Replacing the ink tank it dropped into the machine?

This section explains the way to confirm the ink status and the procedure to replace ink tanks. When ink runs out or other errors occur, an error message is displayed on the LCD to inform you of the error. See "An Error Message Is Displayed on the LCD".
When printing from your computer, error messages appear on your computer screen as well.

NOTE

Be sure to install the ink tanks in the correct order indicated by the label on the Print Head Holder.
The machine will not print if an ink tank is installed in the incorrect position.

• With the LCD of this Machine
• With the Ink Lamps
• Getting the Clear Ink Status Information

With the LCD of this MachineMake sure that the machine is turned on, then press the COPY, FAX, SCAN, or MEMORY CARD button. The current ink level will be displayed on the LCD for a few seconds.

(A) Confirm whether any symbols are displayed here.

Color or black ink is low. You can continue printing for a while, but we recommend you to have a new ink tank available.Color or black ink may have run out. See"An Error Message Is Displayed on the LCD".
REFERENCE

The ink status information is also displayed on the screen that appears during printing.
An error message may be displayed on the LCD during printing.

Machine detected ink out condition. See "An Error Message Is Displayed on the LCD" and take appropriate action.
(B) Empty ink tank.With the Ink LampsYou can confirm the status of each ink tank by the ink lamps. Open the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) of the machine to confirm how the ink lamps light or flash.

• Ink lamp is on

The ink tank is correctly set and there is enough ink remaining to print.

• Ink lamp is flashing

Flashing slowly (at around 3-second intervals)


Ink is low. You can continue printing for a while, but we recommend you to have a new ink tank available.
Flashing quickly (at around 1-second intervals)


The ink tank is inserted in the wrong position or it is empty. Ensure that the ink tank is in the correct position as directed by the label on the Print Head Holder. If the position is correct and its lamp flashes, it is empty. Replace it with a new one.

• Ink lamp is off

The ink tank is not set properly or the function for detecting the remaining ink level is disabled.

If the ink tank is not set properly, press the mark on the ink tank until the tank clicks into place. If it does not click into place, make sure that the orange protective cap has been removed from the bottom of the ink tank.
If the function for detecting the remaining ink level is disabled, replace the ink tank with anew one. See "Replacing Ink Tanks".
If the lamps are still off after reinserting the ink tanks, there has been an error and the
machine cannot print. Check the error message displayed on the LCD. See "An Error
Message Is Displayed on the LCD".
Getting the Clear Ink Status InformationClear ink is used only when printing on plain paper.
When Plain paper (Cassette) is selected for Media type and printing begins when clear ink (PGI-9Clear) is low, a message will be displayed in the LCD.

(A) Confirm whether a symbol is displayed here.

The clear ink is low. You can continue printing for a while, but we recommend you to have a new ink tank available.The clear ink tank is empty. See ""The clear ink tank is empty. Replacing the ink tank is recommended." U045" and take appropriate action.
NOTE

• The ink status information is also displayed on the screen that appears during printing.
• Clear ink is used only when printing on plain paper. Therefore, it is possible to print on photo paper, or any type of paper other than plain paper, loaded in the Rear Tray, even if clear ink has run out.

The following error message will be displayed on the LCD when the clear ink has run out during printing on plain paper.

Refer to "Replacing Ink Tanks"If you continue printing under the clear ink out condition, see ""The clear Ink has run out. Replace the ink tank." U165/U166" and take appropriate action.When the clear ink hasrun out, printing on plain paper from the Cassette is not possible. The fax, which is received under the clear ink out condition, will be stored in memory.
NOTE

It is possible to print on photo paper, or any media type other than plain paper, loaded in the Rear Tray, even if clear ink has run out.

