Question 1

the printer says 'out of paper' when the tray is clearly full, it just won't pick up any sheets.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The "Out of Paper" error on the Canon PIXMA TS3520 is typically a false positive triggered by a failure in the mechanical pickup sequence. When you send a print job, the printer engages the pickup rollers to grab the top sheet; if the rollers slip or the paper doesn't move forward within a specific millisecond window, the internal sensor fails to detect a sheet entering the feed path. The printer then assumes the tray is empty, even if it is physically overflowing with paper. This is most commonly caused by "glazing" on the rubber pickup rollers—where a buildup of paper dust and ink residue creates a slick surface that cannot grip the page. It can also be caused by "curled" paper or a misalignment of the paper guides, which prevents the roller from making full contact with the center of the sheet. In some cases, a tiny scrap of paper from a previous jam may be blocking the sensor arm, tricking the printer into thinking the path is obstructed or empty. FIX To resolve this, you need to restore the friction of the rollers and ensure the paper is feeding at the precise angle required by the TS3520's rear-feed tray. Remove the entire stack of paper from the rear tray. Use a damp, lint-free microfiber cloth dipped in distilled water (do not use rubbing alcohol as it can dry out the rubber). Locate the gray rubber pickup rollers at the base of the feed slot. Gently rotate the rollers with your finger while wiping them to remove the white paper dust and grime. Ensure the rubber feels "tacky" again. Take your stack of paper and "fan" the edges to break any static cling between sheets. Tap the stack firmly on a flat table to ensure all edges are perfectly flush. Slide the paper back into the tray, but do not overfill it. Ensure the stack is below the maximum fill line indicated on the tray wall. Adjust the blue paper guides. Slide them snugly against the edges of the paper, but not so tight that the paper bows or arches. If the guides are too loose, the paper will feed at an angle and trigger the error. Press the "Black" or "Color" button on the control panel to clear the error and restart the feed sequence. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Inspect for Foreign Objects: Use a bright flashlight to look deep into the rear feed slot. Even a small staple, paperclip, or a torn piece of a previous page can block the pickup roller from engaging. If you see a fragment, use a pair of tweezers to carefully pull it out in the direction of the paper path. Change Paper Weight: If you are using heavy cardstock or glossy photo paper, the TS3520 often struggles to grip these. Try switching to standard 20lb multipurpose office paper to see if the error persists. If standard paper works, your specialty paper is likely too thick or too smooth for the rollers. Hard Reset the Logic Board: Power off the printer and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Wait exactly 60 seconds. While unplugged, press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to discharge remaining electricity. Plug it back in and attempt to print. Check for Roller Wear: If the printer is several years old and the rubber on the rollers looks flat or cracked, the rollers may need replacement. You can temporarily improve grip by lightly scuffing the rubber surface with a piece of high-grit sandpaper (400 grit) to remove the glazed layer. HEADS UP Avoid using "cheap" recycled paper with high lint content, as this accelerates the buildup of dust on the rollers and leads to more frequent "Out of Paper" errors. Never push the paper stack too deep into the tray; it should sit comfortably against the backstop without being forced. Store your paper in a cool, dry place. Damp paper curls slightly, which prevents the TS3520's top-loading mechanism from grabbing the sheet effectively. Always use the paper guides to keep the stack centered; feeding paper off-center is the primary cause of skewed prints and false empty-tray alerts.

