Canon Printer Error 1660 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Canon error 1660 means the ink cartridge is not installed correctly or is missing. The printer detects that a required cartridge slot is empty or that the cartridge in a specific slot is not seated properly. This error is common after replacing ink cartridges if one cartridge did not click fully into place. You cannot print until the cartridge is correctly installed and recognized.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG2522
Canon PIXMA TS3322
Canon PIXMA MX490
Canon PIXMA MG3620
Canon PIXMA TR4520

Common Causes

One or more cartridges are not fully pushed into their slot
The protective orange tape or clip was not fully removed before installation
A cartridge was installed in the wrong color slot
The cartridge electrical contacts are dirty and cannot be read
A cartridge slot is empty — one cartridge was removed and not replaced

How to Fix It

Open the printer's top cover. The ink cartridge carriage will move to the center access position. Verify that all required cartridge slots have a cartridge installed.

Canon PIXMA printers typically require both a black and a color cartridge to be present, even if you are printing in one color only.
Remove each cartridge and reinstall it with a firm press until it clicks. Pay attention to clicking — a cartridge that is almost in place but not fully clicked will show 1660.

The click is audible and tactile. If you are not sure, remove and reinstall once more.
Check that you have installed each cartridge in the correct slot. Black cartridge (PG or PGI series) goes in the right slot; color cartridge (CL series) goes in the left slot on most Canon PIXMA models.

Installing a cartridge in the wrong slot causes 1660 immediately — cartridges are shaped to discourage this but it is still possible to force them in incorrectly.
Inspect the new cartridge for any remaining protective tape or orange plastic pieces. These are sometimes easy to miss, especially on multi-piece protective packaging.

Some Canon cartridges have two protective pieces — a tape over the nozzles and a plug on the ink supply port. Both must be removed.
Clean the gold contact points on the cartridge and on the carriage slots with a dry lint-free cloth. Even small amounts of ink on contacts can cause recognition failure.

If contacts are heavily inked, a cotton swab lightly moistened with distilled water works well — let contacts dry fully before reinstalling the cartridge.

When to Call a Professional

Error 1660 is almost always resolved without professional help. If genuine cartridges continue to show 1660 after proper installation and contact cleaning, the printer's carriage contact assembly may be worn. A Canon service center can clean or replace the carriage connectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Canon error 1660 keep coming back?

If 1660 returns after correct installation, the cartridge may be defective or the contact pads in the carriage are worn or dirty. Try a different genuine Canon cartridge in the affected slot. If a new cartridge resolves it, the original cartridge was defective — return it for a refund or replacement.

Can I print with just one cartridge on a Canon printer?

On most Canon PIXMA models, no — both the black and color cartridges must be installed even to print in just one color. Some higher-end models allow printing with one cartridge removed, but entry-level PIXMA models typically require both. If you rarely use color, keep an old color cartridge installed as a placeholder.

I installed a brand new cartridge and got error 1660 — what now?

First, double-check that all protective tape and clips are removed. Then remove and firmly re-click the cartridge in place. If the error persists with a new genuine Canon cartridge, the cartridge may be defective — most retailers accept returns on defective printer cartridges within 30 days.