Canon Printer Error Code 6500 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Canon error 6500 indicates a hardware-level fault inside the printer. It is a general internal error that means the printer detected a problem with its mechanical or electronic systems that it cannot self-correct. Common causes include the print carriage being physically blocked, a purge unit fault, or an internal encoder strip problem. This error often requires more than a simple restart to fix.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MP240
PIXMA MP270
PIXMA MP480
PIXMA MP495
Canon PIXMA iP series (various)
Canon PIXMA MG series (various)

Common Causes

The print head carriage is physically blocked by a foreign object or jammed paper inside the printer
The carriage encoder strip (a thin clear strip that tells the printer the carriage position) is dirty or damaged
The purge unit (waste ink mechanism at the left side of the printer) is worn or stuck
A gear in the internal drive mechanism has stripped or seized
A mainboard component has failed causing the printer to log a general hardware fault

How to Fix It

Turn off the printer and unplug it from the wall. Open the printer's cover and look inside for any visible obstruction — a piece of paper, a small object, or anything that might be blocking the print carriage from moving freely.

Use a flashlight to look carefully along the full width of the carriage travel path. Even a small piece of torn paper can prevent the carriage from reaching the correct position and cause 6500.
With the printer unplugged, gently try to slide the print carriage manually from left to right and back. It should move smoothly and freely. If it catches, grinds, or feels stiff, there is either an obstruction or a mechanical fault.

Never force the carriage if it strongly resists — you could damage the drive belt or encoder strip. If it moves but with significant resistance, there may be a gear or drive mechanism problem.
Look for the encoder strip — a very thin transparent plastic strip running horizontally across the inside of the printer, just above and behind where the carriage travels. If it is visibly dirty, clean it gently with a cotton swab barely dampened with water.

The encoder strip must be clean for the printer to track carriage position accurately. A smudge or ink spot on the strip causes position errors that can appear as error 6500.
Plug the printer back in and power it on. If the carriage is clear and the encoder strip is clean, the printer may complete its startup successfully. If 6500 returns immediately, the fault is deeper — mechanical or electronic.

Watch and listen during the startup. The carriage should sweep left to right and back. Any unusual noise (grinding, clicking, squealing) during this sweep indicates a mechanical problem.
If the above steps do not resolve error 6500, contact a Canon service center or a qualified appliance technician. Provide the exact error code (6500) and describe what you heard and observed during the startup sweep.

On older or less expensive PIXMA models, the cost of repair may exceed the printer's current value. A technician can give you an estimate before proceeding — ask upfront.

When to Call a Professional

Error 6500 often requires opening the printer or accessing internal components. If caused by a blocked carriage, it may be user-fixable. If the encoder strip or purge unit is the issue, a technician can repair it for $50–$150. For low-cost printers, repair cost may approach the cost of a new printer — weigh the options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Canon error 6500 fixable at home?

Sometimes. If the carriage is blocked by paper or a foreign object, removing it resolves the error. If the encoder strip is dirty, cleaning it may fix it. However, if the issue is a worn purge unit, stripped gear, or failed mainboard, professional repair or replacement is needed. Start with the simple checks first before deciding.

What is the encoder strip and why does it cause printer errors?

The encoder strip is a transparent plastic strip that runs across the inside of the printer. It has tiny printed marks that a sensor on the carriage reads to determine the exact horizontal position of the print head. If the strip is dirty, torn, or out of alignment, the printer cannot track the carriage position. This causes various errors including 6500. Cleaning or replacing the strip often fixes position-related printer faults.

My Canon printer shows 6500 right after I cleared a paper jam — why?

When clearing a paper jam, it is easy to accidentally touch or move the encoder strip. A fingerprint on the encoder strip can cause the printer to lose carriage position tracking. Open the printer cover and look for the thin transparent strip — wipe it gently with a slightly damp cotton swab to remove any smudges. This often clears 6500 that appeared after a paper jam removal.