Question 2

my canon pixma ts3520 is making a loud, rhythmic grinding or clicking noise when it prints, sounds terrible.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The loud, rhythmic grinding or clicking noise in the Canon PIXMA TS3520 is typically caused by a mechanical obstruction or a failure in the carriage drive system. This specific model uses a plastic gear train and a rubber timing belt to move the print head carriage across the guide rail. When you hear a rhythmic "clack-clack-clack," it usually indicates that the carriage is hitting a physical stop or that a gear tooth is slipping because the carriage cannot complete its full travel path. This often happens due to "paper creep," where small scraps of torn paper from a previous jam lodge themselves in the far corners of the chassis, or when the ink cartridges are not seated perfectly flush, causing the carriage to snag on the internal plastic housing. You can confirm the source by powering on the printer and watching the carriage movement; if the noise peaks exactly when the carriage reaches the far left or right side, the issue is a physical obstruction. If the noise is constant throughout the entire sweep, the issue is likely a degraded timing belt or a foreign object caught in the gear assembly. FIX To resolve the grinding noise, you must clear the mechanical path and ensure the drive system is unobstructed. Follow these steps precisely: Power off the printer completely and disconnect the power cable from the wall outlet to prevent the carriage from moving unexpectedly during the process. Open the scanning unit/cover and the ink cartridge access door. Gently move the print head carriage to the center of the printer. If it is locked, do not force it; instead, power the unit on and off quickly to trigger the automatic home-positioning movement. Use a high-intensity flashlight to inspect the far left and far right "parking" areas of the carriage rail. Look for tiny shreds of paper, staples, or accumulated dust clumps. Use a pair of tweezers or a can of compressed air to remove any debris. Inspect the silver guide rail (the metal rod the carriage slides on). If you see a buildup of black grease mixed with dust, wipe it clean using a lint-free cloth dampened with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. Remove both the PG-275 (Black) and CL-276 (Color) cartridges. Inspect the gold contact points and the plastic tabs. Re-insert them firmly, ensuring you hear a distinct "click" as they lock into place. A cartridge that is slightly tilted can rub against the printer frame, causing a rhythmic clicking sound. Close all covers and plug the unit back in. Perform a "Power Cycle" by holding the power button for 5 seconds before turning it back on. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the grinding persists, try these more advanced troubleshooting steps: Check for Encoder Strip Contamination: Locate the thin, clear plastic strip (the encoder strip) that runs horizontally across the printer behind the carriage. If there is a smudge of ink or grease on this strip, the printer "loses" the position of the carriage and will slam it against the side of the chassis, creating a loud grinding noise. Gently wipe the strip with a dry cotton swab. Reset the Carriage Position: Unplug the printer and hold the power button for 30 seconds to drain the capacitors. While unplugged, manually slide the carriage slowly from one end to the other three times to ensure there are no "dead spots" or physical resistance in the rail. Inspect the Paper Feed Rollers: Sometimes the grinding isn't the carriage, but the pickup rollers struggling to pull a skewed sheet of paper. Open the rear tray and check for any foreign objects (coins, paperclips) that may have fallen into the feed mechanism. Update Firmware: In rare cases, a timing error in the firmware can cause the carriage to over-travel. Use the Canon PRINT app or the web interface to check for any pending firmware updates for the TS3520. HEADS UP Avoid Lubricants: Never apply WD-40 or silicone sprays to the guide rail. These attract dust and can degrade the plastic components, eventually seizing the carriage. Paper Quality: Only use standard 16lb to 24lb paper. Using overly thick cardstock in the TS3520 can put undue stress on the plastic gears, leading to the "stripped gear" grinding sound. Cartridge Seating: Always ensure the orange protective tape is completely removed from the cartridges; remaining adhesive strips can cause the carriage to drag. Power Management: Always turn the printer off using the Power button rather than pulling the plug. This ensures the print head parks in the correct position, preventing the mechanical "crash" that causes clicking.

