On the covered Canon PIXMA printer, E04 means E04, support code 168A: the FINE cartridge is not installed, per Canon's TS3300 series table. First, reseat the FINE cartridge. Then: Canon's own table sends you to support code 168A for the action.
Differential
Likely causes of “Canon PIXMA printer code E04”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The FINE cartridge is not installed or not seated
What separates it The printer says no cartridge is installed and the alarm lamp flashes
How to confirm Open the cover and see whether a cartridge sits in each holder
- 2
A cartridge that was not pushed home
What separates it The cartridge sits slightly raised or loose in the holder
How to confirm Push it until it clicks and the lever locks
- 3
A cartridge that is the wrong type
What separates it The part number on the cartridge differs from the manual's list
How to confirm Compare the number with the printer's manual
- 4
Dirty electrical contacts on the cartridge or the holder
What separates it The contacts look dull or greasy
How to confirm Wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth
- 5
A fault in the holder or the board
What separates it New cartridges are not accepted either
How to confirm Canon service tests the holder
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- That the display shows E04 and the support code 168A
- Which holder seems empty or loose
- The printer model, since the manual differs by series
- Whether the cartridge is a genuine Canon FINE cartridge
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleReseat the FINE cartridge.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleCanon's own table sends you to support code 168A for the action.
Open the scanner cover
ReversibleThe holder moves to the replacement position, with the cartridges easy to reach.
Check each cartridge
ReversibleEach must sit fully in its slot. A cartridge that is raised even slightly will not be seen.
Remove and reinstall
ReversibleTake the cartridge out and push it back in until it clicks into place and the lever locks.
Close the cover
ReversibleThe printer checks the cartridges, and the E04 message should clear within a minute.
Clean the contacts
ReversibleIf it persists, wipe the contacts on the cartridge and the holder with a dry cloth.
Contact Canon
ReversibleIf E04 and 168A stay with correct cartridges, support will arrange a check or a repair.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- The code on this page
- E04 with support code 168A.
- Parts involved
- The FINE cartridge, the holder and the contacts.
- Source
- Canon's online manual for the TS3300 series lists E04 and 168A.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If E04 stays with seated, correct cartridges, contact Canon support
- !Never touch the print head nozzles or the contacts with your fingers
- !Turn the printer off before removing a cartridge that will not come out
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does E04 mean on a Canon PIXMA printer?+
E04, support code 168A: the FINE cartridge is not installed, per Canon's TS3300 series table.
Does E04 mean the printer is broken?+
Usually not; the cartridge only needs reseating or cleaning.
Can the wrong cartridge cause it?+
Yes, a cartridge of the wrong model is not recognized, so check the number.
Is 168A the same thing as E04?+
They are two forms of the same message, the first on the printer and the second as the support code.
Will a new cartridge help?+
If the old one's contacts are damaged or it is empty, a new one can clear the error.