Question 1

my phone and laptop can't find the tr8620a for airprint anymore, it just disappeared from the network.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The disappearance of the Canon PIXMA TR8620a from AirPrint lists is typically caused by a "handshake" failure between the printer's internal network interface card (NIC) and your router's DHCP server. This often happens after a power surge, a router firmware update, or when the printer enters a deep sleep mode and fails to wake its wireless radio, causing the device to lose its assigned IP address. Because AirPrint relies on Bonjour (mDNS) to broadcast the printer's presence, any disruption in the local network's multicast traffic will make the printer invisible to iPhones, iPads, and Macs, even if the printer appears "on." To confirm this is a network dropout and not a hardware failure, check the Wi-Fi indicator lamp on the operation panel. If the lamp is completely dark, the wireless radio is disabled. If it is flashing orange, the printer has lost its connection to the access point. If it is solid blue but still not appearing on your devices, the printer is connected to the router, but the router is blocking the discovery packets required for AirPrint to function. This is common in "Guest Network" environments where AP Isolation is enabled, preventing devices from seeing each other. FIX Follow these exact steps to re-establish the connection and force the printer to broadcast its AirPrint signal: Power cycle the hardware: Turn off the TR8620a using the power button, then unplug the power cable from the wall. Unplug your wireless router for 30 seconds. Plug the router back in and wait for the internet connection to fully stabilize (usually 2-3 minutes). Power on the printer. If the Wi-Fi lamp is off, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the control panel until the lamp flashes blue. Access the printer's internal menu: Tap the "Setup" (gear icon) on the touch screen. Navigate to Device settings > LAN settings > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi setup. Select Manual connect. Choose your network SSID from the list and enter your password. Ensure you are connecting to a 2.4GHz band if your router does not support "Smart Steering," as the TR8620a can occasionally struggle with 5GHz handshakes during initial discovery. Once the Wi-Fi lamp is solid blue, restart your phone and laptop to clear the mDNS cache and refresh the AirPrint discovery list. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Assign a Static IP Address: The most common cause of recurring disappearances is the router assigning a new IP address to the printer (DHCP lease expiration). Print a Network Configuration Page from the Setup menu to find the current IP address. Type that IP into a web browser on your laptop to open the Remote UI. Navigate to Network Settings and change the IPv4 setting from "Auto" to "Manual," then assign a specific IP address outside your router's dynamic DHCP range. Disable "Eco" or "Power Save" Mode: The TR8620a's deep sleep mode can sometimes shut down the network card entirely. In the Setup menu, go to Device settings > Energy saving and disable "Auto power off." This ensures the network card remains active and responsive to AirPrint pings. Check Router Multicast/IGMP Settings: Log into your router's admin panel. Look for settings labeled "IGMP Snooping" or "Multicast." If these are disabled, AirPrint (which uses multicast) will not work. Enable IGMP Snooping to allow the printer's discovery packets to reach your mobile devices. Perform a Network Reset: If the printer refuses to connect, go to Setup > Device settings > Reset device > LAN settings. This wipes all saved network credentials and clears the internal NIC cache, allowing you to start the Wi-Fi setup from scratch. HEADS UP Avoid using a "Guest Network" for your printer; these networks typically have "Client Isolation" enabled, which explicitly blocks AirPrint and other local discovery services. If you use a Mesh Wi-Fi system (like Eero or Google Nest), ensure the printer is placed within 15 feet of the nearest node during the setup process to prevent signal attenuation. Keep the printer's firmware updated via the Setup menu to resolve known bugs regarding wireless stability and AirPrint compatibility. If you see a "Connection Error" on the screen, check if your router is using WPA3 security; the TR8620a works most reliably with WPA2-AES encryption.