Question 3

the paper keeps getting jammed halfway through when i try to print, it's all wrinkled and crooked.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The Canon PIXMA TS3520 utilizes a rear-feed tray system that relies on a single pickup roller to pull paper into the print engine. When paper jams halfway and emerges wrinkled or skewed, it indicates a "skew feed" condition. This occurs when the paper is not entering the feed slot perfectly perpendicular to the rollers, or when one side of the page is gripped by the roller before the other. Once the page enters at a slight angle, it hits the internal chassis walls, causing the paper to bunch up (wrinkle) and eventually trigger a "Support Code 1300" or "1303" error on the small LCD screen. This is most commonly caused by misalignment of the paper guides or debris in the rear tray. Because the TS3520 has an open-top feed, it is highly susceptible to "foreign object debris" (FOD)—such as staples, paperclips, or dust clumps—falling into the feed slot. Even a tiny piece of torn paper from a previous jam can act as a wedge, forcing every subsequent sheet to veer to the left or right. Additionally, using paper that has absorbed ambient humidity will cause the sheets to curl, preventing the roller from maintaining a flat, consistent grip across the entire width of the page. FIX To resolve the skewing and jamming, follow this precise recalibration and cleaning sequence: Power off the printer and unplug the power cable from the wall to ensure safety while inspecting the feed path. Clear the rear tray entirely. Inspect the feed slot using a bright flashlight. Look for any small scraps of paper, staples, or dust bunnies. If you see debris, use a pair of long-nose pliers or a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove it. Take your paper stack and "fan" the edges for 10 seconds to break the static seal between sheets. Ensure you are using standard 20lb (75-90 gsm) bright white paper. Slide the paper guides in the rear tray all the way outward. Insert the paper stack, ensuring it is pushed firmly against the back of the tray but not forced down so hard that it bows. Slide the side guides inward until they are snug against the edges of the paper. The guides should touch the paper without bending it; if the guides are too tight, they will actually push the paper into a curve, causing the very wrinkles you are seeing. Clean the rubber pickup roller. Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water (do not use alcohol). Reach into the feed slot and gently wipe the rubber roller, rotating it manually if possible, to remove paper dust and oils. Plug the printer back in, power it on, and run a "Nozzle Check" or a single-page test to verify the alignment. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Check for "Hidden" Jams: Open the scanning unit/cover and check the carriage path. Sometimes a small piece of paper is stuck in the far right or left corner of the printer chassis, which doesn't stop the paper from starting but causes it to deviate halfway through the cycle. Swap the Paper Brand: If you are using budget-grade or recycled paper, the surface may be too slick or too porous for the TS3520's rollers. Switch to a premium brand like HP or Canon Genuine paper to see if the grip improves. Perform a Hard Reset: Unplug the printer while it is still powered on. Wait 60 seconds. Hold the power button down for 15 seconds while unplugged to discharge the capacitors. Plug it back in and restart. This can sometimes clear persistent sensor errors that cause the printer to "panic" and stop the feed prematurely. Inspect the Rear Tray Plastic: Check for any cracks or warping in the plastic tray assembly. If the tray has been bumped or dropped, the angle of entry may be permanently skewed, requiring a replacement of the rear tray housing. HEADS UP Avoid Overloading: While the tray may seem deep, never fill it past the 75-sheet mark. Overloading puts excessive pressure on the pickup roller, increasing the likelihood of multiple sheets being pulled at once (multi-feed). Humidity Control: Store your paper in a cool, dry place. Damp paper is the primary cause of "curled" jams in rear-feed printers like the TS3520. Guide Precision: Always readjust the paper guides every time you change paper sizes (e.g., switching from Letter to 4x6 photo paper). Even a 2mm gap can cause a skew jam. Avoid Heavy Cardstock: The TS3520 is not designed for heavy craft cardstock. Using paper over 200gsm often results in the paper getting stuck halfway because the rollers cannot push the heavier weight through the internal curves.

