Question about Canon PIXMA MP830 All-In-One InkJet Printer
Canon was working fine. Suddenly got an alarm flashing light, nothing works, no copy, no print, no fax. Error code 6A00. TIA.
I tried everything. I unplugged the machine and moved the printer cartridges to the far left and cleaned and pressed down the spring loaded sponge on the right, over and over again. I also moved the springloaded thing (w/white plastic) forward and backward. Another suggestion was to move the print cartridge holder back and forth sideways. None of these things helped. And there was nothing visibly out of place. I was stumped. Then I found a thread that suggested Windex!!! Even though the error seemed to correlate with a paper jam that had occurred, I was ready to try anything. I got paper towels and windex (I didn't have an eye dropper). I sprayed the paper and cleaned where the cartridges normally sit. Nothing. In desperation I sprayed each pad below the cartridge in the middle area and I sprayed the "sponge" thingy to the right. Really soaked it. Cycled the on/off about 3 times and IT WORKS! (Fingers are black but that's a minor issue compared to unhooking and transporting and waiting and paying for service...) When you cycle the Windex through it soaks up the sticky dried up ink and cleans things up. Don't use other cleaners--use Windex or water.
Bonni
Posted on Feb 26, 2009
I've tried the many solutions offered, and here's what worked:
Open up the box to see the ink thingees. Move the ink tray to the far left. Look to the right, using a flash light, for three thin/small blades, Get some Q-tips, initially dabbed with a bit of Windex, and very gently wipe them off (removing the extra black ink gunk). Then, right near them you'll see some kinda' spongy looking black things. Start dabbing them, then press slightly more strongly, and seek to depress (reset?) them back to a lower position. Close up, plug-in, and I hope you're back to printing as I am.
Posted on Jan 16, 2010
Christo 26: The problem I had with your suggestion was that I never found the three small thin blades. I dabbed the spongy black things with the windex. I also found a small bit of torn paper, which I removed. I plugged the printer in again, turned it on, and the error code reappeared. Did this twice, but still getting the error code, but now it's a new code: 6502.
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I have an MP610 which came up with the error 6A00. The printer is only 8 months old but after trying PC World for over 30 minites I decided to check the net for the source of error 6A00. Some of the tips from others with a similar problem were a bit too complicated but the error seems to be related to the print head sponge to the right of the ink tray being blocked or something like that. One answer given was to use q tips to clean right of the ink tray. I wrapped a clean cloth around a wooden spoon handle ( the printer was unplugged), pushed the ink tray to the left and slowley and carefully moved the cloth about carefully cleaned the area under the cover to the right. On switching the printer back on it worked ok with no error message. Just lucky I suppose
Posted on Aug 22, 2009
This is a blockage/jam in the purge unit. usually a buld up of sticky ink or something thats found it's way into there (usually something thats fallen into the feed tray and worked its way to the purge unit) turn of the power and slide the inks to the left, shine a torch into the right where the cartridges came from, if it's blocked you should see the problem and e able to remove the object or wipe the ink away.
The only person here giving the wrong advice is - Coach Tim from... you guessed it! CANON! :)))
He even managed to change it into a completely different problem:) 6A00 to 6800 :)
Posted on Dec 24, 2008
I also recieved the dreaded 6A00 error code. I did the same moving the ink cartiriges to the left manually. I could see the sponges on the right and they were at an equal level as the print heads. I pushed them down to clean them and they retracted below. So they were just stuck in the up position. Upon restarting the printer it worked! So just try pushing the sponges down if they appear at the same level of the print heads!
Good luck!
Posted on Sep 14, 2009
Eddie not sure if the code is 6800 or 6A00 Issue: Error code 6800 appears on the display (multifunction printers MFP) Solution: The MP830 may require repair Unfortunately, the issue you describe seems to indicate that your product requires repair service. Canon has excellent service options and we are eager to provide any assistance you may need. Click the link below to locate an authorized service facility and obtain further instructions. http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=SupportDetailAct&fcategoryid=238&modelid=12804 Find a Service Location If you still have questions about the issue you are experiencing, a Technical Support Representative will be happy to answer any question you may have. You can contact us through the email link or phone numbers listed below. * Obtain Support by Email * For toll-free technical support, please call 1 (800) 828-4040 during regular business hours (currently Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 midnight. EST, Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., excluding holidays). * Toll-free TDD Support Line for the Hearing Impaired is available Monday - Saturday (excluding holidays) at 1-866-251-3752. * Technical Support is available for Customers in Canada at 1-800-OK-CANON. We look forward to helping you rectify the issue you are experiencing and are always available to provide any assistance you may need. Let me know what happens. Good Luck, Tim
Posted on Mar 15, 2007
Reset the device when it is not functioning properly.
