Canon Pixma Error Code 5012

Seeing error code 5012 on a Canon Pixma printer usually means the printer has detected a movement or position problem inside the machine. Depending on the model, it may point to the print‑carriage area, the paper feed path, or the scanner unit not returning to its home position. The good news is that many 5012 errors come from simple obstructions or a stuck mechanism rather than a permanent failure. This guide explains the most common causes, how to safely inspect the printer, and what to do if the code returns.

Common Reasons for 5012

• Carriage can’t move freely: a paper fragment, foreign object, or dried ink blocks the printhead rail.
• Paper feed or rear tray jam: thick paper or labels slip and trigger a position sensor.
• Scanner unit error: on all‑in‑ones, the scanner lamp or carriage may not home correctly.
• Encoder strip contamination: the clear plastic strip behind the carriage is dirty or scratched.
• Firmware or power glitch: less common, but a freeze can make the printer misread sensors.

Step 1: Do a Full Power Reset

Turn the printer off, unplug it from the wall, and wait about a minute. Plug it back in and turn it on. This clears temporary sensor states. If the error vanishes and does not return, it was likely a short‑term glitch.

Step 2: Check for Obstructions in the Carriage Area

Open the top cover as if replacing ink. When the carriage moves to center, unplug the printer so it stays unlocked. Gently slide the carriage left and right. It should move smoothly without resistance.

• Look for torn paper, staples, twist ties, or labels stuck near the rail.
• Check the far‑right “parking” area where the printhead caps and wiper sit; dried ink can build up there.
• Remove debris with tweezers, not metal tools that could scratch parts.

After clearing anything you find, close the cover and restart the printer.

Step 3: Inspect the Paper Path and Rear Tray

Pull out the rear tray and paper feed. Remove paper and shine a light through the feed rollers. Even a small scrap can cause 5012. If you recently printed on cardstock or envelopes, make sure nothing is folded or lodged at the entrance. Reload plain paper and try a test print.

Step 4: Verify the Scanner Unit (All‑in‑Ones)

For Pixma all‑in‑ones, lift the scanner lid and check that the scanner lock is not engaged (some models have a transport lock). If the code appears right after closing the lid, reopen and close it firmly so the hinges seat. A misaligned lid can prevent the scanner carriage from homing. If the scanner makes repeated clicking noises, that points to a scanner drive issue.

Step 5: Clean the Encoder Strip Carefully

The encoder strip is a thin transparent band with tiny markings behind the carriage. If ink mist or dust coats it, the printer loses position and can throw 5012. With the printer off:

1. Locate the clear strip behind the carriage rail.
2. Lightly pinch it with a lint‑free cloth dampened with water (not alcohol).
3. Slide the cloth along the strip to remove smudges.

Do not pull the strip outward or scrub hard; it can be damaged easily.

Step 6: Reseat Printhead and Cartridges

If the carriage area is clean but the printer still errors, reseat the printhead:

1. Remove ink cartridges.
2. Release the printhead latch and lift out the printhead.
3. Check for ink buildup on contacts, then reinsert the head firmly and lock it.
4. Reinstall cartridges and close the cover.

A slightly unseated printhead can trip carriage sensors.

Step 7: Update Firmware (If You Can Reach Settings)

If the printer boots far enough to access menus, check for firmware updates in Setup > Device settings. Updates can correct sensor calibration issues or stuck states after power outages.

Preventing 5012 in the Future

Once the printer is back to normal, a little routine care helps keep 5012 from resurfacing. Keep paper flat and dry, and avoid feeding very thick stock through models that aren’t rated for it, since slipping paper is a frequent trigger. Every few months, open the top cover and gently remove dust around the carriage rail and parking station; ink overspray and debris here add resistance over time. If your printer is an all‑in‑one, close the scanner lid gently rather than pushing on one corner, because a skewed lid can misalign the scanner carriage. Finally, avoid unplugging the printer during startup or cleaning cycles—sudden power loss can leave the carriage mid‑track and lead to sensor confusion on the next boot.

If Error 5012 Keeps Returning

After the checks above, recurring 5012 suggests a failing carriage motor, scanner drive, or logic board. At that point:

• Note the exact Pixma model and any other codes shown.
• Check Canon’s support page for model‑specific meaning.
• Consider professional service if the printer is valuable or still under warranty.

If the printer is older and repair costs approach replacement cost, a new unit may be more economical.

In most cases, a careful inspection for obstructions and a gentle encoder‑strip cleaning resolve Canon Pixma error code 5012 without further repair.