Printer Error Codes for Offices: HP, Canon, Brother, Epson + Fix Decision Tree

Use this guide to decide whether a printer issue is a queue/job problem, consumable/mechanical problem, firmware/service error, or connectivity issue—then fix it safely.

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TL;DR

✓ Isolate whether it’s one job/user or all jobs/users.
✓ Clear stuck queues before assuming hardware failure.
✓ Service errors can be job-triggered; isolate the triggering document.
✓ Use manufacturer diagnostics for hardware paths; avoid unsafe disassembly.

Quick Navigation

Symptoms Root Causes Step-by-step fixes What NOT to do If it persists Code directory Related guides & hubs FAQ References

Symptoms / When you see this

✓ Printer shows an error or “service error”.
✓ Jobs remain queued or disappear.
✓ Recurring jams or quality issues.
✓ Network printing fails intermittently.

Root causes (grouped)

✓ Queue/job data triggers firmware issues.
✓ Consumables/mechanical state (paper path, fuser, cartridges).
✓ Firmware/controller faults or unstable memory state.
✓ Connectivity: IP changes, DNS, print server issues.

Step-by-step fixes (decision tree)

✓ If one job fails: remove job, print a test page, update driver.
✓ If all jobs fail: restart printer and clear queue; confirm IP/connectivity.
✓ If jam/feed: clear path, check rollers/tray loading.
✓ If service error: isolate triggering job; check firmware updates.
✓ If fuser/heater: follow manufacturer maintenance guidance.

What NOT to do

✓ Do not open hot/electrical assemblies without guidance.
✓ Do not reboot mid firmware update.
✓ Do not ignore recurring jams; debris can compound damage.

If it persists (escalation checklist)

✓ Record model/firmware and the exact code.
✓ Capture driver type (PCL/PS) and whether issue is job-specific.
✓ Use service channels for persistent hardware codes.

Code directory within this guide

✓ Codes vary by brand/model. Use “Where users see this” on each code page to confirm scenario.

Code	Meaning	Next step
0x97	Fatal error — A printer reported a fatal internal error condition and stopped normal operation.	Follow the checklist on the code page
0x9A	Fatal error — A printer reported a fatal internal error and may require service or firmware recovery.	Follow the checklist on the code page
13.20	Paper jam — A printer detected a paper jam condition in the paper path.	Clear paper path and verify feed/pickup components
49.4C02	Firmware/data processing error — A printer firmware error occurred while processing a job or incoming data.	Follow the checklist on the code page
50.6	Fuser error — The printer detected a fuser/heater problem and stopped to prevent damage.	Follow manufacturer maintenance guidance; avoid unsafe disassembly
5100	Carriage/encoder error — A printer reported a carriage movement or position sensing problem and stopped printing.	Follow the checklist on the code page
5200	Printhead temperature error — A printer detected an abnormal printhead temperature condition and stopped to protect hardware.	Follow the checklist on the code page
55.1	Internal controller error — The printer detected an internal controller/memory condition it could not recover from.	Follow the checklist on the code page
6000	Paper feed error — The printer reported a paper feed or paper path error during pickup.	Clear paper path and verify feed/pickup components
E02	Paper jam — The printer detected a paper jam or paper feed obstruction and stopped the job.	Clear paper path and verify feed/pickup components
49	Service error — A printer firmware or job-processing failure caused the device to enter an error state.	Follow the checklist on the code page
50.1	Fuser warm-up error — A printer reported a fuser warm-up or temperature-related fault state.	Follow manufacturer maintenance guidance; avoid unsafe disassembly
50.4	Fuser error — A printer reported a fuser-related failure condition.	Follow manufacturer maintenance guidance; avoid unsafe disassembly
59.F0	Internal error — A printer reported an internal subsystem error that may require service.	Follow the checklist on the code page
5B00	Maintenance/service error — A printer entered a maintenance or service-required state and stopped normal printing.	Follow the checklist on the code page
79	Service error — A printer reported a firmware or controller-level fault that stops printing.	Follow the checklist on the code page
B200	Printer error — A printer reported a device fault state that stops printing.	Follow the checklist on the code page
E-01	Printer error — A printer reported a general device error condition that stops operation.	Follow the checklist on the code page
Machine Error 46	Maintenance required — The device indicated a maintenance counter or service condition needs attention.	Follow the checklist on the code page
U052	Cartridge recognition issue — The printer could not recognize the installed ink cartridge correctly.	Confirm storage/prerequisites; retry after restart

Tip: If your exact code isn’t listed, use the closest hub link above and browse related prefixes or message patterns.

FAQ

Why do service errors repeat on the same document?

Some firmware issues are triggered by specific job content. Test with a simple print to isolate.

Is clearing the queue safe?

Yes, and it’s often the safest first step before hardware troubleshooting.

Should I switch drivers (PCL vs PS)?

As a test, yes when supported. Driver language can change job interpretation.

When is firmware update worth it?

When service errors are frequent and the manufacturer recommends it for your model.

Can network issues look like printer failures?

Yes. IP/DNS/print server issues can mimic device faults.

Safest hardware step?

Follow manufacturer maintenance kit procedures for user-replaceable parts.

Do codes vary by brand?

Yes. Similar codes can mean different things across HP/Canon/Brother/Epson families.

What should IT capture?

Code, model, firmware, driver version, queue logs, and job context.

References / Notes

✓ Manufacturer support docs
✓ Print server logs and queue tools
✓ Driver language documentation (PCL/PS)