What does a triangle mean on a canon printer? How to fix a printer if its red light is blinking

Almost every printer or MFP has a button that looks like a lightning bolt in a circle or square; this button lights up infrequently, but if this happens, the printer often does not respond to any commands at all, does not start, does not print, and in the case of an MFP – does not scan or copy.

What does the appearance of such an error mean? It is generally accepted that there are certain failures in the power supply of equipment. However, it is obvious that if the printer is not connected to the network or the cable is completely damaged, then no button on it will light up. Therefore, the appearance of a backlight near the lightning bolt icon most likely indicates that some kind of failure has occurred in the electronics, which detects either a power failure in the equipment or some kind of protection failure, as a result of which the printer does not start.

How to solve this problem? And can it indicate serious failures?

The simplest solution is to reboot

The simplest solution is to restart the printer, and along with it, the computer. If the failure was caused by temporary reasons, for example, minor voltage fluctuations in the network, then immediately after the reboot the lightning indicator will not light up, and the printer will work.

If restarting the printer does not help, then you can disconnect it from the computer and simply turn it off and then leave it for 30-60 minutes, this may solve the problem. But such a solution is not a panacea.

There may be damage to the cable or power supply, the printer is connected to the network, but the protection system is triggered. In this case, the problem can be solved by replacing the power supply, but is it worth going to the store right away? Of course not, since buying a new unit may not solve the problem, and you will waste money. Therefore, if the reboot did not help, and you suspect that the reason lies in the cable or power supply, then it is better to take it to a specialist for checking.

Problem with carriage and cartridges

It is known from experience that it is not only a power supply problem that can cause the lightning indicator to light up. The problem may also be a consequence of incorrectly installed cartridges, mechanical obstacles to the movement of the carriage, or other reasons that prevent the printer from printing.

You need to move the carriage to the position for changing cartridges and check that they are installed correctly. In some cases, this can help just as much as removing mechanical obstacles to the movement of the carriage.

But you should understand that the lightning indicator on the printer, although it indicates problems and prevents the equipment from starting, is not specific. In other words, this does not indicate any specific problem, but may indicate a variety of malfunctions.

Of course, you should try to eliminate the most probable reasons– check the cable, power supply, carriage movement and correct installation of cartridges. But if none of these reasons occur, then you should look for other faults that lead to the error.

Correct "diagnosis"

It is better for you to contact specialists if the most simple ways Troubleshooting the problem does not produce results. At a minimum, this will protect you from rash steps and allow you to quickly install the real reason problem, which means it can be quickly resolved.

Attempts at self-repair may not only fail, but also lead to complete failure of the printing equipment.

Video about what to do when lightning is on in the printer

If the red light on the printer starts to light up, it may be due to various problems in the operation of the device. To figure it out and find out the exact cause, you will need to examine it. The button lights up both from a banal lack of paper and from more serious problems that require disassembly. Therefore, when independent search In case of breakdowns, you will need to pay attention to various details.

Purpose of indicators on the printer

A printer is a device designed to print information from electronic media onto paper. Light indicators different colors - green (“ready”) and red (“warning”) - are necessarily present on this equipment. They are intended to report health status.

The indicators respond differently to changes in the state of the equipment: they glow periodically or constantly, and sometimes they are completely off.

If the red button flashes on the laser Epson printers, HP, Samsung, Xerox, then the reasons for this may be the following:

  • lack of paper;

  • the device “chewed” the sheets;

  • the cartridge is installed incorrectly or is missing altogether;

  • packaging material remains on the device parts;
  • The cover blocking access to the cartridge is not fully pressed;
  • incorrect operation of the paper control sensors, closing the housing cover;
  • there is no connection or communication with personal computer or a laptop or other device from which data is printed;
  • software glitch;
  • There is little toner or no toner at all.

From the above list, the most common problems are paper jams or missing paper, problems with the cartridge.

Algorithm for finding and fixing the problem

Possible reasons for the blinking of the “warning” indicator are very diverse. But you can still look for problems in a certain sequence actions. The algorithm for searching and solving problems is as follows.


There may be such a state of printing equipment when two indicators light up or flash at the same time- red and green. This is how they act in these cases.

  1. When “warning” and “ready” are regularly turned on and off, this indicates that the device is initializing or the print queue is being canceled.
  2. If red is blinking and green is constantly on, and the printer does not work, then this indicates that the paper sheets are jammed or the feed mechanism is jammed. The solution to the problem is to remove the jammed paper.

When, after carrying out all the suggested actions, the printer still does not print and its indicators signal, then you can try printing a report. They do it in the following way: press big button on the printer and hold it for a few seconds. The printout that appears may indicate a lack of toner or the need to “reflash” the device. Then paint should be added, or the counter should be reset using a special program.

If the problem cannot be resolved on your own, it is better to contact service center for the help of specialists or call a specialist to your home.

