Canon Inkjet Printer Error Codes
Our Guide To Canon Inkjet Printer Error Codes
On this page we detail the common Canon error codes you may experience when using your Canon Inkjet Printer. We also provide solutions to try which will hopefully resolve the problem you are having.
If the issue still persists after trying the suggested solution please contact your local store for one to one advice. Some of our stores also offer a printer repair service and you can search for your nearest store here.
Error Code B200
This is quite a serious error code and can relate to a couple of problems. First, the print head of the printer has a problem and will not function anymore, this is the element which the cartridges sit in pictured below.
Print heads can be replaced on some Canon Inkjet printers however the cost to replace the print head can make the repair uneconomical when compared to the cost of a new printer.
Contact your Cartridge World store to enquire about repair if you need a new print head.
The other possibility with the B200 error code is that the printer has a power supply fault, if this is the case then it is unfortunately time to recycle and purchase a new printer.
Error Code #335
This is an electronic error and may mean a cable has become loose or disconnected.
Check and try the following:
• Check that the cable connecting the print head to the printer is firmly plugged in on both sides as this is the most likely cause of the error.
•Download the latest driver updates from the Canon website
•Remove the cartridges and print head (if possible), switch off the machine. Unplug for a few minutes then switch back on and reinstall the print head and cartridges.
Error Code #336
This error is generally accompanied by a noise coming from the gears in the printer. This is a problem which can occur during the cleaning of the print head.
First, check that there is no foreign body or dried ink underneath the print head on the right hand side of the printer.
Then, attempt to reset the used ink counter. The procedure on how to complete this can be found on this page which details what the number of orange light flashes means when trying to diagnose an error.
Error Code #343
This error code refers to Full used ink pads. This is a small sponge pad in the printer which can be found under the print head and collects excess ink from the cartridges.
The ink counter can be reset to allow continuation of printing but it is advisable to replace or clean the ink pad at the earliest opportunity.
To clean the ink pad follow these steps:
1. Fill a large bowl with warm, soapy water and set it aside. Wearing rubber gloves is advisable to avoid getting ink on your hands
2. Open the printer as you would if changing a cartridge.
3. Wait for the ink cartridge carriage to move all the way over, then disconnect the printer's power cord.
4. Look for a black rubber frame under the ink cartridge assembly. This contains the ink absorbing pads.
5. Carefully remove the rubber frame from the printer and remove the ink absorbing pads. The number of pads varies by model.
6. Place the pads in the bowl. Rub and squeeze them to remove the ink. When the water becomes discoloured with ink, empty and refill the bowl with more warm, soapy water. Continue doing this until all ink is removed from the pads.
7. Squeeze all excess water from the pads and place them on paper towels to dry.
8. Check the pads every hour to determine if they are dry. If the paper towels are wet, change them for dry and wait longer for the pads to dry properly.
9. When completely dry install the pads back in the rubber frame. Reinstall the frame in the printer.
10. Press and hold the "Power" button and reconnect the power cord. When the printer comes on, release the button. Wait five seconds and push the "Power" button again. This resets the printer's internal memory and overrides the "Ink Absorber Full" error code.
Please note:
Some Canon inkjet printers must be disassembled to properly access the ink absorption pads. If you are unsure please contact Canon for further support.
Visit this page for the procedure on how to reset the ink counters to reset the printer.
Error Code #357
This error code is the result of the paper not being in the correct poistion when loaded.
Things to check and try:
• Make sure there is no paper or any foreign objects e.g. paperclip stuck inside the printer.
• Check that the ink pads underneath the print head (far right of the printer) have not raised slightly and out of their frame. If they looked raised press down gently to reseat.
• If the carriage does not travel to the middle when you open the cover; move it gently to the left about 10cms, close the cover, switch off and then on again to rest the printhead position.
Error Code #359
This error code is generated due to a problem with the paper feed.
Before trying anything else quickly check that a small object such as a drwaing pin or paperclip has not fallen into where the paper is fed into the printer.
After you have checked, restart the printer: turn off, unplug the power cable for a few minutes then reconnect and turn the printer back on.
Error 5100
An error 5100 code is to alert you to the fact that the ink carriage has problems. The cause is usually something jamming the cartridge carriage. With the machine turned off and the power cord unplugged, open the machine and inspect the inside - do you see any stray pieces of paper or any other foreign obejct that might impede the print head's movement?
The other possiblity is that the Encoder Film inside the printer could be smeared and requires cleaning.
The Encoder Film (A) is a thin transparent film which runs the full width of the printer and sits behind the print head assembly.
Cleaning the Encoder Film is a delicate process and we strongly recommend carefully following the instructions on the Canon Support web site..
Error Code 5800
The error code 5800 means the waste ink counter requires resetting (yellow and orange light, flashing alternately several times). View this page for procedures on how to reset the ink counter for different Canon Inkjet printer models.
Error Code 5C00
This error relates to the purge unit sensor, which is located where the cartridge holder rests. Several avenues for troubleshooting:
In some cases, a simple reset of the ink counter allows the device to be restarted. View the procedure here.
Otherwise, remove the ink cartridges and gently clean the inside of the cartridge holder with a cotton swab moistened with water.
Sometimes you have to start over several times and be patient.