my canon pixma mg3620 is making a weird grinding noise when i try to print, should i be worried?

Diagnosis

This grinding sound in the Canon PIXMA MG3620 is typically caused by a mechanical failure in the carriage drive system or an obstruction in the paper feed path. Specifically, the noise occurs when the print head carriage (which holds the PG-245 and CL-246 cartridges) attempts to move along the metal guide rail but encounters resistance. This can be caused by a foreign object—such as a staple, paper clip, or a torn scrap of 20lb bond paper—lodged in the track, or a failure of the plastic gears in the carriage assembly to mesh properly due to a lack of lubrication or a stripped tooth. If the noise happens specifically during the "warm-up" phase or right as the paper begins to pull, the issue is likely the paper feed rollers or the duplexing mechanism. If the noise is a rhythmic, high-pitched screeching or clicking that follows the movement of the ink cartridges, it is a carriage rail issue. To confirm, open the front cover and visually inspect the carriage movement; if the carriage "stutters" or jerks while making the noise, you have a mechanical blockage or a belt slippage issue.

How to Fix It

Stop all print jobs immediately to prevent the motor from burning out or the plastic gears from stripping completely. Follow these steps to clear the mechanism:

1. Power off the printer and unplug the power cord from the wall to ensure the carriage is not energized.
2. Open the front cover and the scanning unit cover. Gently slide the cartridge holder to the center of the machine. If it is stuck, do not force it; instead, look for any small pieces of ripped paper caught in the extreme left or right "parking" stations.
3. Use a flashlight to inspect the thin metal guide rail. Check for any debris, such as hair, dust clumps, or small objects that may have fallen into the printer. Use a can of compressed air to blow out the carriage path and the area around the encoder strip (the clear plastic strip running across the width of the printer).
4. Carefully remove the PG-245 and CL-246 ink cartridges. Check if the cartridges are seated flush; if one is slightly tilted, it can snag on the internal chassis during movement. Reinsert them until you hear a distinct click.
5. Clear the paper path by opening the rear tray and removing all paper. Check the feed slot for any curled scraps of paper. Use a pair of tweezers to remove any debris from the rubber pickup rollers.
6. Plug the printer back in and perform a "Power Cycle": Hold the power button for 5 seconds, unplug the unit for 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Run a "Nozzle Check" print to see if the carriage moves smoothly.

If That Didn't Work

• Clean the Encoder Strip: The encoder strip is the semi-transparent plastic band that tells the printer where the carriage is. If it has a smudge of grease or ink on it, the carriage may "hunt" for its position, causing it to slam into the side of the printer and create a grinding noise. Gently wipe it with a lint-free cloth and a tiny amount of isopropyl alcohol.
• Manual Rail Lubrication: Over time, the factory grease on the metal guide rail can dry out or migrate. Apply a tiny amount of high-quality synthetic grease (silicone-based) to the metal rail using a cotton swab. Avoid using WD-40, as it can degrade the plastic components of the MG3620.
• Reset the Carriage Position: If the printer is reporting a "Service" error (like Error 5100), the carriage is out of alignment. Try removing the ink cartridges and powering the printer on; sometimes the carriage will reset itself to the home position without the weight of the cartridges.
• Check for Internal Gear Slippage: If the grinding is coming from the right side of the machine, the timing belt may have slipped or a gear may be cracked. If you are comfortable, remove the outer plastic casing to inspect the gear assembly for plastic shavings, which indicate a stripped gear that requires a full carriage assembly replacement.

Heads Up

• Never force the carriage holder to the left or right if it feels stuck; doing so can snap the encoder strip or strip the drive gear, rendering the printer unrepairable.
• Avoid using "heavy" cardstock or non-standard labels that exceed 200 gsm, as these frequently cause the feed rollers to slip and create a grinding sound.
• Keep the printer away from dusty environments or pet hair, as the MG3620's open-tray design allows debris to fall directly onto the guide rail.
• Always use genuine Canon ink or high-quality remanufactured cartridges; poorly fitting third-party shells can physically obstruct the carriage path.