High severity Hardware Code: 5100 Canon

Canon error 5100 (carriage / obstruction)

Code 5100 means the print carriage can't move freely — usually an obstruction, packing material, or a dirty encoder strip.

Symptoms

  • "Error 5100"
  • Carriage stuck or grinding
  • Printer halts at startup

Likely causes

  • Tape/foam left inside
  • Paper scrap blocking the carriage
  • Dirty/damaged encoder (timing) strip
  • Cartridge not seated

How to fix it — step by step

Work through these in order; most people are fixed by the first two or three.

Remove packing material

On new units, remove all orange tape, foam and the cardboard near the carriage.

Clear obstructions

With power on and cover open, move the carriage and remove any jammed paper or debris from its track.

Clean the encoder strip

Gently wipe the clear plastic timing strip behind the carriage with a dry lint-free cloth (no alcohol) — ink smears here cause 5100.

Reseat cartridges & reset

Reinstall cartridges firmly, close the cover, and power-cycle.

Still not fixed? For hardware faults still under warranty, contact the manufacturer's official support. This is an independent guide — always confirm steps for your exact model in its manual.

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