Canon Error E04
What the code means · Diagnosis at a glance
Canon error E04 appears on PIXMA models that use a small LED display instead of a full screen, where the printer shows short "E" codes in place of the longer support numbers. E04 corresponds to Canon support code 168A and means a FINE cartridge is not installed properly. The fix is straightforward: open the cover, remove the FINE cartridge that is flagged, and reinstall it, pushing it up until it clicks firmly into place; on a new cartridge, make sure the orange protective tape is removed first. It is closely related to E05, which means the cartridge cannot be recognised at all. E04 is specifically about seating, so a proper reseat usually clears it.
Affected brands & models
Diagnosis at a glance
Likely causes ranked, with severity and the recommended action.
What the code means
Canon's smaller PIXMA printers do not have a full screen, so instead of showing a long support-code number they show a short code like "E04" on a segmented LED display. On Canon's official error list, E04 maps to support code 168A, and its meaning is specific: a FINE cartridge (Canon's combined print-head-and-ink cartridge) is not installed properly. The printer can tell a cartridge is present but not correctly seated, so it stops and asks you to fix the installation rather than printing with a cartridge that could misfeed ink.
Because E04 is about seating, the fix is usually quick. Opening the cover releases the cartridge holder; taking the FINE cartridge out and pushing it firmly back up until it clicks re-establishes the contact. On a brand-new cartridge the most common reason for E04 is that the orange protective tape has not been removed, or the cartridge has not been pressed home hard enough. If a reseat does not clear it and you are sure the cartridge is compatible, the code often shifts to E05 (cannot be recognised), which points at the cartridge itself rather than how it is seated.
Most frequent causes
- The FINE cartridge has not been pushed fully into place until it clicks.
- The orange protective tape is still on a new FINE cartridge.
- The cartridge fitted is not compatible with this printer.
- The cartridge holder was not closed correctly after changing a cartridge.
Quick fix: try this first
- Open the cover and let the cartridge holder move to the centre.
- Remove the flagged FINE cartridge, then push it back up until it clicks firmly into place.
- On a new cartridge, make sure the orange protective tape has been removed.
Step-by-step solution
0 / 5 doneTick each step as you go. Your progress is kept while you work.
Before you start
- Have the correct FINE cartridge for your model to hand.
- Work on a clean, flat surface so you do not touch the gold contacts or the print nozzles.
- If the cartridge is new, keep the orange tape so you can confirm you have removed it fully.
What not to do
- ×Do not touch the gold electrical contacts or the print head nozzles on the cartridge.
- ×Do not force the cartridge in at an angle. Push it straight up until it clicks.
- ×Do not leave the orange protective tape on a new cartridge.
When to stop & call support
If E04 persists after you have reseated the FINE cartridge, confirmed the tape is off and checked it is a compatible cartridge, the issue is likely the cartridge itself rather than how it is fitted, and the printer may switch to E05 (cannot be recognised). Try a known-good compatible FINE cartridge; if the printer still will not accept any cartridge, it is a service matter for Canon.
If the error comes back
If E04 clears but returns, the cartridge is probably not staying seated. Check that it clicks firmly and that nothing on the contacts or in the holder is stopping it from seating fully. Repeatedly reseating the same cartridge without it holding suggests a worn cartridge or holder; fitting a fresh compatible FINE cartridge is the usual fix before considering service.
Related parts & consumables
Questions about Canon E04
What does E04 mean on a Canon printer?
On LED-panel PIXMA models, E04 (support code 168A) means a FINE cartridge is not installed properly. It is about seating: the cartridge is present but not clicked fully into place.
How do I fix a Canon E04 error?
Open the cover, remove the flagged FINE cartridge, remove any orange tape on a new one, and push it back up until it clicks firmly. Make sure it is a compatible FINE cartridge, then close and test.
What is the difference between E04 and E05?
E04 (168A) means the FINE cartridge is not installed properly, which is a seating problem. E05 means the cartridge cannot be recognised at all, which points at the cartridge itself or its compatibility.
Last updated · Content is independent and not sponsored by any manufacturer.
Sources & methodology
- Canon: An Error Occurs, PIXMA online manual (E04 = support code 168A) Manufacturer: official E-code to support-code mapping and action
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