Canon 1403 Error (Wrong Print Head)
What it means
The print head fitted is not the correct type for the printer, or the printer cannot recognise it. It often appears after fitting the wrong or a faulty print head. Reseating the correct print head, cleaning its contacts, and restarting the printer resolves most cases.
Guides that cover this kind of fault
A guide written for 1403 itself is still being checked against the manufacturer's documentation. These cover the same underlying problem and are filed under ink & toner.
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Common questions
What does the 1403 error mean on a Canon printer?
The print head fitted is not the correct type for the printer, or the printer cannot recognise it. It often appears after fitting the wrong or a faulty print head. Reseating the correct print head, cleaning its contacts, and restarting the printer resolves most cases.
Is the 1403 error serious?
It is worth attention but not alarm. Switching the printer off, unplugging it for a minute and checking for anything physically in the way resolves a large share of cases before anything else is needed.
Different code or problem?
Switch off and unplug a printer before reaching inside it. If a fault involves the power supply or internal electronics, or the machine is under warranty, contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician. Full disclaimer. Brand and code names are trademarks of their owners; PrinterFixUp is independent and unaffiliated.