42 documented fixes

Hardware errors & fixes

Search a printer error code or problem and follow a clear, step-by-step fix. Covers HP, Canon, Epson, Brother and cross-brand issues.

All brands · Hardware Low

Paper jam — how to clear it safely

A sheet has stopped in the paper path, or the printer reports a jam even when you can't see one. Clearing it the right w…

All brands · Hardware Medium

Ink or toner cartridge not recognized

The printer says a cartridge is missing, incompatible, or can't be detected — common after installing a new or third-par…

All brands · Hardware Medium

Scanner on an all-in-one won't work

The printer side works but scanning fails or the computer "can't communicate with the scanner". Network scanning in part…

HP · Hardware High

HP error 0x6100004a (carriage jam / printhead)

A hardware error on HP OfficeJet/ENVY models, usually meaning the ink carriage is blocked or the printer can't initializ…

HP · Hardware Medium

HP "Ink Cartridge Problem" / missing or incompatible

HP reports a problem with one or more cartridges — missing, damaged, counterfeit, or incompatible. Reseating, cleaning c…

HP · Hardware High

HP "Problem with Printhead"

HP can't communicate with or detect the printhead. On models with a removable printhead you can reseat and clean it; on…

Canon · Hardware High

Canon error B200 (printhead)

B200 on Canon PIXMA models indicates a printhead problem — often overheating, a clog, or an electrical fault. Cleaning a…

Canon · Hardware High

Canon error 5B00 (ink absorber / waste pad full)

Code 5B00 (also 5B01/1700) means the waste-ink absorber counter has reached its limit. The proper fix is replacing/servi…

Canon · Hardware Low

Canon support code 1300 (paper jam)

Support code 1300 is a paper jam in a Canon PIXMA — paper is stuck in the output or feed path. Remove it slowly and chec…

Canon · Hardware High

Canon error 5100 (carriage / obstruction)

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

Epson · Hardware High

Epson error 0x97

Error 0x97 is an internal hardware fault on many Epson WorkForce/EcoTank models — often the main board or printhead. A p…

Epson · Hardware High

Epson "Parts inside your printer are at the end of their service life"

This message means the waste-ink pads are full. Like Canon's 5B00, the proper fix is pad replacement/service; the Epson…

Epson · Hardware Medium

Epson paper jam message with no jam

Epson keeps reporting a paper jam even though no paper is stuck. This is typically debris on the sensors/rollers or a sm…

Brother · Hardware High

Brother "Unable to Print 46" / "Unable to Clean 46"

On Brother inkjets, error 46 means the ink-absorber (purge/flushing) box is full. Servicing the absorber is the real fix…

Brother · Hardware Low

Brother "Replace Toner" / "Toner Low" won't clear

Brother lasers warn when toner is low, then stop at "Replace Toner". If there's still toner, you can often continue prin…

Brother · Hardware Medium

Brother "Replace Drum" / "Drum End Soon"

The drum unit (seperate from toner on Brother lasers) is wearing out. After replacing it — or to clear a premature warni…

All brands · Hardware Medium

Printer making a grinding or clunking noise

An unusual grinding, clicking or clunking noise usually means something is stuck in the mechanism, packing material was…

Canon · Hardware Medium

Canon support code 6000 (paper feed error)

Support code 6000 on Canon PIXMA models is a paper-feed/lifting-plate error — the printer can't pick up paper correctly…

Brother · Hardware Low

Brother "Paper Jam" / "Jam Inside" / "Jam Rear"

A Brother printer reports a jam (often "Jam Inside" or "Jam Rear"). Clear it from the indicated area and check for small…

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