Canon Printer Error Code E31 (Scanner Error) — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error E31 on some Canon models indicates a scanner unit failure. The scanner carriage — the bar of light that moves under the glass — cannot move or initialize correctly. This can be caused by a locked carriage, a blocked track, or a hardware failure in the scanner.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG Series
Canon PIXMA MP Series
Canon imageCLASS MF Series
Canon MAXIFY MB Series
Canon PIXMA TR Series

Common Causes

The scanner carriage lock (a plastic tab for shipping protection) was never removed and is blocking movement
An object fell onto the scanner glass and is physically blocking the carriage path
The scanner carriage belt or motor has failed and cannot drive the carriage across the glass
Dust or debris built up on the carriage rail, causing friction that prevents smooth movement
The scanner unit's ribbon cable has come loose from the main board, cutting off communication

How to Fix It

Turn the printer off and unplug it. Open the scanner lid and look underneath for a green or orange plastic shipping lock tab.

New printers ship with the carriage locked to prevent damage. This lock must be removed before the printer can scan.
If a shipping lock is present, slide or push it to the unlocked position as indicated by the arrow on the tab.

Some shipping locks are on the underside of the scanner unit. Check your printer's setup guide for its location.
Look along the entire carriage rail for any objects, sticky notes, paper clips, or debris blocking the path.

Even a small piece of folded paper near the edge of the glass can block the carriage at its home position.
Gently clean the carriage rail with a lint-free cloth and a very small amount of isopropyl alcohol.

Do not spray any liquid directly onto the rail or into the printer. Apply liquid to the cloth first.
Plug the printer back in and power it on. The carriage should initialize with a brief movement. Watch for the E31 error.

If the carriage does not move at all on startup and the error persists, the scanner motor or belt has likely failed.

When to Call a Professional

If the shipping lock has been removed and nothing is blocking the carriage, the scanner motor or belt has likely failed. Scanner unit repair or replacement requires a technician. For many home inkjet printers, the cost of repair may exceed the printer's value — compare repair quotes to new printer prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still print if the scanner has error E31?

On many Canon all-in-one printers, a scanner error will prevent all functions, including printing. Some models will allow printing while the scanner is disabled. Check your printer's manual to see if print-only mode is available on your specific model.

How do I know if the carriage is stuck versus the motor being broken?

If you can push the carriage gently by hand and it slides smoothly, the rail and carriage are fine. If the motor does not try to move the carriage at all during startup, the motor or its driver circuit has failed. If the motor hums but the carriage does not move, the drive belt may be broken or slipped off.

Is a Canon scanner error worth repairing?

For a high-end or business all-in-one, scanner repair is usually worthwhile. For a budget home printer under $150, the repair cost often exceeds the printer's value. Consider the printer's age, replacement cost, and how much you rely on the scanning feature.