Canon support code B202, B203, B204, B205 (print head error)
The B20x codes are print head errors in the same family as B200. B202, B203, B204 and B205 are raised when the print head's temperature sensor or drive circuit reports a fault on one or more nozzle groups, the carriage electronics fail a check, or the head draws abnormal current. Canon's documentation for B202 through B205 simply says to turn the printer off, unplug it, and contact service if the error persists.
What causes it
- Print head overheated after ink tanks ran dry
- Ink leaked onto the print head contacts or the carriage contacts
- Print head electrical failure through age
- Incompatible or refilled tanks delivering no ink to one channel
- Carriage flex cable or logic board fault
How to fix it, in order
Work down the list and stop when the printer recovers. The steps are ordered from most likely and least invasive to last resort.
Power off and unplug for at least ten minutes
The head must cool and the fault flags clear. Reconnect and turn on with the cover closed.
Check every ink tank
Open the cover, let the carriage centre, and check each tank's LED and ink window. Replace any empty tank before going further.
Remove the print head and inspect
Take out all tanks, raise the lock lever and lift out the head. Look for ink on the contact pads on the back and on the pins inside the carriage. Ink bridging contacts is a common cause of B20x errors.
Clean and dry the head
Wipe the contacts with a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water and dry fully. If nozzles are clogged, soak only the nozzle plate in warm water for 15 minutes, then dry the head for several hours before reinstalling.
Try the cover-open reset
With the printer off, open the cover, press Power and wait for the carriage to begin moving, then close the cover. On many MG models this bypasses the head check once and the printer starts, which confirms the head is the cause.
Reinstall and test
Refit the head, lock the lever, install the tanks, close the cover and power on. If B202 returns, test with a replacement head.
Replace the print head
Fit a new Canon print head for your model. Install it with tanks at reasonable levels. If the new head also reports B20x, the carriage electronics are at fault.
Stopping it happening again
When it is not worth fixing yourself
If you would rather not work through this alone, a printer specialist can take a look with you on a screen-share and tell you honestly whether the machine is worth saving.
Frequently asked questions
Is B204 the same as B200?
It is in the same print head error family with the same fixes. The last digit identifies which check failed but Canon does not publish the detail.
Can a single empty tank cause B203?
Yes. An empty channel lets the nozzles fire dry and overheat, which trips the head's temperature check.
Is a replacement print head worth it?
On a PIXMA PRO or a high-end TS model, yes. On an older MG5300 or iP4900 the head can cost half the price of a new printer.
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