There is an Error Code on my Printer – What Does It Mean?
There is nothing more frustrating than in the middle of a print job hearing the printer stop working. You look over to find an error code flashing on the screen. We’re going to go over some of the more common error codes that you could find on your printer, and some of the common causes of those error codes so we can help get you back up and running as quickly as possible.
Common HP Printer Error Codes
One of the most common errors found on an HP printer is a 13 error. The 13 error indicates a paper jam. You will see the number 13(.) followed by another number. The second number is going to suggest the location where you will likely find that paper jam. Some common paper jam errors are 13.1, which is going to show that the paper jammed somewhere in the pickup assembly. You will want to look inside your paper tray. Another one is 13.5 or 13.6. Both of these can indicate that the jam is located near the fuser. Another one would be at 13.10 error. This error code suggests there’s a paper jam in the duplexer.
Some other common error codes will begin with 52. A 52 error indicates a defective scanner. To replace the scanner, you would need to take your printer to a local service center to have the new scanner installed. This part is not an end user-replaceable part.
A 50 error is going to indicate a failure in the fuser area of your printer. In most cases, it is time to replace the fuser. Depending on your printer model, you may want to have this replaced by your local printer service company.
Another error code that we see quite often is a 25 error. This could result from several different things, but essentially it means that the memory on the printer is full. Sometimes because too many people are sending print jobs to the printer at the same time, or too many jobs are sitting in the print queue. If you’re getting this error, clear out your print queue on the computer and restart the printer. Make sure you clear out all of the print jobs! Following these steps will often resolve the 25 error.
Common Brother Printer Error Codes
For Brother printers, the most common error code that we receive calls for is a 50 error. This is going to indicate that your drum needs to be replaced inside your printer. When you replace the drum, you need to reset the drum life counter so that the printer knows you have installed a new one. Once the new drum is installed and you have rebooted the printer, the error should go away.
Another common brother error code is error code 5. Error Code 5 indicates that your belt unit inside of the printer has run its life-cycle and needs replacing. When you install your belt unit, you should also reset the belt unit counter, so the printer knows that a new belt unit has been installed. Once you have completed this process, the error should resolve.
If you’re receiving a replace PF kit error message on your brother printer, the printer is telling you that your Paper feed kit needs to be replaced. More than likely, if you see this error, you have also been experiencing a lot of paper jams. Once the PF kit has been replaced, this should eliminate your paper jam issues.
Common Lexmark Printer Error Codes
The most common Lexmark error code is a 22 error. A 22 error could be multiple things. Your printer might display this error if you are out of paper in your paper tray, or if there is a paper jam inside the printer. First, check to make sure there is paper loaded inside of your paper tray. If there is paper loaded, continue to look through the rest of the printer and make sure that you don’t find any paper jams inside of the machine. If no paper jams are located, and there’s paper in the paper tray, there’s a good indication that your feed rollers need to be cleaned or replaced.
If you received a 23 error, that means that you have a paper jam inside of the printer. First, you want to check and make sure that there’s no paper stuck underneath the toner cartridge. The next area you want to check is in the back of the printer near the fuser area.
If you’ve been getting errors 920, 921, 922, or 923, it can indicate something is wrong with your fuser and most likely needs to be replaced.
Another common error code to find on Lexmark printers is a 30 error. That error indicates the wrong size of paper is loaded in the paper tray, or an incorrect paper size setting on the printer. You want to check to make sure that the paper size is set correctly for the paper inside the paper tray. You also want to ensure it matches the paper type in the print settings on your computer. Making these adjustments should correct this error.
Common Canon Printer Error Codes
The most common Canon error messages is a 13 error. The 13 error is suggesting that your feed rollers are dirty or show excessive wear, and it is time to clean or replace them. You have probably been experiencing multiple paper jams before seeing this message.
If you’re receiving a 16 error, your printer is telling you that one of the toner cartridges inside of your printer is extremely low and should be replaced. If you have an extra toner on hand, go ahead and install your new one. If not, feel free to give Onyx a call and we can supply you with the toner you need.
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