Question 2

prints from my canon all-in-one have weird colored lines and streaks all over them, just started.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The appearance of horizontal colored streaks, "banding," or missing lines of color on your Canon PIXMA TR8620a is typically caused by partial blockages in the printhead nozzles. Because this printer uses a fine-nozzle injection system, even a microscopic particle of dried ink or an air bubble trapped in the ink delivery line can prevent a specific row of nozzles from firing. When the printhead moves across the page, the missing ink creates a gap, and the printer attempts to compensate by over-spraying in other areas, resulting in those erratic streaks. This most commonly occurs if the printer has sat idle for more than two weeks, allowing ink to dehydrate at the nozzle interface, or if you are using non-genuine third-party inks that have a different viscosity or sediment level. To confirm this is a nozzle issue rather than a software glitch, print a "Nozzle Check" pattern. If the grid lines for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, or Black are broken or missing entirely, the problem is physical blockage within the printhead assembly. FIX To resolve the streaks, you must force ink through the nozzles to clear the obstructions using the built-in maintenance suite. Follow these exact steps: Power on the printer and ensure there is paper loaded in the rear tray. On the printer's home screen, tap the Setup icon (represented by a gear or pliers/screwdriver icon). Navigate to Maintenance and select Cleaning. Select All Colors and press OK. The printer will run a standard cleaning cycle for approximately 2-3 minutes. Once finished, print a Nozzle Check pattern. If the lines are still broken, return to the Maintenance menu and select Deep Cleaning. Warning: Deep Cleaning consumes a significant volume of ink (roughly 15-20% of a cartridge) to create high-pressure flow. Select the specific colors that are streaking to save ink, or select "All Colors" for a total flush. After the Deep Cleaning cycle, wait 10 minutes before printing another test page. This allows any trapped air bubbles to settle and stabilize. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Perform a Manual Printhead Flush: If the software cleaning fails, the printhead may be severely clogged. Carefully remove the ink cartridges. Use a lint-free microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water (not rubbing alcohol) and gently dab the bottom of the printhead assembly. Do not scrub; simply press the cloth against the nozzles to draw out dried ink. Check Ink Levels and Vent Holes: Ensure your cartridges are not critically low. If you are using refillable cartridges, check that the small air vent hole on the top of the cartridge is not blocked by a sticker or dried ink. If air cannot enter the cartridge, a vacuum forms, preventing ink from reaching the nozzles. Align the Print Head: Sometimes streaks are caused by misalignment rather than clogs. Go to Setup > Maintenance > Alignment. Choose "Auto Alignment" to ensure the printhead is hitting the paper at a perfect 90-degree angle. Replace the Printhead: If the TR8620a continues to streak after three deep cleanings and a manual flush, the printhead may have suffered electrical failure or permanent "burning" of the nozzles. In this case, the printhead assembly must be replaced as a hardware unit. HEADS UP Avoid Long Idle Periods: To prevent future clogs, print at least one full-color page every 7 to 10 days. This keeps the ink fresh and prevents the nozzles from drying out. Use Genuine Canon PGI-280 and CLI-281 Inks: Third-party inks often have larger pigment particles that can clog the microscopic nozzles of the TR8620a, leading to permanent streaking. Avoid "Over-Cleaning": Do not run more than three Deep Cleaning cycles in a 24-hour period. Excessive cleaning can overheat the printhead and waste an entire set of ink cartridges without improving the result. Power Down Properly: Always use the Power button on the machine rather than pulling the plug. This ensures the printhead parks in the "capped" position, sealing the nozzles from air.

