Canon classifies 5100 as a printer error, often involving movement or an obstruction; exact guidance varies by series.
What 5100 means
Canon classifies 5100 as a printer error, often involving movement or an obstruction; exact guidance varies by series.
What you may notice
- Printing stops
- The Alarm lamp flashes
- A support code appears on the computer
- The condition returns after Resume
Most likely causes
- 01Paper blocks movement
- 02Packing material remains
- 03A cartridge is not seated
- 04The carriage path is obstructed
- 05An internal mechanism or sensor failed
Safe checks, in order
Start with the simplest non-invasive check. Stop as soon as the error clears; repeated resets can hide a condition without correcting it.
Turn off and unplug
Wait one minute before opening the access cover.
Check for obstructions
Remove loose paper and identified shipping tape.
Confirm cartridges
Reseat only according to the model guide.
Restart once
Close all covers and reconnect power.
Know where to stop
Do not force the carriage or touch the encoder strip. Stop if grinding occurs.
When to call a technician or support
Contact Canon if the code remains after the approved checks, the carriage or holder will not move normally, or visible hardware is damaged.
When you call, have the exact product or vehicle model, model year where relevant, the complete code or symbol, and when it appeared.
Where this information came from
We use the manufacturer's current published guidance as the starting point, then organize it into a safer, beginner-friendly sequence.
Canon PIXMA manual — support-code table Source last checked August 16, 2026. Manufacturer instructions and model manuals take priority over this independent summary.