Canon error 5100: the carriage can’t move
Canon support code 5100 means the cartridge carriage couldn't move as expected, usually because something is in its way. Here is how to find and clear it.
What this error means
Support code 5100 means the printer tried to move the carriage, the part that holds the ink cartridges or print head and slides from side to side, and couldn't move it as expected. Each time it starts or prints, the printer moves the carriage and checks its position; if something stops it or the printer loses track of where it is, it halts with 5100. Most of the time something is physically in the way, but a code that keeps returning with a clear path can point to a worn or broken part.
Common causes
- Jammed paper or a torn scrap in the carriage path
- Tape or protective material left from setup
- An ink tank or cartridge that isn't fully seated and catches as the carriage moves
- A small object, such as a paper clip, dropped inside the printer
- A smeared or damaged encoder strip, or a worn belt or motor
How to fix it
Start with the first fix. They’re ordered from safest and quickest to most involved.
Fixes for Any printer
0 of 6 steps tried
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Cancel the job and restart the printer
Cancel any waiting print jobs on your computer, then turn the printer off with its power button. Unplug it for a couple of minutes, plug it back in and turn it on. Watch and listen as it starts: if the carriage moves smoothly and the error doesn't return, the blockage may have cleared by itself.
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Look for paper and objects in the carriage path
Turn the printer off and unplug it before reaching inside. Open the top cover or scanner unit as your manual describes and use a torch to look along the full width of the carriage path, including the far ends where scraps tend to collect. Remove any paper, tape or objects you can reach easily. Don't force the carriage or tug on parts you can't see clearly.
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Remove any remaining packing material
On a printer that is new or has just been moved, check for orange or blue tape, foam blocks and cardboard inserts. Some sit deep inside near the carriage and are easy to miss. The setup guide that came with the printer shows where each piece is.
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Reseat the ink tanks or cartridges
Turn the printer on and open the cover so the carriage moves to the replacement position, then keep your hands clear until it stops. Press down on each ink tank until it clicks, or remove and reinstall each FINE cartridge, and make sure any lock lever or inner cover is fully closed. A tank that sits slightly high can catch on the inside of the printer as the carriage moves.
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Check the encoder strip without touching it
A thin, clear plastic strip runs behind the carriage across the width of the printer; the printer reads fine marks on it to track the carriage's position. Ink smears on it, or a strip that has slipped off its mount, can cause 5100. Look at it with a torch, but don't touch or clean it unless your manual explains how, because it scratches and detaches easily. If it looks damaged or loose, mention that when you arrange a repair.
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Arrange a repair through Canon
If the carriage path is clear and 5100 keeps returning, or the printer grinds or knocks as it starts, a belt, motor or sensor may have failed. Stop using the printer so a stuck carriage doesn't damage anything else, and check Canon's official support website for your country for warranty and repair options for your model.
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Still stuck? The troubleshooter asks a few questions and narrows it down. If your printer is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace it at no cost. Find their official support site on our brand pages.
Common questions
Why did error 5100 appear right after I replaced an ink tank?
Usually because the new tank isn't fully seated, or a piece of its packaging, such as the tape or cap, was left on. Open the cover again and press each tank down firmly until it clicks.
Can I keep printing with error 5100?
No. The printer won't print while the carriage can't move. Once you remove the obstruction and restart, it normally returns to ready.
Is 5100 the same as a paper jam?
Not exactly. A paper jam code refers to the paper path, while 5100 refers to the carriage. A torn scrap of paper can cause either, which is why checking for paper is one of the first steps.