On the covered Canon PIXMA printer, E15 means E15, support code 1682: the FINE cartridge cannot be recognized, per Canon's TS3300 series table. First, reseat the FINE cartridge. Then: Canon's own 1682 action: replace the FINE cartridge, and if the error is not resolved the FINE cartridge may be damaged, so contact your nearest Canon service center to request a repair.
Differential
Likely causes of “Canon PIXMA printer code E15”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The FINE cartridge is not seated in the holder
What separates it E15 appears right after a cartridge change or after the printer was moved
How to confirm Open the cover, let the holder move to the middle, and see whether the cartridge sits flat with its latch closed
- 2
A cartridge the printer cannot read
What separates it The error follows a refill, a third-party cartridge or a cartridge from a different model family
How to confirm Fit a new cartridge from the compatible list for your exact printer and see whether the code goes
- 3
A damaged cartridge or dirty contacts
What separates it Support code 1682 returns with a correctly fitted, correct cartridge
How to confirm Look for ink on the gold contact strip and for a cracked body; Canon says a damaged cartridge needs a service request
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the code appeared right after a cartridge change
- Whether the cartridge is Canon-made, refilled or third-party
- The exact printer model on the lid or back panel
- Whether the other cartridge slot error appears too
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedWhat to do first
ReversibleReseat the FINE cartridge.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleCanon's own 1682 action: replace the FINE cartridge, and if the error is not resolved the FINE cartridge may be damaged, so contact your nearest Canon service center to request a repair.
Switch the printer on and open the cover
ReversibleCanon's printers move the holder to the center when the scanning unit or cover is opened with the power on. Do not force the holder by hand; wait until it stops.
Lift the cartridge out and fit it again
ReversiblePull the cartridge latch forward, remove the cartridge, then push it back in until it clicks and the latch lies flat. Avoid touching the gold contacts or the nozzle face while it is out.
Try a fresh cartridge of the right type
ReversibleIf the printer still reports 1682, the cartridge may be the problem. A new cartridge from the compatible list for your exact model separates a cartridge fault from a holder fault.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Shown as
- E15 on the display, support code 1682 in the app or on the computer.
- Applies to
- Canon PIXMA models using FINE cartridges, as listed in the TS3300 series table.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Stop after one clean reseat and one fresh cartridge; repeated insertions wear the latch
- !Contact Canon service when a new, compatible cartridge still gives support code 1682
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does E15 mean on a Canon PIXMA printer?+
E15, support code 1682: the FINE cartridge cannot be recognized, per Canon's TS3300 series table.
Is E15 the same as an empty cartridge?+
No. An empty or low cartridge gives ink-level warnings. E15 with support code 1682 means the printer cannot recognize the cartridge at all.
Can a refilled cartridge cause E15?+
Yes. Refilled or aftermarket cartridges can carry a chip or contact pattern the printer does not accept, and Canon's own advice is to replace the FINE cartridge.
Does the printer need servicing for E15?+
Only if a correct new cartridge, fitted properly, still produces the code. Canon then says the FINE cartridge may be damaged or the holder needs a repair.