Canon Pixma Error Code 5100 Fix
Canon Pixma error 5100 is a carriage‑movement fault. It usually appears when the printhead carriage can’t travel smoothly—because of a paper scrap, dried ink buildup, mis‑seated cartridges, a dirty encoder strip, or a stalled logic state. The good news is that most 5100 errors can be cleared at home with careful cleaning and a reset. Follow this guide in order to avoid damaging the carriage or wasting ink.
What Error 5100 Means
The printer expects the carriage to move to specific positions during startup and printing. If sensors detect resistance or the carriage can’t find its position, the printer stops and throws 5100. Fixing it is about restoring smooth movement and accurate position sensing.
1) Power Reset and Cool Down
Turn the printer off, unplug it, and wait at least one minute. If you just ran cleaning cycles, wait 10–15 minutes to let the head cool. Plug back in and power on. A transient stall can clear with a simple reset.
2) Check for Paper Scraps and Obstructions
Open the top cover and look inside with a flashlight. Remove any jammed paper, labels, or tiny scraps near the rollers and carriage track. Check the rear access door if your model has one. Even a small torn corner can block the carriage and trigger 5100.
3) Reseat Cartridges and Printhead
With the printer on and the cover open, wait for the carriage to move to the center. Remove each ink tank and reinstall it firmly until it clicks. If your model uses a removable printhead, remove it, check for ink buildup on contacts, and reinstall carefully. Mis‑seated tanks can keep the carriage from docking correctly.
4) Clean the Carriage Path
Power off and unplug the printer. Gently slide the carriage left and right by hand. It should move smoothly with light resistance. If it feels sticky, clean the rails with a lint‑free cloth slightly dampened with distilled water. Avoid oiling rails unless Canon explicitly recommends it; oil can attract dust and worsen the problem.
5) Clean the Encoder Strip (Carefully)
The encoder strip is a clear plastic band behind the carriage that tells the printer where the head is. If it’s smeared with ink or dust, the printer loses position and throws 5100. Use a dry, lint‑free cloth or cotton swab lightly moistened with distilled water to wipe the strip gently. Do not pull it out or apply pressure; it’s delicate. Let it dry fully before powering on.
6) Clean the Parking Station / Purge Unit
On the right side where the carriage parks, ink residue can gum up movement. With the printer unplugged, dab away heavy ink buildup using a lint‑free cloth. Avoid pushing parts down; just remove surface debris. A stuck purge unit can prevent the carriage from docking.
6a) Check the Carriage Latch and Transport Locks
Make sure the printhead latch is fully closed and no orange transport clips or packing tabs remain inside the printer. A partially open latch or leftover lock can physically block carriage travel and trigger 5100. If you recently changed cartridges, double‑check that no cartridge is sitting high or tilted.\n
7) Remove Excess Paper Dust
Paper dust builds up on rollers and can create drag. Blow gently with compressed air (short bursts) or use a soft brush. Keep air away from the encoder strip and nozzles to avoid forcing debris into sensitive areas.
8) Try a Service Reset
Some Pixma models clear 5100 after a deeper reset: unplug the printer, hold Stop/Reset, press Power, then keep holding Power while pressing Stop/Reset twice. Release both. If you are unsure, skip this step—wrong sequences can enter service modes unintentionally.
9) Firmware and Driver Checks
Firmware rarely causes 5100, but a stalled job can repeatedly trigger it. After clearing the mechanical cause, reinstall the Canon driver on your computer and clear any queued jobs. Update firmware through Canon’s utility if your model supports it.
When 5100 Indicates Hardware Failure
If the carriage still grinds or stops after all cleaning, the carriage motor, belt, or sensors may be failing. Loud clicking on startup, a belt that looks slack, or a carriage that won’t move even by hand are signs of hardware failure. At that point, professional service or replacement may be more cost‑effective.
How to Prevent Error 5100
Keep paper clean and dry, and don’t overfill the tray. Remove jammed paper gently to avoid leaving scraps behind. Print regularly so ink doesn’t dry in the parking station, and run a quick nozzle check every few weeks if you print infrequently. Wipe spills immediately and avoid moving the printer while powered on. If you use third‑party ink, watch for leaks that can smear the encoder strip over time.
Quick Recovery Checklist
- Power off/unplug and restart after a short wait.
- Remove paper scraps and check rear/side access areas.
- Reseat cartridges and printhead.
- Slide carriage by hand; clean rails if sticky.
- Gently clean encoder strip and parking station.
- Clear queues/drivers after the mechanical fix.
In most cases, careful cleaning of obstructions and the encoder strip restores smooth carriage movement and eliminates Pixma error 5100. Take your time, work gently, and you’ll avoid repeat faults.