A Canon printer ink error 1401 can easily be one of the most annoying things that can happen to you and have you sitting there scratching your head, asking what went wrong. This is a well-known error code that is often caused by a bad cartridge installation. But not to worry, in this comprehensive easy-to-understand guide, we have collected a bunch of troubleshooting methods that will help you fix the Canon Printer Ink Error 1401 and we will get your printer back up and running like new again.
Read: How to Replace and Refill Epson 410 Printer Ink
Understanding Canon Printer Ink Error 1401
The Canon Printer Ink Error 1401 typically shows up when your Canon printer does not seem to detect or communicate with one or more of its installed ink cartridges. Canon’s standard response to this code is typically the following: The FINE cartridge is not installed or the FINE cartridge is not installed properly. When we talk about a FINE cartridge, we’re referring to the combined print head and ink tank design used by Canon and the solutions will generally hold whether you’re using an original Canon cartridge, a refilled or remanufactured one.
Common Causes of Canon Printer Ink Error 1401
- Incorrect Cartridge Installation: This occurs when an ink cartridge is not seated properly and is prevented from clicking into place.
- Dirty or Damaged Connector: The metal connection (contacts) on the cartridge or the printer where communication takes place can be dirty. It might be clogged, saturated, or damaged.
- Damaged Cartridge: In some cases, the cartridge may itself be damaged or worn out.
- Not Compatible Cartridge: If you’re using ink cartridges that are not intended for your Canon printer model you can encounter this error.
- Print Head Faults: If the problem occurs along with others, the print head may be faulty or not installed properly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Canon Printer Ink Error 1401
Let’s dive into the solutions, starting with the simplest and progressing to more involved steps.
Step 1. Reinstall the Ink Cartridges (First & Easiest Fix)
This is the fastest method for the Canon Printer Ink error 1401.
- Turn Off Your Printer: Fully and switch off your Canon printer.
- Open the Cartridge Access Door/Cover: Open the door/cover that provides access to the ink cartridges. The print head carriage will move to the middle.
- Take Out All Ink Cartridges: You are to remove all ink cartridges very slowly and steadily. Take note of which cartridge goes where, although most Canon printer bays are designed so that placing the wrong cartridge in the wrong slot is physically impossible.
- Take a Pause: Wait about 30 seconds to a minute. This enables the memory for the printer to erase any error signals that may still be in the computer’s memory.
- Reinstall the Cartridges: Ensure that all the cartridges are sitting securely in their proper slots. Make sure they are firmly seated.
- Close the Access Door: Close the access door to the cartridge.
- Power Up Your Printer: Power your printer back on. It should be initialized. See if the Canon Printer Ink Error 1401 is gone.
Step 2. Clean Cartridge Contacts
If reinstalling did not help, Canon Printer Ink Error 1401 either due to dirty contacts.
- Power Off and Unplug: Power down your printer and unplug it from the wall. This is for your safety.
- Remove the Troublesome Cartridge: Open the access door and remove the cartridges that you think might be the cause of the error. If you are not sure, then remove all cartridges. Then, if you have less than a full cartridge, remove the black and color carts.
- Examine the Gold Contacts: At the front of the ink cartridge, there is a little strip of golden contacts. These are required to communicate with the printer.
- Clean the Contacts on the Cartridge: Clean these gold contacts using a clean, lint-free cloth, like coffee filters and microfiber cleaning cloths work well when dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol. Do not touch the nozzles, please.
- Clean the Printer Contacts: With a flashlight look in the area where the carriage moves in the printer and locate the contacts at the bottom. You should be able to see matching metal contacts. Be very gentle when cleaning these; a cotton swab moistened with some distilled water or isopropyl alcohol works well. Very gently removing any leftover fibers.
- Let Dry: Let the contacts on both the cartridges and the printer dry for at least ten minutes. Do not use printed paper.
- Reinstall and Test: Put back the cartridges, close the cover, plug in and turn on the printer. Check if the Canon Printer Ink Error 1401 is solved.
Step 3. Replace the Problem Ink Cartridge
If the problem is still not resolved, one of the ink cartridges may be bad.
- Identify the Suspect Cartridge: If your clogged cartridge error message is tied to one particular cartridge i.e., your printer is flashing a “Black ink cartridge not recognized” error message, try to clear that cartridge’s nozzles. Otherwise, you would need to try replacing them 1 at a time.
- New Cartridge: If removing and reinstalling the cartridge does not resolve the issue, try installing a new Canon brand cartridge or a cartridge from a new lot. Make sure it’s the right model for your printer.
- Check the Printer: Power on the printer as well as close the cover after you have fitted the new cartridge. If the Canon Printer Ink Error 1401 is gone you have now discovered what was causing it.
Step 4. Turn Power Off, Turn Power On (Power Cycle)
If none of these steps resolve the issue, proceed to the next step. A complete power cycle might occasionally fix pernicious glitches.
- Turn Off Your Printer: Push the power button to turn off the Canon printer.
- Disconnect from Power: Remove the power cord from the printer and the wall outlet.
- Reconnect Everything a Few Minutes Later: Allow the printer to be detached from all power sources for about 5-10 minutes. This is just to make it as sure as possible that all internal components have the power drains removed.
- Plug Back In and Power On: Plug the power cord back in, directly into a wall outlet first and then into the printer. Turn the printer back on.
- Verify the Error: Notice if the Canon Printer Ink Error 1401 has been cleared.
Step 5. Check for Print Head Issues
In a few rare instances, the Canon Printer Ink Error 1401 can also be caused by a malfunctioning or improperly placed printer head. (Note: Many of Canon’s consumer inkjet printers use “FINE” cartridges that integrate the print head on the ink cartridge, so replacing the cartridge and print head occurs somewhat fairly frequently. However, there are a few models that have a discrete, removable print head.
- Check the Printer Manual: To find the proper instructions for checking the print head of your particular Canon printer, you will need to consult its user manual.
- Ensure Proper Installation: Make sure the print head can be installed with a pin plug, and you should hear a voice of “click. If the print head is not installed in the gap, it will cause an error.
- Try Professional Assistance: If you think you have a damaged print head and none of the steps above help, it is time to reach out to Canon support or a professional printer repair shop.
Avoiding Future Canon Printer Ink Error 1401
- Always Use Compatible Cartridges: Verify that you are using the compatible local ink cartridge series for your printer.
- Handle Cartridges with Care: Do not touch the gold-colored contacts or the print nozzles when handling cartridges.
- Keep Cartridges Sealed: Store new ink cartridges in the original packaging until ready to use.
- Regular cleaning: If you are getting errors fairly frequently and nothing else seems to work, try a light cleaning of the contacts on your cartridge.
- Correct Installation: When installing, just make sure that the cartridges are always clipped on properly. Don’t force them.
Hope you are able to troubleshoot the Canon Printer Ink Error 1401 after performing the above steps. A majority of the time the printer will only need a simple reseat or a basic cleaning of the ink cartridge. Happy printing!