Question 4

i'm trying to scan from my ts3520 to my computer but the canon app just says 'cannot communicate with scanner'.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The "cannot communicate with scanner" error on the Canon PIXMA TS3520 is almost always a result of a broken WSD (Web Services for Devices) handshake or a missing TWAIN driver. While Windows and macOS often auto-install a basic "Class Driver" that allows you to print, these generic drivers frequently lack the bidirectional communication protocols required for scanning. This creates a scenario where the printer is "Online" for printing, but "Offline" or "Not Found" for scanning. Furthermore, the TS3520 relies on a specific port range to send image data back to the PC. If your network profile is set to "Public" instead of "Private," or if a third-party firewall (like Norton or McAfee) is active, the scanner's data packets are dropped by the computer's security layer before they reach the Canon IJ Scan Utility. You can confirm this by attempting to scan via a USB cable; if it works via USB but fails via Wi-Fi, the issue is strictly network permissions or driver configuration. FIX To resolve this, you must bypass the generic Windows drivers and establish a dedicated communication path using the full software suite. Disconnect the printer from your computer and turn the printer off. Open Control Panel > Programs and Features and uninstall every entry labeled "Canon TS3500 series" or "Canon IJ Network Scanner Selector." Restart your computer to clear the system cache. Download the TS3500 series Full Driver & Software Package (avoid the "Lite" or "Basic" versions). Run the installer. When prompted for the connection method, select Wireless LAN Connection. When the installer asks to search for the printer, ensure the printer is turned on and the Wi-Fi icon is flashing. If the installer cannot find it, manually enter the printer's IP address (found by pressing the Information button on the printer panel). Once installed, do not use the generic Windows "Scan" app. Instead, open the Canon IJ Scan Utility from your Start Menu. Click Settings... and ensure the "Product Name" dropdown has the "TS3500 series (Network)" selected rather than the "WSD" version. Run a test scan using the "Auto" button in the IJ Scan Utility. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Change Network Profile to Private: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Properties. Change the Network Profile from "Public" to "Private." Public profiles block the inbound ports (specifically UDP 161 and TCP 80/443) that the TS3520 uses to send scan data to the PC. Disable Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) Conflict: Press Win+R, type services.msc, and hit Enter. Find "Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)." Right-click it, select Properties, set Startup type to "Automatic," and click Start. If it is already running, right-click and select "Restart." Assign a Static IP Address: Access the printer's remote UI by typing the printer's IP address into a web browser. Navigate to Network Settings > IPv4 and change "DHCP" to "Manual." Assign a high IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.200) to prevent the router from changing the printer's address, which frequently breaks the scanner link. Firewall Exception: Add an exception to your firewall for cnscan.exe and IJScanUtility.exe. These are the specific executables that handle the handshake between the TS3520 hardware and your operating system. HEADS UP Avoid WSD Ports: If you see "WSD" in your printer port settings, change it to a Standard TCP/IP Port. WSD is notorious for dropping connections after the computer wakes from sleep. Power Cycle Sequence: If the scanner disappears after a power outage, always reboot the router first, then the printer, and finally the computer. This ensures the IP handshake happens in the correct order. Firmware Updates: Use the Canon IJ Scan Utility to check for firmware updates. Canon frequently releases patches for the TS3500 series to improve wireless stability. USB Fallback: If you are in a high-interference environment (many 2.4GHz devices), the TS3520's small antenna may struggle. A high-quality USB 2.0 A-to-B cable is the only 100% reliable way to avoid communication errors.

Question 5

my canon printer's power light is just blinking orange and it won't do anything at all, no noise, no nothing.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The blinking orange power light on the Canon PIXMA TS3520 is a "Service Error" indicator. Unlike a specific error code appearing on the small LCD screen (like E03 or P02), a blinking orange light without any mechanical movement indicates a critical failure during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). The printer's logic board is detecting a "blocking" event, meaning the print head carriage cannot move to its home position or the ink sensors are reporting a total failure. This typically happens for one of three reasons: a physical obstruction (even a tiny scrap of paper) in the carriage path, an improperly seated ink cartridge that is physically preventing the carriage from locking, or a "frozen" state where the internal capacitors are holding a charge that keeps the error loop active. Because the printer is not making any noise, the system has triggered a safety shutdown to prevent the stepper motor from burning out against an obstruction. FIX To clear the logic error and reset the mechanical carriage, follow these precise steps: Power down the unit by pressing the Power button. Unplug the AC power cord from both the back of the TS3520 and the wall outlet. Open the scanning unit/cover to access the ink cartridge area. Gently check the far left and far right sides of the carriage path for any torn pieces of paper or foreign objects. Check the PG-275 (Black) and CL-275 (Color) cartridges. Press down firmly on the top of each cartridge to ensure they are clicked fully into place. If a cartridge is protruding even 2mm, the carriage sensor will trigger the orange blink. With the power still off, manually move the print head carriage from one side to the other. If it hits a hard stop before reaching the edge, look for a jammed piece of paper in the rear feed slot. Close the cover and plug the power cord back into the wall first, then into the printer. Press the Power button. If the light remains orange, press and hold the "Stop" button (the red circle with a triangle) for exactly 5 seconds to clear the internal error buffer. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Perform a Hard Power Cycle: Unplug the printer and hold the Power button down for 30 seconds while it is disconnected. This drains the remaining electricity from the capacitors on the mainboard, forcing the firmware to reboot from a clean state. Plug it back in and attempt to power on. Reseat the Paper Tray: Remove all paper from the rear tray. Check the paper feed rollers for any debris using a flashlight. Sometimes a small piece of cardboard or a staple can lodge in the feed mechanism, causing the printer to "think" there is a jam before it even starts. Isolate the Cartridges: Remove both the PG-275 and CL-275 cartridges. Try to turn the printer on without any ink installed. If the orange light changes to a different pattern or the printer starts moving, one of your cartridges has a faulty electronic chip that is shorting the system. Check for "Ink Out" Lock: If you are using non-genuine or refilled cartridges, the TS3520 may lock out. Press and hold the Stop button for 10 seconds. This overrides the ink level detection and can sometimes bypass the orange light if the issue is purely ink-sensor related. HEADS UP Avoid using "canister" style ink refills on the TS3520; these often leak and cause the electronic contacts on the print head to short, leading to permanent orange light errors. Always keep the printer plugged into a surge protector. This model is highly sensitive to voltage spikes, which can corrupt the firmware and cause "ghost" hardware errors. When loading paper in the rear tray, do not overfill past the alignment mark. Overfilling puts pressure on the feed rollers, which can lead to the carriage jamming during the startup cycle. If the orange light is accompanied by a specific "E" code on the screen (like E05), it is a communication error between the cartridge and the printer; clean the gold contacts on the cartridge with a lint-free cloth and a drop of isopropyl alcohol.