If the device is not functioning properly or to clear memory, reset it.
1. On the operator panel, press and hold the
2. Wait approximately ten seconds and then press the
3. Wait until the device has completed its cycling process before submitting another job request.
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Put latex gloves on and used Windex, paper towels, and Q-tips I cleaned as described by the previous threads. Got lots of black ink out of the sponges and the immediate area. Could press the spring loaded sponge tray down with my finger and it moved freely. Plugged power back in and turn it on. . . still getting the error code 6A00. Repeated 5 more times with no better luck. Tried the Canon link supplied by Solution #2. Did not find Error Code 6A00 in Canon's help screens. Will wait until morning when things dry out and try again. Put I think it is time to go back to H. P. products. This MP830 has been expensive on ink and if it costs like solution #9 states, its going into the junk.
Posted on Feb 11, 2010
Combination of solutions 6 and 7 worked for me-simply be careful with what can be delicate parts. My guess is slightly depressing the sponges and cleaning the area in question somehow helps the system; however, there isn't alot of room for a hand. Great satisfaction saving a piece of equipment instead of tossing it.
Posted on Jan 11, 2010
I had the fatal 6A00 error on my out-of-warranty MP830 and I was ready to give up and buy a different printer. Per Canon website it says that you need to send it for repairs.
Goggling the error message, I was able to find a solution to this error that doesn't require sending the unit to Canon. . The problem apparently is related to the purge unit located at the far right side on where the printhead moves back and forth.
Based on the postings, there appears to be three common problems that causes the error, which is related to a paper jam error. 1) If its a new printer or even an older one, there are two sponges that collect ink and two plastic wipers located in purge unit may be loose or missing. Check to see if its it there. If not, it may actually be stuck somewhere. 2) there may some paper stuck somewhere around the printhead and or the purge unit or 3) there is a build up of gooey ink on the purge unit.
The gooey ink turned out to be my problem and apparently quite a few others. Following someone else's advice, I turned off the printer & unplugged it, move the printhead to the left and used long Qtips with Windex to clean up the ink around the purge unit including a little white plastic spring-loaded lever. I also dampen the sponges with Windex. If you do this be careful not to dislodge the sponge or wipers. If you do, you can alway stick the pieces back in. After cleaning it, and checking the sponges and wipers are seated correctly, I plug the unit back in and worked fine. Problem solved!
Posted on Mar 29, 2008
For a printer that cost me $149, Canon wanted me to not only pay $9.99 to just talk to a tech support rep, but also pay $50 for shipping to and from their facility, and then $60 an hour to fix it. They probably would have done exactly what you all are describing for a minimum of $120. And this seems to be a very common problem, so either there is some routine maintenance that would prevent it (and of which Canon has not informed us) or this is a defect.
Posted on Jul 02, 2009
Solution #1 was the trick. Who knew that a little Q tip and some windex would fix the problem? Thanks, MacGyver
Posted on Jan 31, 2009
While the person above has the technical jargon, I will dumb it down for you and tell you how I fixed the same issue.
1)power off and unplug your printer
2)remove any paper trays and paper from the printer
3)open and visually check all access panels and rollers (inside and out, top and bottom, front and back) for paper, paper fragments, foreign objects, and broken plastic pieces or missing springs.
4) Open the printer to manually load/unload the ink cartridges. Remove the ink cartridges by lifting the gray lever on the left, and carefully removing them one at a time. Also remove the cartridge carrier assembly which is the piece at the back of the 'print head assembly' - the thing that travels back and forth. It will just lift out. Now lower the gray arm on the left and manually slide the print head assembly all the way to the left and out of sight.
5) Grab your flashlight and look inside the printer to the right and notice the 'purge unit' or spittoon. It will most likely be covered in gunk and ink. CAREFULLY wipe off any excess ink with a lint-free cloth (I used an old white t-shirt) being sure to be EXTREMELY CAREFUL of the delicate moving parts in there.
6) My issue was a dislodged 1/2 X 3/4" piece of foam/filter which lays flat at the bottom of the purge unit. CHECK THIS. make sure it is secure in it's little holder. While you are in there, check for missing/broken pieces as well. I suggest using tweezers or long need-nose pliers to get in there CAREFULLY.
7) Grab your cartridge carrier assembly and flip it over. You will see a bunch of metal pins at the back and some delicate ink nozzles on the bottom. CAREFULLY wipe all the gunk off of these nozzles with your cloth and make sure the pins are clean for good contact with the matching pins in the printer. Those send the electrical signal to the ink and tell it when to spray.
8) Replace the cartridge carrier assembly and ink cartridges into the print head unit and close the lid.
9) Go into the settings and utilize your "print head alignment" and "nozzle check" maintenance features.