Most of the considered reasons why the red light on the printer is on can be eliminated yourself, without resorting to outside services. Paper should be inserted carefully, not exceeding the number of sheets allowed for the model used. The best option action will be familiarization with operating instructions at the time of purchase, not when a problem occurs. Compliance with the rules of use is a guarantee of long and trouble-free operation of the equipment.

During the operation of any technically complex device, many questions and problems arise. Let's look at the situations when the printer flashes Exclamation point, either a triangle with an exclamation mark on the printer is lit, or, alternatively, an exclamation mark in a triangle is also lit on the printer. In general, this is an alarm for almost identical faults.

Why is there an exclamation mark on my HP printer?

Printers and MFPs from HP are unpretentious in operation and last a long time. for a long time when handling them carefully. The HP LasreJet Pro M125RA is no exception. Users have particular complaints when correct installation it did not call drivers.

The downside of this printer is the chip installed on the cartridge to control toner consumption, which must be replaced with a new one when refilling. That is why we recommend refueling at specialized service centers. If these rules are not followed, a lit letter P may appear on the display, which indicates a problem with the cartridge.

If you are using an HP LasreJet Pro M125RA MFP and it stops working, there is an exclamation mark illuminated in red, or perhaps the letter P is on the display, then first of all you need to disconnect the printer from the network. Then you need to carefully pull out the print cartridge and see if there is a paper jam somewhere.

Paper jam in printer

If you find any remaining or torn pieces of paper, or maybe even a whole sheet of paper stuck in the printer, you need to carefully remove it all. You must pull as carefully as possible, since the printer contains various sensors, which can be damaged. After visual inspection and installing the cartridge, try restarting the printer.

Xerox printer problems

As a rule, users complain about this error after moving the printer from one place to another or when refilling a cartridge. The main problem why this could be considered to be a paper jam in the printer.

Again, you must first disconnect the printer from the power supply, remove the cartridge and visually inspect the inside of the printer for any scraps of paper. If they are found, you must carefully remove them and clean the printer. Then we replace the cartridge and carry out the process of initializing the printer.

If during the inspection foreign objects was not detected, and the cartridge was refilled, then perhaps the chip was not replaced. To control toner consumption and its balance, a control chip is installed on the factory cartridge. When the cartridge is refilled, this chip must be replaced.

If the chip has been replaced, then the following steps must be performed:

  1. Remove the cartridge, carefully inspect all the contact pads on it; dirt may be clogged and the printer does not see the cartridge;
  2. In the printer itself, also clean the contact pads, focusing on the cartridge. If necessary, clean them, you can wipe them with alcohol or acetone;
  3. View all limit switches, which must be pressed with stops when installing the cartridge. Perhaps they are stuck and cannot send a signal to the printer interface. Move them gently with your fingers, the switch should move freely without snags and smoothly.

Printer Xerox Phaser 3117

If these steps do not bring results, the printer still gives an error, you can try installing a cartridge from another printer. Or you should pay attention to the nearest service center. They will help you deal with the repair quickly and efficiently.

Results

In conclusion, I would like to note that this error appears when there is a problem with the cartridge or a paper jam. Be careful when operating and refill your printer at specialized service centers. This will help avoid most minor problems and problems, and will also extend the life of your device.

All modern models Canon printers and MFPs are equipped with automatic system self-diagnosis, which helps the user identify certain problems. On the front panel of printers and MFPs there are special indicators, by the “behavior” of which you can determine a malfunction. The lightning indicator is an emergency indicator. It shows what exactly went wrong with the printer. Let's look at the main types of faults with Canon printing machines and provide recommendations for eliminating them.

The lightning indicator is constantly on

There are three main reasons for a continuous warning light:

  1. Faulty fastening unit.
  2. Errors Maintenance.
  3. Scanning module error (MFP only).

An information window that pops up on the computer screen when the printer detects a problem with the printer will help you accurately determine the type of malfunction. This window will display an error code, which can be used to determine the type of malfunction.

Fixing unit malfunctions

To troubleshoot the fastening unit without contacting a service center, you can use automatic function To clean the corresponding printer assembly:

  • Clear the print queue, and then load some blank sheets of paper into the printer.
  • Press the Home button on the LCD, and then select Menu.
  • In the main menu, select "Settings/Maintenance".
  • In the next section, select "Clean the curing unit," and then click "OK."
  • In the last section, click on the "Start" element.
  • Cleaning will continue for a few minutes before the LCD displays "Completed".
  • Press the Home button again, then turn off the printer for a few minutes.
  • Turn on the printer and try to print the document.

If the procedure for cleaning the fuser unit does not help, all that remains is to take the printer to a service center.

