Light meaning and fix
Canon MG3500 Alarm Lamp Flashes Four Times
On the Canon MG3500 series, four orange Alarm lamp flashes mean the FINE cartridge is not installed properly.
On the Canon MG3500 series, four orange Alarm lamp flashes mean the FINE cartridge is not installed properly.
What it means
Canon lists four flashes with support code 1687 for a FINE cartridge that is not installed properly.
Device details
| Device type | Inkjet printer |
|---|---|
| Brand | Canon |
| Model | MG3500 Series |
| Light name | Alarm lamp |
| Light location | Printer control panel |
| Color | Orange |
| Pattern | Four flashes |
| Severity | warning |
| Last verified | 2026-05-02 |
What to do first
Open the cartridge area, reseat the FINE cartridge correctly, then close the cover and retry.
- Turn the printer on and open the cartridge access area.
- Wait for the cartridge holder to stop moving.
- Remove and reseat the FINE cartridge.
- Make sure it clicks securely into the correct position.
- Close the cover.
- Retry printing after the printer finishes checking the cartridge.
When this can be normal
This is not a normal ready state. It means the cartridge is not seated correctly.
When to stop troubleshooting
Stop if the cartridge holder does not move normally, the cartridge is damaged, or the error returns with a known-compatible cartridge.
Parts or products that may help
Only replace parts when the light pattern and official guidance support it. Some lights indicate setup or software states, not broken hardware.
- Compatible Canon FINE cartridge: A damaged, incompatible, or improperly seated cartridge can trigger cartridge errors.
FAQ
What does four orange flashes mean?
Canon lists four Alarm lamp flashes for a FINE cartridge that is not installed properly.
Do I need new ink immediately?
Not always. Try reseating the cartridge first.
What if reseating does not work?
Check cartridge compatibility and condition, then contact Canon support if the error remains.
This guide is based on: Canon MG3500 Series Manual - If an Error Occurs.
Source type: official_manual. Confidence: verified. Last verified: 2026-05-02.
Always verify the exact cartridge type for the printer model.