The Alarm Lamp Flashes on Canon MG2400: Understanding Flash Patterns and Error Codes

Last Updated on 22.07.2026 by DriverNew

If your Canon PIXMA MG2400 series does not print, check the Alarm lamp. The number of orange flashes indicates the cause of the error. A support code, such as 1000, 1300, 1687, 5100, 5B00, or B200, may also appear on the computer screen.

This guide applies to the following models:

Canon PIXMA MG2400, MG2410, MG2420, MG2440, MG2450, MG2460, MG2470, MG2480, and MG2490.

These multifunction printers do not have a display that provides a detailed error description. The device status is identified by the lamps on the operation panel and the code displayed on the connected computer.

What the Canon MG2400 series lamps mean

• The ON lamp remains lit green — the multifunction printer is turned on and ready for use.
• The ON lamp flashes green — the device is starting, processing data, or printing.
• The Alarm lamp flashes orange — an error has occurred that can often be resolved by the user.
• The green and orange lamps flash alternately — a printer error has occurred that may require repair.

Canon states that for a standard error, the Alarm lamp flashes orange and the corresponding support code is displayed on the computer. For some hardware errors, the ON and Alarm lamps flash alternately.

Table of standard Alarm lamp flashes

Number of flashes	Support code	Cause
2	1000	There is no paper in the rear tray
3	1203 or 1300	The cover was opened during printing or a paper jam occurred
4	1687	The FINE cartridge is not installed correctly
5	1401, 1403, or 1485	The cartridge is missing or an unsuitable cartridge is installed
8	1700 or 1701	The ink absorber is almost full
9	1890	Protective material or shipping tape remains inside
11	4102	The wrong paper type and size are selected
12	4100	CREATIVE PARK PREMIUM content cannot be printed
13	1686	The ink may have run out
14	1684	The FINE cartridge cannot be recognized
15	1682	The FINE cartridge cannot be recognized
16	1688	The ink has run out

The correspondence between the number of flashes, causes, and codes is provided in the official Canon MG2400 series manual.

Two flashes — code 1000: no paper

The multifunction printer did not detect paper in the rear tray.

1. Take several sheets of A4 or Letter plain paper.
2. Align the edges of the stack.
3. Load the paper into the rear tray with the print side facing up.
4. Slide the paper guide against the left edge of the paper without bending the sheets.
5. Open the paper output tray.
6. Press the Black or Color button on the multifunction printer.

After loading paper, Canon recommends pressing the Black or Color button to continue the print job.

If paper is loaded but the error occurs again

1. Remove the paper from the tray.
2. Make sure that the sheets are not stuck together.
3. Do not load wrinkled, damp, or heavily curled sheets.
4. Load fewer sheets.
5. Check whether a torn piece of paper or foreign object is present in the tray.
6. Press the Black or Color button again.

Three flashes — code 1203 or 1300

Code 1203: the cover was opened during printing

If the cover was opened while paper was being fed:

1. Do not touch the cartridge holder.
2. Carefully close the multifunction printer cover.
3. Wait until the lamp stops flashing.
4. Send the document to print again if necessary.

Code 1300: paper jam

1. Press the Stop button to cancel the current job.
2. Check which side makes it easier to remove the paper: the rear tray or the paper output slot.
3. Hold the sheet with both hands.
4. Pull it out slowly, taking care not to tear it.
5. Make sure that no torn pieces of paper remain inside.
6. Load the paper again.
7. Press the Black or Color button.

Canon recommends pulling the jammed sheet out slowly from whichever side makes it easier to remove. If the sheet tears, any remaining fragments must be removed from inside the device.

Four flashes — code 1687: the cartridge is installed incorrectly

One or both FINE cartridges are not secured in the holder.

1. Turn on the multifunction printer.
2. Fold the paper output tray extension and paper output tray.
3. Open the cartridge access cover.
4. Wait until the holder stops completely.
5. Remove the cartridges.
6. Install each cartridge in its correct position.
7. Press the cartridge until it clicks into place.
8. Close the cover.
9. Wait until the multifunction printer finishes preparing.

For code 1687, Canon instructs you to remove the FINE cartridges and reinstall them, pressing each one until it locks into place.

Five flashes — codes 1401, 1403, or 1485

These codes mean that a cartridge is missing or the multifunction printer considers it unsuitable.

