Canon Printer Error E64 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error E64 on a Canon printer is a carriage error. The carriage is the part that holds the ink cartridges and moves back and forth across the page while printing. This error means the carriage is stuck, jammed, or the motor that drives it has failed.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG3600 Series
Canon PIXMA MG5700 Series
Canon PIXMA TS5100 Series
Canon PIXMA MX920 Series
Canon PIXMA TR4500 Series

Common Causes

A piece of paper, a foreign object, or debris is blocking the carriage from moving
The carriage belt that drives the print head has slipped off or broken
The carriage motor has failed or is not receiving power
The printer was physically jarred or moved while the carriage was in motion
A cartridge was installed incorrectly and is catching on the printer's internal housing

How to Fix It

Power off the printer and unplug it. Open the printer's top cover and wait for the carriage to stop moving (if it was mid-cycle).

Never reach into the printer while it is powered on. Always unplug first to avoid injury from moving parts.
Look along the entire carriage path — left to right. Look for any paper, paper clips, coins, or other foreign objects that could be blocking the carriage.

Even a small item like a staple can completely jam the carriage. Use a flashlight to inspect carefully.
Gently slide the carriage by hand from one side to the other. It should move smoothly with light resistance.

If it is stuck solid, do not force it — forcing can break the carriage belt or damage the motor. Investigate further before applying force.
Check that all ink cartridges are properly installed. Remove and reinsert each one, making sure they are fully clicked into place.

A cartridge that is even slightly misaligned can catch on the printer's chassis and stop the carriage from moving.
Close the cover, plug the printer in, and power it on. The carriage will attempt to return to its home position automatically.

If the error clears on startup, run a test print. If the carriage still cannot move freely, escalate to professional service.

When to Call a Professional

If the carriage is clear of obstructions but still cannot move freely, the carriage belt or motor needs professional repair. Carriage belt replacement is a moderately difficult DIY repair with the right tools and a repair guide. For most home users, a Canon service center is the safer option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the print carriage?

The print carriage is the moving assembly that holds your ink cartridges. During printing, it sweeps back and forth across the width of the page, depositing ink in precise patterns. Think of it like the arm on a record player — it rides along a track and must be able to move freely.

Is the carriage belt easy to replace?

It is a moderately difficult repair for someone who is technically minded and patient. You can find replacement carriage belts for most Canon PIXMA models online for $5 to $20. YouTube has model-specific repair videos. However, one wrong move can break plastic clips or damage the carriage encoder strip — which makes the repair more expensive.

My carriage moves but the error still shows — why?

If the carriage moves but hits something at the end of its travel, or cannot reach its home position precisely, the error will remain. Check for obstructions at both ends of the carriage travel path — not just the middle. Also check the encoder strip (the thin clear plastic strip the carriage slides past) — if it is dirty or damaged, the printer cannot read carriage position accurately.