Canon Pixma printers use F-series error codes (F01–F23) to flag specific hardware, ink system, carriage, and internal logic problems. These codes typically appear on the printer display or in the driver software when the device detects something it cannot automatically correct, such as a jam, sensor fault, overfilled waste-ink pad, or print-head issue.
This guide brings together the most common Canon Pixma F-series error codes in one place so you can quickly identify what the code means, decide whether it is safe to fix at home, and jump directly to a detailed, step-by-step repair article for your exact error.
Canon Pixma F-Series Error Codes Overview
| Code | Meaning (Quick Summary) |
|---|---|
| F01 | General Pixma startup/fatal error indicating the printer cannot complete initialization. |
| F02 | P02 carriage jam or obstruction preventing the print head from moving freely. |
| F03 | Paper feed or sensor-related fault during loading or transport of paper. |
| F05 | Print-head or temperature-related fault requiring inspection or reset. |
| F06 | Waste-ink absorber / service error indicating the ink pads are near or at capacity. |
| F07 | Ink system or purge unit overload error affecting priming and cleaning cycles. |
| F11 | Scanner or top-unit communication fault between the scanner and main board. |
| F12 | Power or overcurrent condition detected by the printer’s internal circuitry. |
| F13 | Mechanical or cover-related error triggering a safety interlock. |
| F14 | Incorrect, unsupported, or faulty print head installed in the carriage. |
| F15 | Ink tank recognition problem or cartridge chip reading failure. |
| F16 | Low-ink or empty-cartridge detection error that prevents printing. |
| F17 | Rear tray or cassette paper feed issue, including misfeeds or tray detection errors. |
| F18 | Duplex unit or internal paper path blockage, often during double-sided printing. |
| F19 | Communication timeout or connection error over USB or network. |
| F20 | Internal temperature or duty-cycle overload causing the printer to halt. |
| F21 | Output tray or paper ejection problem at the end of the print path. |
| F22 | EEPROM or internal memory error affecting saved settings and calibration data. |
| F23 | Serious internal or service-mode error requiring deeper diagnostics. |
Canon Pixma F-Series Error Code Details
F01: Canon Pixma Printer F01 Error Code Fix Guide
The F01 error on Canon Pixma printers usually indicates a general startup or fatal system fault, often triggered by power interruptions, corrupted initialisation data, or an internal hardware issue. Symptoms can include the printer freezing on boot, repeated restarts, or an immediate error screen with no movement from the carriage or rollers.
F02: Canon Pixma Printer F02 Error Code Fix (P02 Carriage Jam)
The F02 (P02) error corresponds to a carriage jam, where the print head assembly cannot travel smoothly across the rail. This is often caused by obstructions such as bits of paper, dried ink buildup, misaligned encoder strips, or damaged carriage drive belts.
F03: Canon Pixma Printer F03 Error Code Fix Guide
The Canon Pixma F03 error generally points to a paper feed or paper sensor problem detected as sheets are loaded or advanced. It can be caused by warped or damp paper, dirty feed rollers, misaligned sensors, or fragments of paper stuck near the feed mechanism.
F05: Canon Pixma Printer F05 Error Code Guide
Error F05 typically indicates a print-head or thermal-related fault, often triggered when the head overheats, mis-seats in the carriage, or suffers from clogged nozzles and poor ink flow. Left unresolved, this can lead to degraded print quality or failure to print altogether.
F06: Canon Pixma Printer F06 Fix: Waste-Ink / Service Error Guide
F06 is a classic waste-ink / service error, indicating that the internal ink absorber pads are nearing or at their calculated capacity. The printer may lock out printing until the waste-ink counter is reset and, ideally, the physical pads are inspected or replaced.
F07: Canon Pixma Printer F07 Fix (Error Code Guide)
The F07 error commonly relates to the ink system or purge unit, which handles priming and cleaning the print head. Issues like thickened ink, blocked purge tubes, jammed wiper blades, or failing purge motors can all trigger this code and interrupt normal printing.
F11: Canon Pixma Printer F11 Error Code Fix
Canon’s F11 error usually signals a problem with the scanner assembly or communication between the scanner and main logic board. You might see the scanner light fail to move, hear unusual noises, or experience failures when attempting to copy or scan.
