Canon Printer Error Code E05 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The E05 error means the print head is not installed or not detected properly. The print head is the component that sprays ink onto paper. This error requires you to check, clean, or replace the print head.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA TS3500 Series
Canon PIXMA TR4700 Series
Canon PIXMA G3000 Series
Canon PIXMA MG3600 Series
Canon PIXMA TS8300 Series

Common Causes

The print head is not seated correctly in the carriage
The electrical contacts on the print head or carriage are dirty or smudged with ink
The print head was recently removed and reinstalled incorrectly
The print head nozzles are severely clogged from long periods without printing
The print head is defective or has reached the end of its lifespan

How to Fix It

Turn off the printer and open the top cover. Wait for the carriage to move to the center access position.

If the carriage does not move, gently slide it to the center by hand with the printer turned off.
Remove all ink cartridges from the print head. Then lift the lock lever and carefully remove the print head from the carriage.

The print head is the large piece that the cartridges snap into. It lifts straight up and out.
Clean the electrical contacts on the print head with a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water. Also clean the matching contacts inside the carriage.

The contacts are gold or copper colored strips. Be gentle — do not scratch them.
If the nozzles look clogged with dried ink, soak the bottom of the print head in a shallow dish of warm distilled water for 10 minutes.

Only submerge the nozzle plate — do not get water on the electrical contacts above.
Dry the print head, reinstall it firmly in the carriage, and lock the lever. Reinstall all cartridges and close the cover.

Run a print head cleaning cycle from the printer's maintenance menu after reinstalling.

When to Call a Professional

If cleaning and reseating the print head does not resolve the E05 error, the print head may need to be replaced. On many Canon PIXMA models, the print head is a user-replaceable part. A replacement print head costs $30 to $80. Professional installation adds $30 to $50.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the print head and an ink cartridge?

The ink cartridge holds the ink. The print head is the part that sprays the ink onto paper. Cartridges snap into the print head. Think of cartridges as the ink tanks and the print head as the spray nozzle.

Can I buy a replacement Canon print head online?

Yes. Replacement print heads are available on Amazon, Canon's website, and office supply stores. Make sure to order the correct model for your specific Canon printer. The model number is usually printed on the print head itself.

How do I prevent the E05 error in the future?

Print at least one page every week to keep ink flowing through the print head nozzles. Do not leave the printer unused for months at a time. Run a cleaning cycle from the maintenance menu if print quality starts to decline.