Hi,

The little chips on the front of the cartridge create a trouble for people trying to refill the cartridge, as of right now, there is no way to easily reset the chips. If you refill them, they still register as empty, and therefore don't work.
If the following tips doesn’t help, you can try to install the original new ink cartridge following the instructions in the user manual. This can solve the problem.
Note :
Be sure to install the ink tanks in the correct order indicated by the label on the Print Head Holder. The machine will not print if an ink tank is installed in the incorrect position.
For information on the compatible ink tanks, refer to the back cover of the Quick Start Guide.
Tips before Replacing Ink Tanks : Important:
- To maintain optimal printing quality, we recommend the use of specified Canon brand ink tanks.
Refilling ink is not recommended.
- Once you remove an ink tank, replace it immediately. Do not leave the machine with ink tanks removed.
- Replace empty tanks with new ones. Inserting partially used ink tanks may cause the nozzles to clog. Furthermore, with such tanks, the machine will not be able to inform you when to replace the tanks properly.
- Once an ink tank has been installed, do not remove it from the machine and leave it out in the open. This will cause the ink tank to dry out, and the machine may not operate properly when it is reinstalled. To maintain optimal printing quality, use an ink tank within six months of first use.
- Color ink may be consumed even when printing a black-and-white document or when black-and-white printing is specified.
Color ink is also consumed in Print Head Cleaning and Print Head Deep Cleaning, which may be necessary to maintain the machine's performance. When an ink tank is out of ink, replace it immediately with a new one.
After replacing ink tank;
Turn off the machine, and unplug the power cord of the machine from the power supply. After five minutes or more, plug the power cord of the machine back in, and then turn on the machine.

If you would like to vote for the answer, this will help the others to see the similar problems solved and also will be a satisfaction factor for me to continue helping you.
All the best.

Hi there,
If the following error occurs "The following ink tank cannot be recognized" error code U043, U140, U150

Action 1 : The ink tank is not installed in the ink tank. Install the ink tank. Refer to "Replacing an ink Tank" below.

Action 2 : The ink tank is not compatible with the machine. (The lamp on the ink tank is off.) Install an appropriate ink tank.
Refer to "Replacing an ink tank" below.

Replacing Ink Tanks.

Action 3 : An ink tank error has occurred (The lamp on the ink tank is off).
Replace the ink tank.
Refer to "Replacing an ink tank" below.

Replacing an ink tank :
Replace the ink tank using the following steps :
1) Open the Paper Output Tray.
Put your finger in the rounded indent of the Paper Output tray and open it gently.

2) Make sure that the machine is turned on, and lift the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) until it stops.
The Print Head Holder moves to the center.
Caution : * Do not hold the LCD or the Operation Panel.
* Do not hold the Print Head Holder to stop or move it.
Important : If the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) is left open for more than 10 minutes, the Printer Head Holder moves to the right side. Close and reopen the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) to return the holder to the center.

3) OPen the Inner Cover.
Caution : Do not touch the metallic parts inside the machine.

4) Remove the ink tank whose lamp is flashing fast.
Push the tab and remove the ink tank.
Important : * Handle ink tanks carefully to avoid staining clothing or surrounding area.
* Discard empty ink tanks according to the local laws and regualtions regarding disposal of consumables.
Note : * Do not remove more than one ink tank at a time. Be sure to replace ink tanks one by one when replacing more than one ink tank.

5) Prepare the replacement tank.
a) Remove the new ink tank from its packaging.
b) Pull the orange tape to peel off the protective film.
c) Remove the film completely.
Important : Make sure that the protective film does not remain in the air hole. If the air hole is blocked with the remaining film, ink may leak out or may not eject properly.
d) Remove the orange protective cap from the bottom of the ink tank.
Discard the cap once it is removed.
Important : * Do not touch the electrical contacts on the ink tank. Doing so can cause the machine to malfunction or become unable to print.
* Be sure to remove the clear film from the ink tank in the exact order, as failure to follow this step may cause the ink to leak and stain your clothes and hands.
* Do not squeeze the side of the ink tanks as this may cause the ink to leak out and stain your clothes and hands.
* Do not reattach the protective cap once you have removed it, Discard it according to the local laws and regulations regarding the disposal of consumables.
* Do not touch the open ink port once the protective cap is removed, as this may prevent the ink from being ejected properly.

6) Install the ink tank.
a) Insert the front end of the ink tank into the Print Head. Make sure the position of the tank matched the label.
b) Press on the "press" mark on the ink tank until the ink tank snaps firmly into place.
c) Make sure that the ink lamp lights up red.
Important : Install all the ink tanks to print. The machine cannot be used unless all the ink tanks are installed.
7) Close the Inner Cover.
Note : Make sure that the Inner Cover is closed. Printing will not start with the Inner Cover open since paper cannot be fed properly.