10) PRINT and be happy!
Posted on Mar 12, 2013
Simple, NEVER buy a canon printer. After 2 disasters, they're cameras are great but as for printers try HP
Posted on Sep 19, 2010
I was prepared to clean mine with Windex but the little spongy thing just reset to the down position when I pushed on it with a Q-Tip. It's printing fine now.
Posted on Apr 27, 2013
I had 12 orange light flashes on a Canon IP4500 and could figure out why. I thought I was doomed. But this forum gave me the solution. Found the little ink wipers under where the inkhead is normally parked as mentioned above.. At first I did a weak cleaning attempt, but that didn't work. Then I cleaned them really good with q-tips and windex. I used a lot of q-tips, and it wasn't easy to reach. I cleaned all around the little wipers too and tried to get up as much dried ink as possible where ever I could see and reach . It actually became pretty clean. I then tried powering on again and wal-la it worked. Thank you for all who posted their success with this issue.
Posted on Mar 28, 2012
It's really frustrating to read all the positive comments here but unfortunately even though I've been cleaning all the places mentioned here for about an hour really thoroughly, the message simply still keeps coming up. :( I suppose it's time for the old girl to go therefore as I am not paying the $150 the Canon guy quoted me!!
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Thanks to everyone. another tip though IF THE PRINTER CLICKS AND STOPS AND NOTHING MOVES WHEN YOU POWER IT ON> I have a PIXMA IP3000 After dissambling and cleaning the ink pads I couldn't egt it to work. Like an idiot I started twisting shafts and messing around with the power off. When I tried to turn it on the white piece talked about above tried to move and then stopped. I tried all the tips and it made no differnece. With the covers off I put a scredriver carefully under the tiny swith on the Left Hand side at the front and turned on the power. The motor started to run and all sorts of shafts turned but the printer still wouldn't start properly. With the shafts turning I then pushed back on the white thingy and whalla! it all started to work.
Posted on Jan 26, 2012
It's frustrating to have read everyone's success with this problem but I have not been able to achieve it. I've cleaned everything very very enthusiastically and thoroughly. I even tried pushing the white thing on the spring back too but it simply relocates when the printer turns on. Nevermind. I suppose it is time for her to go, seeing as I'm not paying the $150 the Canon guy quoted me to fix it!! Thanks for the tips even though they didn't work for me. Glad they did for everyone else.
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We have an MX850 that lock-up with trhe 6A00 code. After removing the individual ink cartridges, I lifted the carrying case out and rinsed it under warm water unil the water ran clear. Let it dry complety, reinstalled the carrying case, ink cartridges, and reset all connectors for good measure. Let it set a short time then turned it back on, The error code was cleared and the printer back in operation.
Posted on Feb 24, 2011
It worked, in 1 hour I had my printer back printing. It's not hard and nothing to be afraid to try. Everything these suggestion give are spot on and it will all make sense and fall in place so just start. I'm 67 and it was easy but messy. I didn't have time to wait for overnight air drying so I wiped it good and kept blotting the ink sponge with paper towels after I washed it in the sink.
Posted on Jan 22, 2011
Re: Canon PIXMA MP800 Error 6A00 by ms b (12/14/2010 4:31 PM) reply
+ / -
in waiting for the tech person to show... I looked at blogs on line as well... I was skeptical... but it worked... I took out the ink cartridges and I took some all purpose cleaner on a paper towel and wiped the metal rod, then I moved the cartridge holder back and forth and then used q tips to clean the white, flat squares that sit below the cartridge carriage I also cleaned the metal pieces where the print cartridges touch in the carriage. I then rewiped everything again with a dry q tip and crossed my fingers, plugged it in --saved me $150 dollars and bragging rites to the spouse... I am cheering myself with a glass of wine... running like a champ!
Posted on Dec 15, 2010
This will work, try this, it worked for me :o)
take dry qtips and clean the area around the sponges(the things that the ink goes into below the cartridges), then try to cycle(turn on the printer)===
Posted on Sep 08, 2010
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Solution #1 solved it...Q-tips and Windex! I was about to give up and buy a new one!
Posted on Aug 08, 2010
Error Code 6A00. I have read to move the ink jets with the machine off over to the left, they will not move. Any suggestions?
Posted on Feb 14, 2010
6A00 error code on my 830. Followed the advice on threads. Removed cartridges, slid craddle to the far left. used q tips to remove some build up, also found a tiny piece of paper. put back together, plugged in, and error code did not re-appear.
Posted on Dec 21, 2009
6A00 - as suggested here, moving the print head cartridge manually and reaching into the right had side of the beast's innards was successful. Some tiny fragments of torn paper were lodged in the maw of the horrid monster. Pulled them out, and the machine came back to life.