Question 6

the black ink on my canon pixma ts3520 is printing really faint and streaky, even though the cartridge says it's full.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The faint, streaky output on your Canon PIXMA TS3520 is caused by "nozzle crystallization." Because this model uses an integrated print head (the nozzles are built directly into the bottom of the PG-275 black cartridge), the ink at the exit points dries into a hard, plastic-like crust when the printer sits idle. This creates a physical blockage that prevents the ink from flowing evenly, resulting in horizontal white lines (banding) or a faded grey appearance despite a full reservoir. You can confirm this by performing a "Nozzle Check" print. If the black grid pattern shows gaps or missing segments while the color blocks are solid, the issue is localized to the black cartridge's print head. This is often exacerbated by using non-genuine third-party cartridges, which may have a different ink viscosity that dries faster than the OEM Canon formula. FIX To clear these blockages, you must perform a tiered cleaning process. Start with a standard clean and escalate to a deep clean if necessary. On a Windows PC, open the Control Panel and navigate to Devices and Printers. Right-click the Canon TS3500 series icon and select Printing Preferences. Click the Maintenance tab at the top of the window. Select Cleaning. The printer will run a short cycle to push ink through the nozzles. Once finished, print a Nozzle Check pattern to see if the streaks are gone. If the streaks persist, return to the Maintenance tab and select Deep Cleaning. This process uses a significantly higher volume of ink to force out stubborn clogs. Note: This will consume a noticeable amount of your black ink. Wait for the printer to complete the cycle (approximately 3-5 minutes). Do not power off the device during this process. Print another Nozzle Check. If the black ink is still faint, repeat the Deep Cleaning process one more time. If it still fails after two deep cleans, the cartridge is likely permanently dried out and requires replacement. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Manual Print Head Soak: Remove the PG-275 black cartridge. Fold a paper towel and dampen it with warm distilled water. Gently press the gold print head (the bottom nozzle plate) onto the damp towel for 30 seconds. Do not scrub or wipe; simply let the warmth soften the dried ink. Reinstall and test. Cartridge Replacement: Since the TS3520 uses a "tank-on-head" design, the print head cannot be cleaned internally. If the nozzles are scorched or completely crystallized, the only solution is to replace the PG-275 cartridge with a fresh one. Check Paper Settings: Ensure your print settings are not set to "Draft" or "Economy" mode. Go to Printing Preferences > Quick Setup and change the Print Quality from "Standard" to "High." This forces the printer to pass over the page more slowly, often masking minor nozzle gaps. Hard Reset: Power off the printer and unplug the power cord for 60 seconds. This clears the temporary volatile memory and resets the ink delivery system's calibration. HEADS UP The 2-Week Rule: To prevent this from recurring, print at least one page of mixed black and color content every 14 days. This keeps the ink in the nozzles fluid. Avoid Generic Ink: Third-party inks often lack the specific surfactants found in Canon PG-275 cartridges, making them significantly more prone to clogging in the TS3520 series. Power Down Properly: Always use the Power button to turn off the printer rather than pulling the plug. This ensures the print head parks in the "capped" position, which seals the nozzles from air and prevents drying. Ink Levels: Deep cleaning consumes a large amount of ink. If your ink level is below 20%, a deep clean may introduce air bubbles into the print head, which can actually make the streaking worse.