1. Open the cartridge access cover.
2. Wait until the holder stops.
3. Check that both the black and color cartridges are installed.
4. Make sure that the cartridges are installed in the correct positions.
5. Remove and reinstall them until they click into place.
6. Close the cover.

If the error remains, check the cartridge number. Compatible cartridge numbers differ by country, so refer to the marking on the old cartridge and the documentation for the specific model.

Code 1403 means that an unsuitable FINE cartridge is installed. If the correct cartridge is installed but the error does not disappear, Canon indicates that the cartridge may be faulty.

Eight flashes — codes 1700 or 1701: the absorber is almost full

The absorber collects ink used during print head cleaning and other maintenance operations.

For code 1700 or 1701:

1. Press the Black or Color button to temporarily continue printing.
2. Do not run additional cleaning or deep cleaning cycles unless necessary.
3. Plan to contact a service center.

Canon allows printing to continue temporarily by pressing the Black or Color button but recommends contacting a service center.

Nine flashes — code 1890: protective material remains inside

The error usually appears after unpacking a new multifunction printer or after maintenance if shipping tape remains inside.

1. Turn off the multifunction printer.
2. Fold the paper output tray extension and paper output tray.
3. Open the cover.
4. Inspect the area around the cartridge holder.
5. Remove any protective material or shipping tape remaining inside.
6. Do not pull the transparent operating films or wires.
7. Close the cover.
8. Turn on the multifunction printer.

Code 1890 is associated with protective material or tape remaining near the FINE cartridge holder.

Eleven flashes — code 4102: incorrect paper settings

A paper type and size combination that is not supported is selected in the driver.

1. Press the Stop button to cancel the job.
2. Open the document on the computer.
3. Press Ctrl + P.
4. Select Canon MG2400 series Printer.
5. Open Printer properties or Preferences.
6. Select the type of paper that is actually loaded.
7. Select the corresponding paper size.
8. Click OK.
9. Try printing again.

Only certain sizes are supported for photo paper and envelopes. For example, when Photo Paper Plus Glossy II is selected, the available sizes are 10 × 15 or 13 × 18 cm, and when an envelope is selected, the available sizes are Com 10 or DL.

Twelve flashes — code 4100

This error is related to printing CREATIVE PARK PREMIUM materials.

1. Press the Stop button.
2. Close the current job.
3. Check whether suitable cartridges are installed.
4. Sign in to the Canon service you are using again.
5. Try printing a standard document.

If standard documents print, the driver and multifunction printer mechanism are working. The problem is related to the specific content or service, not the USB connection.

Thirteen flashes — code 1686: the ink may have run out

The multifunction printer can no longer correctly detect the remaining ink level.

Recommended solution:

1. Check which ink lamp is flashing: Black Ink or Color Ink.
2. Prepare the corresponding new cartridge.
3. Replace the cartridge.
4. Close the cover and wait until the device finishes preparing.

How to continue printing temporarily

If ink remains in the cartridge, you can temporarily disable ink level detection:

1. Do not remove the cartridge.
2. Press and hold the Stop button for at least 5 seconds.
3. Release the button.
4. Try printing again.

After this, automatic detection of the remaining ink level for that cartridge will be disabled. Canon recommends replacing the cartridge, and continuing to print without ink level detection is at the user’s own risk.

Fourteen or fifteen flashes — codes 1684 and 1682

The multifunction printer does not recognize one of the cartridges.

1. Open the cartridge access cover.
2. Wait until the holder stops.
3. Identify the affected cartridge using the ink lamps or the message on the computer.
4. Remove the cartridge.
5. Check its marking.
6. Make sure that it is compatible with the specific regional model.
7. Reinstall the cartridge until it clicks into place.
8. Close the cover.

Do not touch the cartridge’s electrical contacts or nozzles with your fingers.

If the correct cartridge is still not recognized, replace it. Code 1684 means that the cartridge may be installed incorrectly or may be incompatible with the device.

Sixteen flashes — code 1688: the ink has run out

The reliable solution is to replace the empty FINE cartridge.

1. Open the cover.
2. Wait until the holder stops.
3. Remove the empty cartridge.
4. Install a new compatible cartridge.
5. Press it until it locks into place.
6. Close the cover.