8) Gently close the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover).
Caution : * Be sure to hold the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) firmly using both hands, and be careful not to get your fingers caught.
* Do not hold the LCD or the OPeration Panel.
Note : * When you start printing after replacing the ink tank. Print Head Cleaning is performed automatically. Do not start another operation until the machine has stopped making operating noises.

Hope this helps.
Please rate my response.
Thanks
Have a good day.

Hi there,
If the following error occurs "The following ink tank cannot be recognized" error code U043, U140, U150

Action 1 : The ink tank is not installed in the ink tank. Install the ink tank. Refer to "Replacing an ink Tank" below.

Action 2 : The ink tank is not compatible with the machine. (The lamp on the ink tank is off.) Install an appropriate ink tank.
Refer to "Replacing an ink tank" below.

Replacing Ink Tanks.

Action 3 : An ink tank error has occurred (The lamp on the ink tank is off).
Replace the ink tank.
Refer to "Replacing an ink tank" below.

Replacing an ink tank :
Replace the ink tank using the following steps :
1) Open the Paper Output Tray.
Put your finger in the rounded indent of the Paper Output tray and open it gently.

2) Make sure that the machine is turned on, and lift the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) until it stops.
The Print Head Holder moves to the center.
Caution : * Do not hold the LCD or the Operation Panel.
* Do not hold the Print Head Holder to stop or move it.
Important : If the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) is left open for more than 10 minutes, the Printer Head Holder moves to the right side. Close and reopen the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) to return the holder to the center.

3) OPen the Inner Cover.
Caution : Do not touch the metallic parts inside the machine.

4) Remove the ink tank whose lamp is flashing fast.
Push the tab and remove the ink tank.
Important : * Handle ink tanks carefully to avoid staining clothing or surrounding area.
* Discard empty ink tanks according to the local laws and regualtions regarding disposal of consumables.
Note : * Do not remove more than one ink tank at a time. Be sure to replace ink tanks one by one when replacing more than one ink tank.

5) Prepare the replacement tank.
a) Remove the new ink tank from its packaging.
b) Pull the orange tape to peel off the protective film.
c) Remove the film completely.
Important : Make sure that the protective film does not remain in the air hole. If the air hole is blocked with the remaining film, ink may leak out or may not eject properly.
d) Remove the orange protective cap from the bottom of the ink tank.
Discard the cap once it is removed.
Important : * Do not touch the electrical contacts on the ink tank. Doing so can cause the machine to malfunction or become unable to print.
* Be sure to remove the clear film from the ink tank in the exact order, as failure to follow this step may cause the ink to leak and stain your clothes and hands.
* Do not squeeze the side of the ink tanks as this may cause the ink to leak out and stain your clothes and hands.
* Do not reattach the protective cap once you have removed it, Discard it according to the local laws and regulations regarding the disposal of consumables.
* Do not touch the open ink port once the protective cap is removed, as this may prevent the ink from being ejected properly.

6) Install the ink tank.
a) Insert the front end of the ink tank into the Print Head. Make sure the position of the tank matched the label.
b) Press on the "press" mark on the ink tank until the ink tank snaps firmly into place.
c) Make sure that the ink lamp lights up red.
Important : Install all the ink tanks to print. The machine cannot be used unless all the ink tanks are installed.
7) Close the Inner Cover.
Note : Make sure that the Inner Cover is closed. Printing will not start with the Inner Cover open since paper cannot be fed properly.

8) Gently close the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover).
Caution : * Be sure to hold the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) firmly using both hands, and be careful not to get your fingers caught.
* Do not hold the LCD or the OPeration Panel.
Note : * When you start printing after replacing the ink tank. Print Head Cleaning is performed automatically. Do not start another operation until the machine has stopped making operating noises.

Hope this helps.
PLease rate my response.
Thanks
Have a good day.

Hi there,

The Error "Check INK U140"
Causes : Possible causes are as follows :
* The ink tank may not be installed properly (The lamp on the ink tank is off).
Install the appropriate ink tank.
* The ink tank not be compatible with this machine. (The lamp on the ink tank is off).
Install the appropriate Ink tank.
The machine will not print of the wrong type of ink tank is used or if it is installed incorrectly.

