How to solve the 1687 error code on Canon MP230 printers - the FINE ink cartridge has not been installed prop

This post will teach you all you need to know to solve the 1687 error message on your Canon MP230 printer.

The Canon MP230 printers are now being sold all over the Latin America and will probably become the number one Canon Multifunction printer.

This printer can have the Continuous Ink Systems installed but has a low print quality compared to the Canon Pixma MP280 printer. It does not have the built-in screen to help select the exact number of copies wanted when we doing an impression.

One of the most common error in this printer is the 1687 error code, this error is also referred as "the FINE ink cartridge is not properly installed". In other words, the Canon Pixma MP230 printer does not recognize the ink cartridge at all.
The FINE ink cartridges refer to the PG210 Black and PG211 tricolor ink cartridges, these are the cartridges used on the Canon Pixma MP230 printers. The high yield ink cartridges CL210XL Black and CL210XL tricolor ink cartridges are also included in the FINE ink categories.

How to solve the 1687 error message on Canon Pixma MP230 printers

The LED indicators on the printer will be light will blink as shown below

blinking lights on a Canon MP230 printer with the 1687 error code

When this LED light blink it is a sign of an error occurring on the printer, therefore we need to act fast and find a solution to remove this error. One of the most common error is the ink cartridge not correctly installed, or if you are using a refill ink cartridge you might not have properly clean the cartridge connector before putting it in the printer.

However, the chance of receiving this error when using a cartridge which has not been refilled is very low. If you still have the manufacturer warranty and this error appears we highly recommend you to contact the manufacturer.

In case you are using a refilled ink cartridge, you might need to clean the printer and the cartridge connectors. Sometimes an ink leak on these connectors can cause this problem, to clean these connectors simply use a napkin or a soft piece of clothing dipped in a little bit of alcohol. If you want to learn more about how to clean an ink cartridge please our post about it.

ink cartridge connectors

We also recommend cleaning the connector on your printer dried ink in this area can prevent the ink cartridge to be recognized by the printer. Below is a picture of the printer connectors they are located exactly where you insert the ink cartridge, please remember to use a napkin or a soft piece of cloth to clean them.

Printer's Connectors

Delicately clean these connectors to avoid damaging them, you must leave the cartridge carriage intact and at the same place. And it is recommended to clean from the top to the bottom, remember from the top to the bottom and be gentle, please.


After cleaning both sets of connectors, please put the ink cartridge back to the printer avoid touching the connectors or the ink injectors. Press the ink cartridges down to connect them to the printer connectors.

• We recommend avoiding touching the ink cartridge connectors to keep them clean or the same error will reappear. 
• The ink injectors are very fragile if they are clogged random lines might appear on the letters of the document printed.

When the entire procedure is completed, please turn the printer OFF and unplug the power cord, please wait about 5 minutes and plug it back then turn the printer ON. If the problem persists, remove the ink cartridges from the printer and put them back in one more time.

Once the FINE ink cartridge has been installed, leave it in the printer and use it up to 6 months after the installation date to have the maximum quality print.