Question 3

the touchscreen on my tr8620a is totally unresponsive, buttons don't work, it's just frozen.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The unresponsive touchscreen on the Canon PIXMA TR8620a is typically caused by a "firmware hang" or a memory buffer overflow within the main logic board. This occurs when the printer's onboard processor enters an infinite loop while attempting to process a complex print job, a network handshake (Wi-Fi/AirPrint), or a failed firmware update. Because the display is an integrated part of the control circuit, a software crash freezes the UI, making it appear as though the hardware is dead. You can confirm this is a software lock rather than a hardware failure by checking the status LEDs. If the Power light is solid green but the screen is frozen or black, the logic board is powered but the operating system has crashed. If the screen is completely black and the Power button does not trigger any response, the issue may be a power delivery failure or a tripped internal fuse on the power supply board. FIX To resolve a frozen interface, you must perform a "hard cold boot" to clear the volatile memory (RAM) and force the firmware to reload from the ROM. Press and hold the physical Power button on the top control panel. Keep it held for a full 15 seconds. Even if the screen remains frozen, this sends a hardware interrupt signal to the logic board. Once the lights go out, reach behind the printer and physically disconnect the AC power cord from the port on the rear of the chassis. Do not just turn off a power strip; the cord must be removed from the machine. While the printer is unplugged, press and hold the Power button for another 30 seconds. This discharges the remaining electricity stored in the capacitors on the main board, ensuring a complete reset of the memory. Leave the printer unplugged for exactly three minutes. This allows the internal temperature of the processor to stabilize and ensures all temporary caches are wiped. Reconnect the AC power cord firmly into the rear port and plug it into a known-working wall outlet (avoid surge protectors for this specific test to rule out voltage drops). Press the Power button once. The screen should initiate the Canon boot sequence, and the touch interface should regain responsiveness. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Perform a Factory Reset via Hardware: If the screen is partially responsive or flickers, try to enter the Setup menu. Navigate to "Device Settings" > "Reset device" > "Reset all." If the screen is totally frozen, you can try to trigger a reset by holding the "Stop" button while powering on the device, though this is model-dependent and may only enter a service mode. Update Firmware via USB: A frozen screen is often the result of a corrupted firmware version. Connect the TR8620a to a PC via a USB cable. Download the latest firmware update from the Canon support site. Run the update tool on the PC; the tool can often "push" a firmware overwrite to the printer even if the touchscreen is unresponsive, effectively reflashing the OS. Check for Static Build-up: In dry environments, static electricity can build up on the capacitive touch panel. Use a slightly damp, lint-free microfiber cloth to thoroughly clean the screen surface. Ensure there are no plastic protective films still attached to the edges of the display, as these can cause "ghost touches" that freeze the UI. Inspect the Ribbon Cable: If the printer suffered a physical jar or drop, the ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) ribbon cable connecting the LCD panel to the main board may have wiggled loose. This requires opening the chassis to reseat the wide flat cable on the logic board. This is a last resort and should only be done if the device is out of warranty. HEADS UP Avoid Power Strips: Always plug the TR8620a directly into a wall outlet. Low-voltage delivery from overloaded power strips can cause the logic board to brown out, leading to frequent screen freezes. Firmware Timing: Never turn off the printer or unplug it while a "Updating Firmware" message is on the screen. Doing so will "brick" the logic board, rendering the touchscreen permanently unresponsive. Ink Cartridge Check: Occasionally, a severely leaking ink cartridge can drip onto the internal electronics. If you notice ink stains near the vents, the touchscreen failure may be due to a short circuit on the board. Network Stability: If the screen freezes specifically when trying to connect to Wi-Fi, check for IP address conflicts on your router. A "network storm" can sometimes overwhelm the printer's small processor.

