How to fix Error Code B200 in Canon Pixma MX series

Clearing Canon Pixma Support Code B200 Error Message

The only text Canon offer in relation to the B200 support code is “A service error has occurred” and the advice offered online by them seems to suggest it relates to an obstruction within the printer. They typically advise turning off the printer checking for unwanted packaging or other debris within the printer and then turning it back on again. However in my experience the Canon B200 error message relates to a printheads overheating or otherwise malfunctioning electronically wit Canon Pixma inkjet printer.

Now depending on the model of your Canon Pixma printer the steps you should take will vary. As the issue seems to relate to a printhead, the steps I would advise you taking will vary depending of if you printer takes four or more ink cartridges (with the printhead residing within your printer) or if your printer has two separate ink cartridges (with the printheads physically attached to the cartridges).

 

Steps for 4+ Cartridge Printers

1.    Remove All Cartridges. Do whatever is necessary to remove the individual ink cartridges from your printer. In most cases this will be opening the lid of your printer and waiting for the cartridge cradle to move into the correct position.

2.    Remove the Printhead. This is easily achieved in most printers by simply lifting the orange/gray locking lever on the side of the cartridge cradle and then gently lifting the printhead from the printer.

3.    Reinstall the Printhead. Gently put the printhead back into your Canon Pixma printer and lock it into position firmly.

4.    Reinstall All Cartridges. Place all of the cartridges back into the printer and  close any open doors. This makes sure that your printer is actively examining the reinstalled cartridges and printhead.

5.    Unplug the Printer. Physically remove your printers plug from the wall and leave it unplugged for 5+ minutes. This allows the printhead to cool and all residual electricity to leave the printer.

6.    Plug the Printer Back.

7.    Do a Nozzle Check or Cleaning Cycle. The B200 error does not tend to occur until your printer actively tries to use the printhead. As such I recommend performing one of these processes in an attempt to confirm the correct cartridge has been replaced.

Steps for 2 Cartridge Printers

1.    Turn the Printer off. When your printer is in this error state it will not let the cartridge cradle within the printer move. However resetting the printer should clear the error message temporarily allowing us to troubleshoot further.

2.    Turn the Printer Back on Again.

3.    Remove the Problem Cartridge. Whilst the Canon Pixma error messages do not tend to specify which cartridge is causing the problem, you should be able to have a rough idea based upon which cartridge was last replaced.

4.    Install a Replacement Cartridge. As the printhead is part of the cartridge, sadly there is no way to stop the B200 error without replacing the cartridge. I would recommend either installing a new cartridge or a previously used cartridge that you know to be functional.

5.    Do a Nozzle Check or Cleaning Cycle. The B200 error does not tend to occur until your printer actively tries to use the printhead. As such I recommend performing one of these processes in an attempt to confirm the correct cartridge has been replaced.

6.    If Necessary Replace the Other Cartridge. If the error persists with the new cartridge, it may be that the other cartridge has developed a fault and is the cause of the B200 support code. If at this point the error remians I can only recommend replacing the other cartridge.