Canon 1401 Error: Meaning and Print Head Troubleshooting

Your Canon printer shows error 1401 and flashes an orange alarm light when it cannot detect the print head. The machine relies on an electronic connection between the print head and the internal logic board. When that connection fails, the printer assumes the part is missing or out of place.

Do not assume the print head is permanently broken. Most of the time, the hardware is fine. The error means the electrical contacts are dirty, ink has built up on the carriage pins, or a paper jam nudged the part out of alignment. A temporary logic fault can also trigger the warning.

Your ink tanks are not empty, and your computer connection is fine. The error points directly to a physical communication breakdown inside the machine. Fixing it just requires cleaning the gold contacts and reseating the print head.

• Print head is not fully seated in the carriage
• Print head electrical contacts are dirty or smudged with ink
• Print head latch lever is not completely lowered or locked
• Debris or torn paper is blocking the print head seating area
• Ink cartridges are improperly installed preventing proper alignment
• Damaged print head ribbon cable or carriage pins
• Failed print head electronic circuit

1. 1Turn off the printer and unplug it before touching internal parts
2. 2Check if any error message other than 1401 is present
3. 3Ensure no paper scraps are stuck inside the carriage path

1. 1

   Power cycle the printer

   Turn off the printer using the power button, unplug the power cord for sixty seconds, plug it back in, and turn it on.

2. 2

   Open the scanner unit and cover

   Lift the scanner unit or top cover to expose the print head carriage inside the printer.

3. 3

   Lift the locking lever

   Carefully raise the print head locking lever if it is accessible and unlocked.

4. 4

   Remove the print head

   Gently lift the print head out of the carriage to inspect it.

5. 5

   Clean the electrical contacts

   Wipe the gold colored electrical contacts on the back of the print head gently with a dry, lint-free cloth.

6. 6

   Reseat the print head

   Place the print head firmly back into the carriage slot, ensuring it sits flat and flush.

7. 7

   Lower the locking lever

   Push the print head locking lever down completely until it clicks into place and secures the head.

8. 8

   Reinstall ink cartridges

   Ensure all ink cartridges are clicked securely into their respective slots inside the print head.

9. 9

   Close cover and test

   Close the printer cover, wait for the initialization process to complete, and test printing.