Canon Printer Error Code E43 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error E43 means the print head in your Canon printer has reached an unsafe temperature. The print head — the part that applies ink to the paper — has overheated and the printer has stopped as a safety measure. You need to let the printer cool down before doing anything else.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG Series
Canon PIXMA MX Series
Canon PIXMA MP Series
Canon PIXMA TS Series
Canon MAXIFY MB Series

Common Causes

The printer ran a very long print job without a break, causing the print head to accumulate heat
The room temperature is very high, reducing the printer's ability to dissipate heat from the print head
The printer's internal cooling vents are blocked by dust, a wall, or objects placed too close to the printer
The print head itself is partially clogged, forcing the head to work harder and generate more heat
A failing temperature sensor in the print head is reporting incorrect readings

How to Fix It

Stop all print jobs immediately. Turn the printer off using the power button — do not just pause the job.

Continuing to print with an overheated print head can permanently damage it.
Unplug the printer and place it in a cool, well-ventilated area. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes.

Do not place the printer in a closed cabinet or against a wall. It needs airflow on all sides.
While waiting, check that the ventilation slots on the sides and back of the printer are clear of dust and obstructions.

Use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of the ventilation slots if they are clogged.
After cooling, plug the printer back in and power it on. Run a nozzle check or head cleaning cycle from the printer software.

A clogged print head requires more power to operate, which generates extra heat. Cleaning may prevent the error from returning.
Resume printing in smaller batches. Allow the printer to rest for 5 to 10 minutes between large jobs.

If E43 returns very quickly with normal-sized print jobs, the print head temperature sensor may need to be replaced.

When to Call a Professional

If the printer cools down and the error returns quickly during light printing, the print head temperature sensor may be faulty. A print head replacement is expensive — often $40 to $100 for the part alone. For older printers, compare the repair cost to the price of a new model before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait before turning the printer back on after E43?

Wait at least 30 minutes in a cool room before turning it back on. If the room itself is very warm (above 80°F / 27°C), move the printer to a cooler area and wait longer. The printer should feel cool to the touch before you power it back on.

Can a Canon print head be permanently damaged by overheating?

Yes. Repeated overheating episodes can degrade the tiny nozzles in the print head. This causes streaky, inconsistent printing even after the temperature error clears. If your prints look faded or streaked after repeated E43 errors, the print head may need replacement.

How can I prevent E43 from happening again?

Give the printer a 10-minute rest after every 50 pages. Keep the printer away from windows, radiators, and direct sunlight. Regularly run the nozzle check and cleaning cycle to keep the print head clear and running efficiently.