Maintenance errors

Maintenance errors usually occur after the next cartridge replacement. If this happens precisely for this reason, you can try to remove the ink tanks, and then, according to the instructions for the printer, install them in their place. If the error occurs for another reason, this will be reported in an information window on the computer monitor.

What exactly is preventing the printer from working can be determined by the error code in the message on the PC. There are many options, but they can all be divided into the following groups:

  • Cartridge errors. The printer does not see installed cartridges, either they are out of ink, or the ink supply nozzles are clogged, etc.
  • Software faults. For example, errors random access memory due to its overflow due to too large quantity documents submitted for printing (i.e. the print queue was full).
  • Minor hardware and technical faults. One of the printer's electronic or mechanical components has failed. For example, moving parts of a printer cannot move due to a paper or foreign object jam.
  • Serious hardware problems. Complete failure of one of the electronic and/or mechanical components of the printer.
  • And others.

If manipulations with replacing cartridges do not help, there is no result after rebooting the printer, most likely the device will have to be repaired.

Scan module error

As in the previous case, errors of this kind can occur due to software or hardware failures. All you can do is try turning off the MFP for a few minutes. If after this the scanner starts working, but after several scanning procedures the error appears again, it means that it is overheating, which indicates that the ventilation system is not working. In this as in any other case, it is better to take the MFP to a service center.

Lightning indicator flashes

Flashing of the alarm indicator may indicate the presence of both minor and serious hardware problems. software faults, the elimination of which is best left to specialists. To determine the exact cause of the problem, it is enough to count the number of blinks of the indicator. This can also be done by the error code shown in the information window on the computer screen.

2 flashes (error code - 1000)

There is no paper in the printer's rear tray. The solution is obvious.

3 flashes (1203 or 1300)

There are two reasons for this: either the printer cover is open, or there is a paper jam in the output and/or rear tray. The solution is to inspect the inside of the printing machine and remove the jammed paper, load blank sheets, close the cover and try printing.

4 or 5 flashes (codes 168A, 1401, 1403 or 1485)

The error is typical for Canon printers using "FINE" cartridges. Flashing the lightning indicator 4 or 5 times will indicate that the ink tanks are not installed, are installed incorrectly, or are not supported by the existing printer/MFP model. The solution is to remove and install the cartridges correctly. You can determine whether the ink tanks you are installing are suitable for your existing printer or MFP model. technical documentation to the printing machine.


8 flashes (1700 or 1701)

The indicator flashes 8 times to indicate that the ink absorber (diaper) is 90% full. Printing may continue until the absorbent material is 100% full, at which point the alarm indicator may remain lit or blink indefinitely. In the latter case, you will need to replace the absorber, which is difficult to do at home.

9 flashes (error code 1890)

Also applies to printers using FINE cartridges. If it flashes 9 times, check the cartridge holder. Perhaps he stayed on it protective material, which should be deleted.

11 flashes (4102 or 4103)

The situation arises when incorrect settings print settings and/or if the media type and paper size specified are incorrect. These settings are specified in the printer driver. To access the driver settings in the program window from which you are printing, open the Print menu, and then go to Printer Properties.

12 flashes (code 4100)

An error may occur when you try to print using non-genuine Canon cartridges.

13 and 16 blinks (codes 1686 and 1688, according to the number of blinks)

All or one of the cartridges is out of ink.

14 and 15 flashes (codes 1684 and 1682, respectively)

Error initializing cartridges. Check that the ink tanks are installed correctly. Remove protective film cartridge unless it was removed before installation. Check if the ink tank is compatible with your printer model.

Lightning light and power light alternately flashing

Some types of malfunctions of Canon printers and MFPs appear in the form of alternate flashing of the Alarm indicator and the power indicator (ON). For example, two flashes means the lightning light comes on once and the light on once, then the flashes repeat in the same order, and after a short pause the cycle resumes.

2 flashes (error code - 5100)

This may indicate a paper jam or a foreign object obstructing the print head. Also, 2x blinking of the indicators can indicate incorrect installation inkwells First of all, you should make sure that there are no foreign objects inside the printer, then that the cartridges are installed correctly. If none of these are the cause of the problem, the printer should be taken to a service center.

7 flashes (codes 5B00 and 5B01)

Flashing 7 times may indicate serious hardware or software problems with the printer/MFP. A situation similar to that described in the first chapter of this article when the emergency indicator blinks continuously.

10 flashes (error code B20x, where "x" is any integer from 1 to 9)

When the indicators flash 10 times, the Canon manufacturer recommends immediately contacting a service center, because The printing machine has experienced a serious malfunction and subsequent use of the machine may cause permanent problems.

The same applies to all cases other than those described in this chapter of the article, i.e. The lightning and ON indicators do not flash 2, 7 or 10 times. In this case, an error code 5xxx or 6xxx may be displayed on the computer screen, where instead of “xxx” there can be any number from 001 to 999.