Although printer errors can differ by from model to model, typically the E5 printer error for Canon Pixma printers refers to a problem with an ink cartridge. Possible causes of the error include:
- Ink cartridge is not installed properly
- Wrong ink cartridge installed (unsupported type of cartridge)
- Printer is not detecting the ink cartridge correctly, if at all
Ink cartridge is not installed properly
If the cartridge is not installed correctly, try removing the cartridge from the printer and reinstalling it. Make sure it is fully installed and clicks into place securely. Make sure you turn off the printer and turn it back on to reset the error message. Then try printing again.
Wrong ink cartridge installed
If the wrong cartridge is installed, you need to purchase the correct cartridge and install it into the printer. The printer models that a cartridge is supported by are usually listed on the side of the cartridge packaging but not always as some cartridges are designed to fit several printers and the packaging wont accommodate the entire list. You can check this by using the "Printer Cartridge Finder" on our home page.
Printer is not detecting the ink cartridge correctly, if at all
It's also possible that the printer is not detecting the cartridge after you install it. This issue could be due to the printer or the chip on the cartridge being dirty (excess ink in the ink cartridge tray or ink overflow tray). Try cleaning the printer thoroughly and installing the cartridges again to see if this fixes the problem.
Over time, Inkjet printers can become dirty due to excess ink "leaking" out of the cartridges and ink can build up on major components of the printer. When this occurs, it may be necessary to clean the printer.
Tip: Before following any of the steps below, be sure to try the printers self-cleaning feature. All printers today have some type of self-cleaning ability that is usually accessed by pressing and holding one or more of the buttons on the front of the printer. If this doesn't help try the steps below.
Please follow these cleaning instructions to resolve the problem:
- Place some old newspaper down to capture any spillage of ink.
- Remove the cartridges from your printer, switch the printer off using buttons on the body of the printer. DO NOT turn it off at the plug.
- Using a piece of damp kitchen roll, gently wipe the copper plate on the cartridges to give them a thorough clean.
- Allow the air chips to dry.
- Once the chips are completely dry, re-install the cartridges into your printer and switch the printer back on. I would recommend that you run the print head cleaning program on your printer to clean the heads and push the ink through. For best results, you should run the program at least one or two times.
If you find that after following this procedure you are still having a problem please contact us, include your order number, the model of printer and provide us with the exact error message shown on the printer.