Canon Printer Error E61 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error E61 on a Canon printer means the scanner motor has stopped or is not responding. This error appears on Canon multifunction printers (ones with a built-in scanner). The scanner unit cannot move its scan head to the correct starting position.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG5700 Series
Canon PIXMA MG6800 Series
Canon PIXMA MX920 Series
Canon imageCLASS MF240 Series
Canon PIXMA TR8600 Series

Common Causes

The scanner lid was opened or closed while the scanner was in the middle of a scan
An object or document is blocking the scanner head from moving freely
The scanner motor or its drive belt has failed
The scanner head hit an end stop too hard and the mechanism is jammed
The printer was moved while the scanner was active, causing the head to derail

How to Fix It

Power off the printer and unplug it. Lift the scanner lid and check if anything is blocking the scanner glass or the path of the scan head.

Even a small paper clip or coin on the scanner glass can block the scan head from moving to its home position.
Gently try moving the scanner head by hand (with the printer unplugged). It should slide smoothly from side to side.

If it is stiff, stuck, or grinding, there may be debris in the track or the drive belt may have slipped or broken.
Close the scanner lid, plug the printer back in, and power it on. The scanner head should automatically return to its home position.

Listen for the scanner motor running. A clicking or grinding sound during the home position reset indicates a mechanical problem.
If the error persists, perform a reset: hold the Stop/Reset button for 5 to 10 seconds depending on your Canon model.

After a reset, the printer will try to initialize all components including the scanner. This can clear errors caused by interrupted scan operations.
Try sending a scan job from your computer to see if the scanner can complete a full scan cycle without error.

Sometimes the scanner works fine for actual scanning but shows E61 only during the startup initialization. A test scan can help confirm whether the hardware is truly damaged.

When to Call a Professional

If the scanner still shows E61 after checking for obstructions and resetting, the scanner motor or belt has likely failed. Canon authorized service centers can replace the scanner motor assembly. For budget PIXMA models, a new printer may cost less than the repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does E61 affect printing or just scanning?

On most Canon multifunction printers, E61 stops all functions — both printing and scanning. The printer treats a scanner motor failure as a critical error and disables the whole device. You need to resolve the error before you can print or scan again.

Can I still use the printer part if the scanner is broken?

In some Canon models, you can disable the scanner in the printer's settings and use it as a print-only device. However, many PIXMA models will not allow this — they lock up completely when a critical component fails. Check your model's manual or the Canon support page to see if a print-only mode is available.

I did not touch the scanner — why did E61 suddenly appear?

Scanner motor errors can appear without any obvious trigger. Dust buildup on the scanner rail can increase friction over time until the motor finally stalls. Age and wear also cause the motor or drive belt to fail gradually — it may look fine but be at the end of its lifespan.