Question 4

my printer says 'ink absorber full' with an error 5B00, can i fix this or is it dead?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is not "dead," but it has entered a hard-lock state triggered by Error 5B00. This error indicates that the waste ink absorbers—physical sponges located at the bottom of the printer chassis—have reached their calculated limit. When the printer performs head cleanings or power-up cycles, it pumps excess ink into these pads. To prevent ink from overflowing onto your desk, Canon implements a digital counter that tracks every drop of ink discarded. Crucially, the printer does not have a physical sensor to "see" if the pads are wet; it relies entirely on a software tally. Once the counter hits a specific threshold, the firmware triggers the 5B00 error and disables all printing and scanning functions. You can confirm this is the issue if the printer refuses to respond to any buttons on the control panel and the LCD screen explicitly displays "The ink absorber is full. Please contact your Canon service center." FIX To resolve this, you must perform a logic reset of the waste ink counter and physically address the saturated pads to avoid a leak. You will need a Windows PC and a standard USB-A to USB-B printer cable; this cannot be done over Wi-Fi. Enter Service Mode: Turn the printer off. Hold down the Stop button (the red circle/triangle icon), then press and hold the Power button. While still holding Power, press the Stop button exactly five times, then release both buttons. The screen should go blank or show "Service Mode." Connect Service Tool: Connect your PC to the TR8620a via USB. Launch a compatible Service Tool (SST) software. Ensure you are using a version compatible with the TR series (such as SST v5.600 or newer). Execute the Reset: In the software interface, navigate to the "Main" tab. Look for the "Clear Waste Ink Counter" or "Absorber Counter" section. Click the "Set" button next to "Main Platen." The software will communicate with the printer and reset the internal tally to zero. Exit and Reboot: Once the software confirms "Clear successful," turn the printer off using the physical power button. Wait ten seconds and turn it back on. The 5B00 error should now be gone. Physical Maintenance: To prevent ink leakage, open the bottom panel of the printer. Carefully remove the absorbent pads. Use a vacuum to remove any loose debris and replace the pads with new ones, or wash the existing pads in warm water and let them air dry completely (this can take 48 hours) before reinstalling. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Try a Different USB Port: Service Tool software is notoriously picky about USB 3.0 (blue) ports. If the software cannot "find" the printer, plug the USB cable into a USB 2.0 port or use a non-powered USB hub to create a more stable connection. Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Many security programs flag Service Tool software as a "Trojan" or "Riskware" because it modifies system firmware. Disable Windows Defender or your third-party antivirus for 10 minutes while running the reset tool. Verify Service Mode Entry: If the screen doesn't go blank, you likely missed the timing on the Stop button presses. Power down completely, wait 30 seconds, and retry the "Hold Power -> 5x Stop" sequence with a steady rhythm. Hardware Reset: If the software fails, try a hard power drain. Unplug the power cord and the USB cable. Hold the power button for 60 seconds to discharge the capacitors. Plug only the power back in and attempt the Service Mode entry again. HEADS UP Avoid Over-Cleaning: Frequent "Deep Cleaning" cycles rapidly deplete the waste ink counter. Only use deep cleaning if you have severe banding; otherwise, stick to standard cleaning. Ink Leakage Warning: Resetting the software does NOT empty the sponges. If you reset the counter without cleaning or replacing the pads, ink will eventually overflow from the bottom of the machine, potentially ruining your furniture. Firmware Updates: Be cautious about updating the printer firmware via the onboard menu while using third-party service tools, as Canon occasionally patches the "backdoor" used to enter Service Mode. External Waste Tank: For high-volume users, consider drilling a small hole in the bottom casing and routing the waste ink tube into an external bottle. This removes the need for sponges entirely.

