Canon Printer Support Code 1403 – Meaning, Causes & Fix

CanonPrinterUpdated 2026-09-12

Support Code 1403 on a Canon printer indicates a print head error — the printer's control board has detected that the print head is not installed correctly, is not recognized, or has failed. The print head is the component that holds the ink cartridges and contains the nozzles that spray ink onto the paper, so a print head fault prevents all printing until resolved. This error is most common on Canon PIXMA models with removable print heads (such as the MX, MG, and TS series). This guide explains what causes Support Code 1403 and how to resolve it. For related Canon printer issues, see our Canon Printer Orange Light Flashing guide and our HP Printer Attention Light Blinking guide.

Quick Answer

What it means

The printer's control board has detected a print head error — the print head is not installed correctly, is not recognized, or has internally failed and cannot spray ink.

Severity

High

Can you fix it yourself?

Partially — reseating and cleaning the print head is DIY-friendly, but a failed print head requires replacement (often a DIY part swap on PIXMA models).

Call a technician when

Contact Canon support if 1403 persists after reseating and cleaning the print head, as the print head has likely failed and needs replacement.

What Does 1403 Mean?

Canon PIXMA printers communicate with the print head via a row of electrical contacts on the back of the print head assembly. The control board sends signals to fire the nozzles and monitors the print head's temperature sensors and identification circuit. If the control board cannot establish reliable communication with the print head, it reports Support Code 1403 and halts printing.

Common causes include:

1. Print head not seated correctly: The print head isn't fully clicked into its carriage, so the electrical contacts don't connect reliably. 2. Dirty or oxidized print head contacts: Ink, dust, or oxidation on the electrical contacts on the back of the print head or inside the carriage prevents reliable communication. 3. Print head failure: The print head has internally failed (a burned-out nozzle driver, a failed temperature sensor, or a broken internal circuit), requiring replacement. 4. Ink cartridge issue masquerading as a print head error: A severely leaking or shorted ink cartridge can disrupt the print head's electrical connection. 5. Carriage or connector fault: The carriage connector that mates with the print head is damaged or has a loose internal ribbon cable.

This print-head-specific fault is a more specific version of the Canon orange light flashing error category (5 or 9 flashes), both pointing to the print head assembly as the culprit.

What Causes This Error?

Print head not fully seated in its carriage, preventing reliable electrical contact
Dirty, inky, or oxidized electrical contacts on the print head or inside the carriage
Internal print head failure (burned nozzle driver, failed temperature sensor, or broken internal circuit)
Leaking or shorted ink cartridge disrupting the print head's electrical connection
Damaged carriage connector or loose internal ribbon cable mating with the print head
Protective tape or shipping material left on a newly installed print head's contacts
Firmware misreading a transient communication error as a permanent print head failure

How to Fix 1403

1
Power off the printer and open the print head access cover. Turn the printer off, lift the top cover to access the print head carriage, and wait for the carriage to move to the center (if it doesn't, with the printer on, open the cover so the carriage centers, then power off).
2
Remove the ink cartridges. Lift the lever or release tab holding the ink cartridges and remove each one, setting them on a clean surface with the contacts facing up to avoid contamination.
3
Remove and reseat the print head. Lift the print head lock lever, carefully remove the print head, then reinsert it firmly, pressing down until it seats fully, and lower the lock lever to secure it. Many 1403 errors resolve simply with proper reseating.
4
Clean the print head and carriage electrical contacts. With the print head removed, use a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe the gold contacts on the back of the print head and the matching contacts inside the carriage, removing any ink or oxidation.
5
Reinstall the ink cartridges and test. Reinsert each ink cartridge firmly until it clicks, close the print head lock lever and the top cover, power the printer on, and run a nozzle check or test print to see if 1403 clears.
6
Contact Canon support if 1403 persists after reseating and cleaning. If the error remains after a clean reseat of both print head and cartridges, the print head has likely failed and needs replacement. Contact Canon support to order the correct print head for your model, or replace the printer if the cost of a new print head approaches the cost of a new printer.

When to Call a Professional

If Support Code 1403 persists after reseating and cleaning the print head and ink cartridges, the print head has likely failed. Replacement print heads for Canon PIXMA models typically cost $80-$150 from Canon support and are a straightforward DIY swap on models with removable print heads. If a new print head does not resolve the error, the carriage connector or main board is likely faulty, which usually warrants replacing the printer given repair cost.

Can You Still Use the Device?

A Canon printer displaying Support Code 1403 cannot print until the print head error is resolved. Do not attempt to print repeatedly with the 1403 error, as this can sometimes worsen an underlying print head fault. Once the print head is reseated, cleaned, or replaced, normal printing resumes immediately.

Official Resources

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. CodeExplain is not affiliated with Canon or any other brand mentioned. Always consult a qualified technician for complex repairs.