Question 7

just got a ts3520 and it won't connect to my wifi during setup, it just keeps searching and failing.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS The Canon PIXMA TS3520 is a budget-friendly unit with a limited wireless radio that operates exclusively on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The "searching and failing" loop occurs because the printer cannot "see" or handshake with a network that is broadcasting only in 5 GHz, or a "Smart Connect" or "Band Steering" router that attempts to force the printer onto the 5 GHz band. When the router tries to steer the TS3520 to a higher frequency it cannot support, the connection request times out, resulting in a generic setup failure. Furthermore, many modern routers are set to WPA3 security by default. The TS3520 often struggles with WPA3 or "WPA2/WPA3 Mixed" modes, leading to an authentication failure even if the password is correct. You can confirm this is the issue if your smartphone or laptop connects instantly to the same network but the printer fails; this confirms the network is active, but the printer's specific hardware requirements (2.4 GHz / WPA2) are not being met by the router's current broadcast configuration. FIX To resolve this, you must align your router's broadcast settings with the printer's hardware capabilities. Follow these exact steps: Access your router's admin console via a web browser (usually by entering 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar). Navigate to the **Wireless Settings** or **Advanced Wi-Fi** tab. Locate the **Band Steering** or **Smart Connect** toggle and switch it to **OFF**. This will separate your network into two distinct SSIDs: one for 2.4 GHz and one for 5 GHz. Rename the 2.4 GHz network specifically (e.g., "HomeWiFi_2.4") so you can identify it easily during setup. Change the **Security Mode** from WPA3 or "Auto" to **WPA2-PSK (AES)**. This is the most stable protocol for the TS3520. Set the **Channel Width** for the 2.4 GHz band to **20 MHz** instead of "Auto" or "40 MHz" to reduce interference and improve stability. Save the settings and restart the router. On the printer, press and hold the **Network button** (the one with the wireless tower icon) until the signal icon flashes. Open the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app on your mobile device, select "Add Printer," and choose the newly created "HomeWiFi_2.4" network. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Perform a Network Reset: The printer may have cached a failed handshake. Press the Stop button until the Alarm lamp flashes 4 times, then press the Network button once. This clears the internal wireless cache and forces a fresh search. Use the WPS Method: If the app setup continues to fail, use the physical WPS button on your router. Press and hold the Network button on the TS3520 for about 3 seconds until the wireless icon flashes. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. This bypasses the manual password entry and app handshake entirely. Disable Firewall/VPN: If you are using a laptop for setup, ensure any active VPN (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN) is completely disabled. VPNs create a virtual network adapter that prevents the computer from seeing the printer's temporary "Setup" broadcast signal. Update Firmware via USB: If you have a USB A-to-B cable, connect the printer to a PC. Use the Canon utility to check for firmware updates. There are specific patches for the TS series that improve compatibility with newer Mesh Wi-Fi systems. HEADS UP Avoid Mesh Nodes: When setting up the TS3520, stay within 5-10 feet of the main router rather than a satellite node; once the handshake is complete, you can move the printer back to its permanent location. Power Cycle Routine: If the printer loses connection after a power outage, always reboot the router first, wait 2 minutes for the 2.4 GHz band to stabilize, and then power on the printer. Avoid Special Characters: Ensure your Wi-Fi password does not contain complex symbols (like emojis or non-standard ASCII characters), as the TS3520's basic firmware can occasionally misinterpret these during the handshake. Ink Warning: Note that the printer may refuse to complete the wireless setup if the ink cartridges are not properly seated or if the "Low Ink" warning is blocking the screen; ensure the printer is in a "Ready" state before starting the network process.