Temporarily continuing to print

If you need to finish the current job:

1. Leave the empty cartridge installed.
2. Press and hold the Stop button for at least 5 seconds.
3. Release the button.

Detection of the remaining ink level will be disabled. Printing with an empty cartridge may produce faint or completely blank pages, so the cartridge should be replaced as soon as possible.

If the green and orange lamps flash alternately

Alternating flashes usually indicate an error involving the mechanism or internal components rather than missing paper or ink.

Number of alternating flashes	Code	Cause
2	5100	Cartridge holder movement error or a foreign object inside
7	5B00 or 5B01	The ink absorber is full
10	B200 or B201	Serious internal error
Another number	5011, 5012, 5200, 5400, 6000, 6800, and others	Internal printer error

The official manual associates two alternating flashes with code 5100, seven with 5B00 or 5B01, and ten with B200 or B201.

Two alternating flashes — code 5100

Paper, protective material, or a foreign object may be blocking the movement of the cartridge holder.

1. Press the Stop button to cancel printing.
2. Turn off the multifunction printer using the power button.
3. Disconnect the power cable.
4. Open the cover.
5. Check whether jammed paper or packaging material is present inside.
6. Carefully remove any paper or protective material that you find.
7. Do not move the holder with force.
8. Close the cover.
9. Reconnect the power and turn on the multifunction printer.

For code 5100, Canon recommends canceling printing, turning off the device, and removing any paper or protective material that is preventing the FINE cartridge holder from moving. If the error occurs again, a service inspection is required.

Seven alternating flashes — code 5B00 or 5B01

The ink absorber has reached its specified limit. Unlike code 1700, operation cannot be continued by simply pressing a button.

1. Write down the error code.
2. Turn off the multifunction printer.
3. Disconnect the power cable.
4. Contact a service center to have the absorber serviced and its counter reset correctly.

Ten alternating flashes — code B200 or B201

This is a serious internal error for which Canon recommends servicing.

1. Write down code B200 or B201.
2. Turn off the multifunction printer using the power button.
3. Disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet.
4. Do not run multiple cleaning cycles.
5. Do not disassemble the device.
6. Contact a service center.

The official action for B200 is to turn off the device, disconnect it from the power supply, and contact a service center.

Other internal error codes

The following codes may also appear on the computer:

5011, 5012, 5200, 5400, 6000, 6800, 6801, 6930, 6931, 6932, 6933, 6936, 6937, 6938, 6940, 6941, 6942, 6943, 6944, 6945, or 6946.

If one of these errors occurs:

1. Write down the exact code.
2. Cancel printing if possible.
3. Turn off the multifunction printer.
4. Disconnect the USB cable and power cable.
5. Wait a few minutes.
6. Reconnect only the power cable and turn on the multifunction printer once.
7. If the error occurs again, turn off the device and contact a service center.

Canon has published the complete list of MG2400 series internal codes in its support code list.

How to view the error code on the computer

If the Canon driver is installed and the multifunction printer is connected via USB, the code usually appears in a Windows message or the printer status window.

1. Do not close the message immediately after it appears.
2. Write down the four-digit code or take a screenshot.
3. Count the flashes of the Alarm lamp.
4. Compare the code and number of flashes with the table.

The official list of codes is available at the following link:
Canon PIXMA MG2400 series support codes

If the error disappears but the multifunction printer does not print

1. Restart the computer.
2. Turn on the multifunction printer and wait until it is ready.
3. Press Windows + R.
4. Enter:

control printers

5. Click OK.
6. Right-click Canon MG2400 series Printer.
7. Select See what’s printing.
8. Remove the old jobs.
9. Close the print queue.
10. Open Printer properties.
11. Click Print Test Page.

If the lamp no longer flashes but Windows displays “Driver is unavailable,” you must reinstall Canon MG2400 series MP Drivers separately.

What you should not do

• do not continue printing when a mechanical error occurs repeatedly;
• do not move the cartridge holder with force;
• do not use metal objects inside the multifunction printer;
• do not touch the transparent film or internal contacts;
• do not run numerous cleaning cycles for codes 1700, 5B00, or B200;
• do not reset the absorber counter without servicing the absorber;
• do not install a cartridge intended for another region or device series;
• do not continue printing for a long time with a completely empty cartridge.