my canon ts6420a just keeps flashing orange over and over, it won't print or scan, what do i do?

Diagnosis

The flashing orange Alarm lamp on the Canon PIXMA TS6420a is a general "Attention" signal, but the specific pattern of the flashes is the key to the problem. When the light flashes continuously without a corresponding error code on the small OLED screen, it typically indicates a mechanical obstruction or a failure in the ink delivery system. This happens because the printer's internal sensors detect that the printhead carriage cannot reach its home position or a piece of media is blocking the paper feed path. To confirm the exact nature of the error, look at the LCD screen. If the screen displays a code like "E02" or "E03," you are dealing with a paper jam. If it shows "E04" or "E05," the printer cannot recognize one or more of the PG-260 or CL-261 ink cartridges. If the screen is blank but the light is flashing, the printer is likely stuck in a "Critical Error" state caused by a physical blockage or a failure in the encoder strip—the clear plastic ribbon that tells the carriage where it is located.

How to Fix It

Follow these steps to clear the mechanical blockage and reset the printer sensors:

1. Power off the printer completely using the Power button, then unplug the power cord from the wall outlet to discharge the internal capacitors.
2. Open the paper output tray and the front cover. Gently lift the scanner unit to expose the interior.
3. Inspect the printhead carriage path. If the carriage is stuck to one side, do not force it. Look for small scraps of paper, staples, or paper clips that may have fallen into the tray.
4. If paper is jammed, grasp it with both hands and pull it slowly and steadily toward you. Never pull paper out through the rear tray, as this can bend the feed rollers.
5. Check the ink cartridges (PG-260 and CL-261). Open the cartridge holder, remove each cartridge, and ensure the orange protective tape has been completely removed from the electrical contacts.
6. Clean the gold contacts on the cartridges using a lint-free cloth dampened with a tiny amount of isopropyl alcohol. Reinsert them until you hear a distinct "click."
7. Close all covers and plug the printer back in. Power it on and wait 60 seconds for the printer to perform its internal calibration sequence.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a Hard Reset: While the printer is on, unplug the power cord from the back of the machine. Wait exactly 60 seconds. While it is unplugged, hold the Power button down for 15 seconds to drain any remaining electricity from the logic board. Plug it back in and restart.
• Clean the Encoder Strip: Locate the thin, clear plastic strip running horizontally across the width of the printer behind the carriage. If there is a smudge of grease or ink on this strip, the carriage will "hunt" for its position and trigger the orange light. Gently wipe the strip with a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth. Do not use chemicals, as this can erase the timing marks on the strip.
• Clear the Paper Feed Rollers: If the printer thinks there is a jam but you see no paper, the rollers may be slipping. Use a damp (not dripping) cloth to wipe the rubber rollers in the rear paper cassette. This removes paper dust that causes "false jam" errors.
• Check for Carriage Obstructions: Ensure no foreign objects (like a coin or a piece of jewelry) have fallen into the paper tray area. Even a tiny object can prevent the carriage from reaching the "Home" position on the far right, triggering a continuous orange flash.

Heads Up

• Avoid Forced Movement: Never force the printhead carriage to move if it feels stuck; you risk snapping the encoder spring or stripping the plastic gears.
• Use Genuine Ink: The TS6420a is highly sensitive to third-party cartridges. If you are using non-Canon ink, the orange light may be a "non-genuine" warning; press the "Stop" button for 5-10 seconds to bypass this warning.
• Paper Weight Matters: Only use paper within the supported weight range. Using heavy cardstock in the rear tray can cause frequent jams and trigger the orange alarm light.
• Firmware Updates: Periodically check the Canon support site for firmware updates. Some "ghost" error lights are solved by software patches that adjust the sensor sensitivity.