Question 8

my canon ts3520 printer keeps showing 'error 5100' and won't print anything, just makes a grinding noise.

Accepted Answer

DIAGNOSIS Error 5100 on the Canon PIXMA TS3520 is a critical carriage error. This occurs when the print head carriage—the component that holds the ink cartridges—cannot move freely across the width of the printer. The grinding noise you hear is the stepper motor attempting to force the carriage forward while it is physically obstructed, which can eventually strip the plastic gears if not addressed immediately. This failure is typically caused by one of three things: a small piece of torn paper lodged in the far left or right corners of the carriage path, a buildup of thickened ink residue on the encoder strip (the thin, clear plastic ribbon behind the carriage), or a foreign object like a paperclip or staple that has fallen into the chassis. You can confirm this by opening the scanning unit/cover; if the carriage is skewed or stuck at an extreme angle rather than centered, you have a mechanical obstruction. FIX Follow these precise steps to clear the obstruction and reset the carriage system: Power down the printer completely. Press the Power button, then physically unplug the AC power cord from the wall outlet to discharge any remaining electricity in the capacitors. Lift the scanning unit/cover to access the interior. Use a high-intensity LED flashlight to inspect the far left and right "parking" stations. Look for tiny scraps of paper, often no larger than a fingernail, that may be wedged in the guide rail. Check the encoder strip. This is the translucent plastic strip running horizontally across the printer. If you see smears of ink or grease on this strip, the printer "loses its place," triggering Error 5100. Gently wipe the strip with a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth. Do not use rubbing alcohol, as it can erase the microscopic timing marks on the strip. Gently grasp the print head carriage. With the power off, slowly slide it from one side to the other. If you feel resistance, do not force it; look for the specific point of friction. Ensure the ink cartridges (PG-275 and CL-276) are snapped firmly into place and aren't protruding downward, which could cause them to snag on the paper feed rollers. Clear any debris from the paper feed path using a pair of tweezers. Ensure no paper is curled underneath the carriage rail. Close the cover, plug the power cord back in, and turn the device on. The printer will perform a calibration cycle; wait for it to finish completely before sending a test page. IF THAT DIDN'T WORK Perform a Hard Power Reset. While the printer is on, unplug the power cord from the back of the machine. Wait exactly 60 seconds. While unplugged, hold the Power button down for 15 seconds to drain the internal logic board. Plug it back in and restart. This clears the volatile memory that may be "remembering" the error state. Check for "Paper Ghosting." Sometimes a page is stuck in the rear tray but hasn't reached the carriage yet. Open the rear tray and use a flashlight to see if a sheet is partially fed. If so, pull it out slowly in the direction of the paper path to avoid tearing. Inspect the Carriage Belt. Look at the black rubber belt that moves the carriage. If the belt has slipped off its pulley or has a visible tear/stretch, the carriage will move unevenly, triggering the 5100 code. If the belt is loose, the unit typically requires professional mechanical service as the tension springs are not user-serviceable. Update Firmware. If the hardware is clear but the error persists, connect the printer via USB to a PC and run the Canon update utility. Occasionally, sensor sensitivity thresholds are adjusted via firmware updates to prevent "false positive" carriage errors. HEADS UP Avoid using canned air (compressed air) inside the TS3520. The high pressure can push small debris deeper into the gear assembly or displace the encoder strip, making the problem worse. Never force the carriage to move if you feel a hard stop. Forcing the carriage can snap the plastic guide rails or strip the drive gear, which renders the printer unrepairable. Keep the printer covered when not in use. Dust and hair accumulation on the encoder strip are the leading causes of "phantom" 5100 errors in home environments. Only use genuine Canon ink or high-quality compatible cartridges. Leaking third-party cartridges can drip ink onto the carriage rail, creating a sticky residue that slows the motor and triggers the error.

Canon PIXMA TS3520 Wireless All-in-One Printer

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