Canon printer error codes explained: 5100, 5200, 5B00, 1700, 1640 and more

When a Canon PIXMA or G-series printer stops with an error, it shows a support code: on the printer's screen, as a blinking light pattern, or in the print status window on your computer. Write the code down exactly; the same message, "Printer error has occurred", covers several different problems.

The meanings below come from Canon's online manuals for popular models, including the G3010 series manual, which also covers the G3410. Codes can differ slightly between models, so check your model's manual if something doesn't match.

• 1640: an ink tank may be at the lower line (G-series). Look at the tanks and refill any colour below the lower line. Canon warns that printing below the line can make the printer use extra ink to recover and may damage it. To turn the ink warning back on after refilling, Canon says to fill every colour to the upper line, then hold the Black or Color button for at least 5 seconds.
• 1688: the ink has run out (cartridge PIXMA models). Replace the cartridge.
• 1300: paper jam. Pull the jammed paper out slowly from the paper output slot or rear tray.
• 1000 or 1200: no paper, or a cover is open. Load paper or close the cover.

If you need ink, compare current printer ink prices and check the code: African G-series units usually take GI-490 ink.

5100 means the printer can't move the print head holder. Canon's steps: cancel printing and turn the printer off, check nothing is blocking the holder (transport packing, jammed paper), make sure the print heads are seated properly, then turn it back on. Canon warns not to touch the clear film, white belt or ink tubes inside.

5200 on G-series printers relates to the ink and print heads. Canon says to do these steps in order: check and refill the ink, turn off and unplug the printer, plug in and turn it on, run print head Cleaning, then run Ink Flush. If the error comes back, replacing the print heads may fix it. On cartridge PIXMA models, Canon's advice for 5200 is simply to restart the printer.

6000, 5011 and 5012 are general printer errors. Clear any paper, unplug the printer, then restart it.

If any of these comes back after Canon's steps, it needs a technician.

• 1700 and 1701: the ink absorber is almost full. You can press the Black or Color button to keep printing for now, but Canon says to contact a service centre to request a repair before it fills.
• 5B00 and 5B01: Canon's G3010-series manual just says "Printer error has occurred. Contact service center." Its newer manuals explain that 5B00 means the ink absorber is full, and the printer won't print until it's replaced.
• 5B02: a printer error that needs service.
• B200, and B202 to B205 on G-series: "An error requiring a repair has occurred."

The ink absorber is a set of pads inside the printer that soak up ink used during cleaning. When they're full, they have to be replaced by a technician. Canon doesn't endorse third-party "reset" tools that make the printer ignore a full absorber; ignoring it risks ink leaking inside the machine.

Before paying for a repair, get a quote and compare it with the price of a new printer. Popular ink tank printers like the Canon G3410 and Epson L3250 are relatively inexpensive, so a big repair bill on an old printer may not be worth it. Ask the technician exactly what they'll replace, whether the part is genuine, and whether the repair carries a warranty.

If you're shopping for a replacement, our ink tank printer comparison is a good place to start.