Be sure to install the ink tanks in the proper order. The proper arrangement from the left to right is Black - (CLI-8BK), Black -(PGI-5BK), Yellow - (CLI-8Y), Magenta (CLI-8M), Cyan (CLI-8C).

Replacing Tanks
1) Ensure that the machine is on.

2) Raise the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover) until it stops.
The Paper Output tray will open automatically and the Print Holder moves to the center.
Impoprtant : If the Scanning Unit (PRinter Cover) is left open for more than 10 minutes, The Print Head Holder moves to the right. Close and reopen the Scanning Unit(Printer Cover) to return the Print Head Holder to the center.

3) OPen the Inner Cover.

4) Press the Open button to open the Paper Output tray if it does not open automatically and remove the ink tank whoe lamp is flashing red fast. Do not touch the Print Head Lock Lvever. Remove only the ink tank.
Important : * Handle the ink tanks carefully to avoid staining clothing or the surrounding area.
* Discard empty ink tanks according to the locakl laws and regulations regarding disposal of consumables.
Note : Be sure to replace ink tanks one by one when replacing more than one ink tank.

5) Prepare a replacement tank.
a) Remove the new tank ink from its packaging, then pull the orange tape so that the protective film does not remain on air hole. Then remove the film.
b) Remove the orange protective cap from the bottom of the ink tank and discard it.

6) Install the ink .
a) Install the ink tank into the Print Head.
b) Press on the Push button on the ink tank until the ink tank snaps firmly into place.
c) Ensure that the ink tank clicks into place and then its lamp lights red.
Important : Make sure to install all the ink tanks to enable printing. The machine cannot be used unless all the ink tanks are installed.

7) Close the Inner Cover.
Note: Ensure that the Inner Cover is closed, Printing will not occur if the Inner Cover is open.

Hope this help. PLease rate my response.
Thanks
have a good day.

If you drop the cover the machine will send the cartridge holder across to the far side of the printer

At that point switch the printer off and by using a torch you will see a heap of nearly solid ink which has been deposited by the cleaning blades into a trough where the ink cartridge normally sits.

Pair of surgical gloves and a small lolly stick or wooden spatula normally does the trick

1. If replacing both ink tanks, remove and replace each one individually.
   
   
2. Make sure the device is powered on.
   
   
3. Lift the scan unit until it locks into place. When the machine is ON and the scan unit is lifted, the paper output tray automatically opens.
4. Open the inner cover.
5. Hold the tab and pull it forward to release the ink tank.
   
   
6. Lift out the ink tank.
   
   
7. Remove the new ink tank from its packaging.
   
   
8. Hold the ink tank and remove the protective cap.
9. Insert the ink tank into the empty slot on the print head.
10. If you need to replace the other ink tank, repeat steps 4 to 8.
    
    
11. Close the inner cover.
    
    
12. Return the scan unit to its original position. The LCD displays a message asking if you replaced an ink tank.
    
    
13. Press [<] to select <YES>.
    
    
    
14. The LCD displays a message asking if you replaced the black ink tank.
    
    
15. If you replaced the black ink tank, press [<]. If you did not, press [>].
    
    
16. The LCD displays a message asking if you replaced the color ink tank.
    
    
17. If you replaced the color ink tank, press [<]. If you did not, press [>].
    
    
18. The ink counter is now reset.
    
    
19. If additional ink tanks need to be replaced, replace them now.

The remaining ink level cannot be correctly detected. Replace the ink tank and close the Scanning Unit (Printer Cover). Printing with an ink tank that was once empty may damage the machine. If you want to continue printing in this condition, you need to release the function for detecting the remaining ink level. Press and hold the Stop/Reset button for at least 5 seconds, and then release it. * With this operation, releasing the function for detecting the remaining ink level is memorized. Please be advised that Canon shall not be liable for any machine malfunction or damage caused by refilled ink tanks. See “Replacing an Ink Tank” on page 46.

I believe that he is reffering to the waste ink tank where the cartriges stop to the right when not being used. There are two small foam pads over there.
I cleaned mine by opening lid and have carriage run to the left, then I reach in with a q-tip and press down repeatly until q-tips are almost clean. You will need a flashlight to see waht you are doing.