Canon 5100 Error
What it means
A carriage error, usually caused by something physically blocking the print head as it moves. Common causes are leftover packing material, a paper jam near the carriage, or a dirty encoder strip.
Guides that cover this kind of fault
A guide written for 5100 itself is still being checked against the manufacturer's documentation. These cover the same underlying problem and are filed under paper jams.
- Printer Won't Print Labels: Fix Jams and MisalignmentFix label jams and misalignments by changing your printer driver settings to heavy paper or label stock and feeding sheets one at a time through the...
- Printer Won't Print Envelopes: Fixing Jams and Feed ErrorsFix envelope jams and crooked feeds by loosening paper guides, loading envelopes into the manual feed slot, and matching your software media type....
- Printer Carriage Jam: Causes and How to Free the Print HeadA printer carriage jam happens when a physical obstruction, dried ink, or a derailed belt prevents the print head from moving. Unplug the printer,...
Common questions
What does the 5100 error mean on a Canon printer?
A carriage error, usually caused by something physically blocking the print head as it moves. Common causes are leftover packing material, a paper jam near the carriage, or a dirty encoder strip.
Is the 5100 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.