F12: Canon Pixma Printer F12 Fix: Straight-Forward Guide
The F12 code is often associated with power or overcurrent issues, where the printer detects abnormal electrical load from internal components. This can stem from failing motors, shorted boards, or unstable mains power, and may cause sudden shutdowns or repeated boot errors.
F13: Canon Pixma Printer F13 Error Code Fix
Error F13 is typically a mechanical or cover-related fault detected by safety interlock sensors. It can arise if the top cover, rear cover, or paper path doors are not fully closed, or if the detecting switches and sensors are dirty, damaged, or misaligned.
F14: Canon Pixma Printer F14 Fix (Fast Real-World Guide)
The Canon Pixma F14 error often points to an unsupported, incorrect, or faulty print head being detected by the printer. This may follow a head replacement, a seating issue, or electronic failure in the head’s contacts or ID circuitry.
F15: Canon Pixma Printer F15 Error Code Fix Guide
F15 usually indicates the printer cannot properly recognize one or more ink cartridges, often due to dirty or damaged chip contacts, third-party cartridges, or incompatible tanks. The printer may highlight a specific color or simply refuse to continue until recognition is restored.
F16: Canon Pixma Printer F16 Error Code Fix
The F16 error code generally relates to low-ink or empty-cartridge detection that blocks printing even if ink appears to remain. This can result from misread ink levels, refilled tanks without proper reset, or malfunctioning ink level sensors.
F17: Canon Pixma Printer F17 Error Code Fix
Canon F17 is commonly a paper feed or tray detection problem, often linked to the rear tray or main cassette. Warped paper, incorrectly adjusted guides, or worn/dirty rollers can cause repeated misfeeds, skewed sheets, or immediate feed errors.
F18: Canon Pixma Printer F18 Error Code Fix
The F18 error often indicates a blockage or mechanical problem in the duplexer or internal paper path, especially during double-sided printing. Jammed scraps of paper, stiff gears, or misaligned duplex flaps can all lead to this fault.
F19: Canon Pixma Printer F19 Error Code Fix Guide
Error F19 typically refers to communication timeouts or connection errors between the printer and host device, whether over USB, Wi‑Fi, or Ethernet. It can be triggered by unstable networks, faulty cables, driver issues, or power-saving interruptions during long print jobs.
F20: Canon Pixma F20 Error Code Fix Guide
The Canon Pixma F20 error is often associated with internal temperature or workload protection, where the printer pauses to prevent overheating or component damage. Heavy-duty print cycles, blocked ventilation, or failing fans and sensors can all contribute to this condition.
F21: Canon Pixma Printer F21 Error Code Guide (Fast Fix)
Error F21 usually signals a problem at the output stage, such as the paper not ejecting correctly to the output tray. Stacked or curled paper, blocked output flaps, or damaged exit rollers can cause the sheet to stall and trigger this error.
F22: Canon Pixma Printer F22 Error Code Fix
The F22 error typically indicates an EEPROM or internal memory problem affecting stored settings and calibration data. In some cases, it can be resolved with resets and firmware updates, but persistent F22 errors may point to failing onboard memory hardware.
F23: Canon Pixma Printer F23 Error Code Fix
F23 is a serious internal or service-mode error that can involve multiple subsystems, such as the logic board, power section, or firmware. It often appears after incomplete resets, power events, or underlying hardware failures that require structured diagnostics.
General Maintenance Tips to Prevent Canon Pixma F-Series Errors
- Use clean, dry, good-quality paper and adjust the paper guides snugly to the stack to minimize feed and jam-related codes like F02, F03, F17, F18, and F21.
- Keep the interior free of debris by periodically opening accessible covers and gently removing dust, paper scraps, and dried ink buildup with lint-free cloths and isopropyl alcohol where appropriate.
- Run regular nozzle checks and cleaning cycles to maintain healthy ink flow, reduce head stress, and prevent print-head-related errors such as F05, F06, F07, F14, and F16.
- Install genuine or high-quality compatible cartridges and avoid touching the gold contacts to reduce recognition issues and chip errors like F15 and related ink-system faults.
- Ensure stable power and proper ventilation around the printer to avoid overheating and power anomalies, helping prevent errors like F01, F12, and F20.
- Keep firmware and drivers up to date so the printer and host devices communicate reliably, reducing the risk of connection-related codes such as F19 or unexplained internal faults.
- Avoid exceeding duty cycle recommendations by spreading large print jobs over time, which helps prolong the life of the print head, motors, and internal electronics.