Can't promise this always works, but it saved time and money having a look first.
Posted on Aug 24, 2008
Moving the print head to the left and cleaning the sponges with Windex on a cloth worked great. Also cycled the print head a few times (with on/off switch). One twist to offer? I used a feminine hygiene pad (unused) after soaking it with Windex. VERY absorbent!! As for not using Canon printers? If they were as bad as the one post claimed, we wouldn't be making the effort to resurrect them with a little maintenance. I really love my MP800R.
John
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Call canon
Posted on Feb 28, 2008
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display screen schows error code 6A00. Canon Pixma mp800 is the printer. COuld not print. alarm light is flashing
i have exactly same problem
Error code 6A00 & Copy light & Alarm light flashing at same time & printer does nothing else (wont go to any other screen). Just b4 it goes to the error screen the front paper door opens & that is all it does..
Surely there is a simple fix for this problem ???
error code 6A00, alarm light flashing, no copy, no fax possible
alarm light flashing, copier will not clear nor go into any other function
is there an easy way to access the purge unit on the Canon MP 830?
Problem started after power outage.
I was waiting for incoming fax but I didnot have and I found out that an Error code 6A00, alarm light flashing, no copy, print or fax function working problem, cartrige no light, not moving at all. Could any one one have that problem happened and came up the solution please help me?
Have same problem - we replaced print cartridges still no change.
I HAVE AN MP830 AND I SENT IT OUT TO BE FIXED AFTER I PURCHASED A NEW PRINTER HEAD THAT CANON SAID I NEEDED (WHICH I DID NOT) AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE PURGE UNIT.
SO I GUESS CANON HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PURGE UNITS AND
THEY DON'T EVEN KNOW IT!
ROSE CIECHANOWICZ
Everything was working fine. Suddenly I got an alarm flashing light, nothing works, no copy, no print, no fax. Error code 6A00.
Error code 6A00, alarm light flashing, no copy, print or fax function
working problem, and notify you when a new solution is offered.as well as a service code error 5C10-should I give it the last rites?can't ev
PIXMA 600--I have the same problem and I'v tried everything but the printer still doesn't work.
Canon was working fine. Suddenly got an alarm flashing light, nothing works, no copy, no print, no fax. Error code 6A00.
working fine suddenly lighs flash and get error message nothing happens
I have the same problem, do not know how to fix it.
display screen shows error code 6A00
I tried at first with no luck. Then by using method one I eventually found a loose piece of plastic. Windex and paper towels then use some qtips or swabs. Nice Fix!
Alarm light on (not flashing), replaced two print cartridges. Gor the Error message reading "The type of print head is incorrect. Install the correct print head.
We have the same problem and have cleaned, and followed all threads regarding Windex, etc. There isnt any paper jammed and have turned printer off and on. The lights are not coming on in the print unit either. Error code is still 6A00
Help please!.....this is so frustrating
This ink sponge issue is a common one to me. I'm a computer tech and I've solved many problems with a variety of printers/fax machines by flushing them out in the sink with running tap water, the stream focused on the ink sponge area which accumulates a ton of ink after a year or so, causing numerous problems similar to this one. My latest all-in-one, an MP830 has this error, so I flushed it out tonight. It's now drying, and I will know tomorrow if my flushing method has solved it.
An older printer will have so much ink that it has over-flowed the sponges and started filling up the adjacent areas in the frame where there are components that can be effected by the ink over-spill. Flushing these out can take a half hour or longer.
I've been using the shower for years now to flush out nearly every type of electronic device, e.g. keyboards, monitors, tv's, and the various parts inside of computers. You just have to make sure that you give them plenty of time to dry out. Make sure that you take the battery out before you do any motherboards though.
Lately I've purchased a compressor so I don't have to flush out many of these things; I just blow out the built-up dust, spider webs, etc. Don't try to vacuum these things out. It sounds like a good strategy, but it's pretty ineffective.
I will post the results of my flushing later.
my canon MP830 was working fine and just now I was about to do some printing, an alarm flashing light with message "error6A00" came on.
Q-tip and windex 5 minutes later back in action Thanks for the hot tip. oh and pushed sponges down too
Windex saves the day.. I read the earlier posts and thought how could windex solve the problem, but OMG. Unplug the printer, Lift the printer cover to expose the ink cartridges, move them to the left. With a torch you will see a white plastic slide, where the ink cartridges were, spray this liberally with windex. Using protective gloves (rubber/ surgical), and a tissues, wipe that area to remove all excess ink and move this white plastic component back and forth, in the direction of back of printer to front of printer. Repeat this process until the excess ink is removed. It worked a treat for my problem, hope it repairs yours. Good luck.
Your solution worked like a dream. Thanks
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