Question 5

the scanner on my pixma tr8620a makes a loud grinding noise when it tries to scan, sounds bad.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The loud grinding noise in your Canon PIXMA TR8620a is caused by a mechanical failure in the scanner carriage assembly. Specifically, the stepper motor is attempting to drive the CIS (Contact Image Sensor) unit along its horizontal rail, but it is meeting physical resistance. This results in the gears slipping or "chattering," creating that harsh grinding sound. This typically happens when the lubricant on the carriage rail has dried out or become contaminated with dust, increasing friction to the point where the motor cannot overcome it. Alternatively, the noise is often caused by a "home position" failure. The scanner carriage has a small plastic gear and a timing belt that align the sensor. If a foreign object—such as a staple, a small piece of torn paper from the ADF, or a buildup of grime—enters the track, the carriage jams. When the printer initiates a scan, the motor continues to spin against the obstruction, causing the plastic gears to strip or grind. You can confirm this by attempting a "Copy" command; if the noise starts immediately as the light begins to move, the issue is strictly mechanical within the scanner bed. FIX To resolve the grinding noise and restore smooth movement to the scanner carriage, follow these precise steps: Power down the printer completely and disconnect the AC power cord from the wall outlet to prevent electrical shock or accidental motor activation. Lift the scanner unit cover and open the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) tray to gain maximum visibility of the internal chassis. Carefully lift the scanner glass assembly if your model allows, or look through the gaps of the ADF. Locate the white plastic scanner carriage (the light bar) located beneath the glass. Gently and slowly slide the scanner carriage by hand from its resting position on the right side toward the left. If you feel a "catch" or a hard stop, use a flashlight to inspect the rail for debris, such as staples or plastic shards. Use a can of compressed air to blow out the metal guide rail and the gear assembly located on the far right side of the scanner bed. Apply a pea-sized amount of white lithium grease (do not use WD-40 or liquid oils, as these degrade plastic) to the metal guide rail. Use a cotton swab to spread the grease evenly across the length of the rail. Manually slide the carriage back and forth three times to ensure the lubricant is evenly distributed and the movement is fluid. Close all covers, reconnect the power, and perform a "Scanner Calibration" or a simple black-and-white copy to verify the noise has ceased. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Inspect the Timing Belt: Check the small rubber belt that connects the stepper motor to the carriage. If the belt has slipped off its pulley or has a visible tear, the motor will spin freely (grinding) without moving the carriage. If the belt is loose, you will need to remove the outer casing to reseat the belt on the drive gear. Check for ADF Obstructions: Sometimes the grinding isn't the scanner bed, but the ADF rollers. Open the ADF cover and look for a jammed piece of paper stuck in the pickup rollers. If the ADF is trying to "pull" paper while the scanner is moving, the dual-motor strain can sound like a single grinding noise. Reset the Home Position: If the carriage is stuck in the "wrong" spot, the printer may panic. With the power off, gently push the scanner carriage all the way to the far right (the home position) until it clicks. Power the unit back on; this often allows the sensor to find its zero-point and stop the grinding. Replace the CIS Unit: If the noise persists and the rail is clean, the internal plastic gears of the scanner motor assembly may be stripped. In this case, the entire scanner carriage assembly (CIS unit) must be replaced as a single module. HEADS UP Avoid Heavy Lubricants: Never use automotive grease or heavy oils on the scanner rail; these attract dust and will eventually create a "sludge" that jams the motor permanently. Glass Care: When cleaning the scanner bed or applying grease, be extremely careful not to scratch the underside of the glass, as this will create permanent streaks in every scan. Power Cycle First: Always perform a hard reset (unplug for 60 seconds) after a mechanical jam to clear the "Error Code" from the printer's temporary memory. ADF Maintenance: Periodically clean the ADF rubber rollers with a damp, lint-free cloth to prevent paper jams that can put undue stress on the overall chassis alignment.

Question 6

trying to connect my tr8620a to wifi, it keeps failing during setup and i have to start over.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The connection failure on the Canon PIXMA TR8620a is typically caused by a "handshake timeout" between the printer's internal wireless card and the router. This happens most frequently because the TR8620a is primarily a 2.4GHz device, and modern "Smart" routers attempt to force the printer onto a 5GHz band or use a combined SSID (Band Steering). When the printer attempts to authenticate, the router switches bands, causing the printer to lose the signal and trigger a setup failure, forcing you to restart the process. Additionally, this failure often stems from WPA3 security settings. Many newer routers default to WPA3 or a "WPA2/WPA3 Mixed" mode. The TR8620a hardware can struggle with the transition handshake in mixed mode, leading to an authentication error that manifests as a generic "Connection Failed" message on the printer's LCD screen. You can confirm this is the issue if your smartphone connects to the Wi-Fi instantly in the same spot where the printer is failing. FIX To bypass the software setup loops, the most reliable method is the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) push-button connection, which bypasses the manual password entry and SSID selection screens that often crash. Power cycle your printer by turning it off, unplugging the power cord for 30 seconds, and plugging it back in. On the printer's operation panel, press the Setup button (represented by the pliers/screwdriver icon). Navigate to Device Settings > LAN settings > Wireless LAN setup. Select WPS (Push Button method) from the list of options. When the screen displays "Press the button on your wireless router," go to your physical router and press and hold the WPS button for approximately 3 to 5 seconds (the WPS light should begin blinking). Return to the printer screen immediately. The printer will now search for the WPS signal. Once the "Connected" message appears, press OK to finalize the link. Print a Network Configuration page to verify the IP address is assigned correctly. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Separate your Wi-Fi Bands: Log into your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and disable "Smart Connect" or "Band Steering." Create two distinct SSIDs: one named "Home_Wifi_2.4G" and one "Home_Wifi_5G." Connect the TR8620a specifically to the 2.4GHz band. This prevents the router from trying to "push" the printer to a frequency it cannot maintain. Adjust Security Protocol: If your router is set to WPA3, change the security mode to WPA2-AES (CCMP). The TR8620a is significantly more stable on WPA2. If you have a "Mixed Mode" enabled, switching to a dedicated WPA2 setting often resolves the intermittent handshake failures during setup. Static IP Assignment: If the printer connects but then drops off, use the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app on a mobile device to assign a static IP address to the printer. This prevents the "Printer Offline" error that occurs when the router reassigns a new DHCP address to the printer after a power flicker. Clear Network Defaults: Perform a hard network reset. Go to Setup > Device Settings > LAN settings > Reset LAN settings. Confirm the reset, restart the printer, and attempt the WPS method again. This clears any cached, corrupted credentials from previous failed attempts. HEADS UP Avoid placing the printer directly on top of your router or within 3 feet of it; this can actually cause "signal clipping" where the signal is too strong and creates interference. Ensure your router's firewall is not blocking Port 631 or Port 9100, which are essential for bidirectional communication between the TR8620a and your computer. If you use a VPN on your computer, disable it during the initial setup phase, as the VPN hides your computer from the local network, making it impossible for the driver to "find" the printer even if the printer is connected to Wi-Fi. Keep the printer's firmware updated via the Setup menu to ensure the latest wireless stability patches are installed.

