference between the two is very small, with the MG3650S being a later minor production refresh.
This means that there is no difference in the two models when it comes to troubleshooting, as they have the same hardware and use the same ink cartridges. Our guidance in the rest of this article therefore applies to both models, regardless of which one you own.
Which Cartridges Do MG3600 Models Use?
These two printers use Canon’s 540/541 ink cartridge series.
What Are the Common Issues With This Printer Series?
Blinking Orange Lights
As the MG3650 and 3650S don’t have a screen, it is common for the orange light to flash if there is an issue. Diagnosing the exact problem can be done by counting how many flashes occur.
If the orange light is flashing next to the letter ‘B’, it shows a problem with the Black cartridge, whereas a flash next to ‘C’ shows an issue with the Colour cartridge.
The exact number of each flash means the following:
2 Flashes
- The printer has run out of paper.
- The disc tray isn’t properly attached.
- Paper isn’t feeding into the printer.
3 Flashes
- The paper output tray is closed.
- The feed slot cover is open.
- The manual feed tray is in the paper jam clearing position.
- The paper jam.
- Can’t print on a printable disc.
4 Flashes
- The ink tank is not installed.
5 Flashes
- The ink print head is not installed or is defective.
7 Flashes
- The ink tank isn’t in the right position.
8 Flashes
- The ink absorber pad is almost full.
14/15 Flashes
- The ink tank printer can’t be recognised.
19 Flashes
- An unsupported USB hub is connected.
These are some of the most prominent examples of issues you may encounter, but there many other patterns that your printer may show if there is a problem. Canon USA has a great, in-depth guide to what each pattern of flashes means. You can consult the first table on this page to identify the meaning of the number of flashes your printer is giving. Canon also provides to solution in the table for each specific error.
Alternating green and orange flashes means that there is a serious error with your printer. This may require a power reset to correct.
Paper Jams
These are a fairly common occurrence on these models. In order to fix them, you can turn off and unplug your machine.
You can then open the front cover of the printer and pull away stuck paper. Try to do this as gently as possible, so that you don’t tear and the paper and it comes loose properly.
For a more detailed information on how to fix paper jams, you can read our in-depth guide.
White Streaks
These are often caused by things like a clogged ink nozzle, low levels of ink, or a dirty encoder strip.
You can clean the print head and run a printer test page.
If low ink levels are the culprit instead, you will need to replace your Black or Colour 540 or 541 ink cartridge.
To clean the encoder strip, turn off and unplug your machine. Use a cloth to wipe down the strip, and avoid harsh chemicals. Then, let the encoder strip dry before you close the printer, plug it back in, and turn it on.
Blurry Prints
If your prints are blurry, there are several possible culprits.
You may have a clogged printhead nozzle or you may need to re-align your print heads.
Also ensure that you only use high-quality cartridges, such as those sold here at Internet Ink, especially if you normally buy compatibles.
Putting It All Together
Both models in Canon’s MG3600 printer series are convenient all-in-one options for simple home printing, and have all the features you would expect from a modern entry-level model.
The main issues to look out for if you own one of these printers are blinking lights, paper jams, and possible blurry or streaky prints.
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