Question 7

canon pixma tr8620a says 'no paper' even though the tray is totally full, it just won't pick it up.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The "No Paper" error on the Canon PIXMA TR8620a, despite a full tray, is typically caused by a failure in the friction-based paper pickup mechanism. The TR8620a uses a set of rubberized rollers to grip the top sheet of paper and pull it into the feed path. Over time, these rollers accumulate a layer of "paper dust"—microscopic cellulose fibers shed from the sheets—which fills the pores of the rubber and creates a slick, glazed surface. When the rollers rotate, they simply slide over the paper instead of gripping it, triggering the sensor to report that no paper has entered the machine. In some cases, this is exacerbated by the type of paper being used. High-gloss photo papers or overly smooth inkjet papers have lower friction coefficients, making it even easier for contaminated rollers to slip. You can confirm this is a roller issue if you hear the motor spinning (a rhythmic whirring sound) for several seconds before the "No Paper" error appears on the LCD screen, indicating the printer attempted to pick up the sheet but failed to move it forward. FIX To restore the grip of the feed rollers and clear the error, follow these precise cleaning and calibration steps: Power down the printer and unplug the power cable from the wall to ensure safety while reaching into the chassis. Remove the paper cassette completely from the front of the machine. Locate the black rubber pickup rollers situated at the top of the cassette slot. These are the small, cylindrical rubber wheels that make contact with the paper. Dampen a high-quality, lint-free microfiber cloth with distilled water. Wring the cloth out thoroughly so it is damp but not dripping; excess water can seep into the sensor electronics. Gently press the cloth against the rubber roller and manually rotate the roller by hand. If the roller is locked, apply light pressure while turning. Rotate it a full 360 degrees to ensure the entire circumference is cleaned. Repeat this process for all visible rollers in the feed path, focusing on any areas where you see a greyish, dusty film being removed. Allow the rollers to air-dry for at least two to three minutes. Do not use rubbing alcohol, as it can dry out and crack the rubber over time. Reinsert the paper cassette. Fan the stack of paper to remove any static cling and ensure the paper is pushed firmly against the back of the tray. Adjust the blue plastic paper guides so they are snug against the edges of the paper stack, but not so tight that they bow the paper. Power the unit back on and attempt a test print. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Perform a "Roller Cleaning" cycle via the software. Navigate to the printer's Maintenance menu on the LCD screen, select 'Cleaning', and then choose 'Roller Cleaning'. This forces the rollers to spin at high speed without paper to shed remaining debris. Check for a "ghost" jam. Open the rear cover and use a flashlight to look for tiny scraps of paper or foreign objects (like staples or paperclips) lodged in the feed path. Even a piece of paper the size of a fingernail can trick the sensor into thinking the path is blocked or empty. Inspect the paper weight. If you are using heavy cardstock (over 200gsm), the TR8620a may struggle with the front cassette. Try loading a single sheet through the rear manual feed slot to determine if the issue is specific to the cassette mechanism or the overall feed system. Reset the paper settings. Ensure the paper size and type selected in the print driver (e.g., Letter, Plain Paper) exactly match the physical paper in the tray. Mismatched settings can occasionally cause the printer to stop the feed process prematurely. HEADS UP Avoid using "cheap" or non-standard paper with high dust content, as this will clog the rollers much faster. Never use compressed air to clean the rollers; this often pushes dust deeper into the gear assembly and can displace the sensors. When loading the tray, never fill it past the indicated maximum fill line; overfilling puts excessive pressure on the pickup arm, causing more frequent slips. Store your paper in a cool, dry place to prevent humidity from warping the sheets, which prevents the rollers from making flat, even contact.

Question 8

my tr8620a just shows 'error 6000' on the screen and won't print anything, what is this?

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS Error 6000 on the Canon PIXMA TR8620a is a critical paper feed mechanism failure. Unlike a standard "Paper Jam" error (which usually lets you clear the paper and press a button to resume), Error 6000 indicates that the printer's internal sensors detect a blockage or a mechanical misalignment that prevents the paper rollers from rotating freely. This is often caused by a "phantom jam"—a tiny scrap of torn paper, a staple, or a paperclip that has fallen into the feed slot and is obstructing the pick-up rollers. The error occurs because the printer performs a self-test of the drive motor during the power-on sequence. If the motor encounters too much resistance (torque overload) while trying to engage the rollers, the firmware triggers the 6000 code to prevent the motor from burning out. You can confirm this by listening for a repetitive "clicking" or "grinding" sound immediately before the error message appears on the LCD screen, which indicates the gear is slipping because the roller is stuck. FIX To resolve a 6000 error, you must perform a deep mechanical clear of the paper path. Follow these exact steps: Power off the printer using the power button and physically unplug the power cord from the wall outlet to discharge the capacitors. Pull the paper cassette completely out of the front slot. Look inside the cavity with a flashlight; check specifically for any curled pieces of paper or foreign objects (coins, hair ties) resting on the bottom of the tray area. Open the rear chassis cover (the back panel). Reach inside and feel for any resistance in the rollers. If you find a piece of paper, pull it out slowly in the direction of the paper path to avoid tearing it further. Open the scanning unit/cover to access the ink carriage area. Gently move the carriage to the center. Check the area around the encoder strip (the clear plastic strip running across the width) for any debris or ink splotches that might be confusing the sensor. Locate the grey plastic tabs on the underside of the carriage assembly and lift them slightly to check for jammed scraps of paper beneath the print head. Close all covers and reinsert the paper cassette, ensuring the paper guides are snug against the paper stack but not crushing it. Plug the printer back in and power it on. If the error persists, perform a "Hard Reset" by holding the power button for 10 seconds while the unit is unplugged, then plugging it back in. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Clean the Pick-Up Rollers: Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water to wipe the rubber pick-up rollers located in the paper cassette area. If the rollers are coated in paper dust (white powder), they will slip, causing the printer to think there is a jam when there isn't. Check for "Ghost" Jams in the Rear Tray: If you use the rear feed for photo paper, check the narrow slot at the top back of the machine. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or debris that may be triggering the optical sensor. Reset the Encoder Strip: If a smudge of grease or ink is on the clear plastic encoder strip, the printer may misread the carriage position and trigger a 6000 error. Carefully wipe the strip with a dry, lint-free cotton swab. Do not use alcohol, as it can strip the markings off the strip. Inspect the Paper Guides: Ensure the paper guides in the cassette are clicked firmly into the notches. If the guides are slightly off-center, the paper feeds at an angle, causing the rollers to bind and trigger the error. HEADS UP Never use tweezers or metal pliers to remove paper jams; you risk scratching the rollers or puncturing the encoder strip, which will lead to permanent print misalignment. Avoid using "cheap" or ultra-thin paper (below 60 gsm) in the TR8620a, as these are prone to curling and tearing, which is the leading cause of Error 6000. If you are printing heavy cardstock, always use the rear tray rather than the cassette to reduce the stress on the drive motors. Keep the printer in a dust-free environment; accumulated dust on the internal sensors can mimic a paper jam error.

Canon PIXMA TR8620a All-in-One Printer

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