Canon Printer Error Code 1200 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 1200 on a Canon printer means the scanner or print head carriage unit cannot open or move properly. Something is physically blocking the carriage, or the carriage lock is still engaged. This is most common after a paper jam or when the printer has been moved with the lock in place.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG5300 Series
Canon PIXMA MG6200 Series
Canon PIXMA MX880 Series
Canon PIXMA MG7100 Series
Canon PIXMA MX920 Series

Common Causes

The print head carriage lock (used during shipping) is still engaged
A paper jam or torn piece of paper is blocking the carriage from moving
A foreign object such as a pen cap or paperclip has fallen into the carriage path
The carriage belt has slipped off its track after a hard knock or drop
The carriage motor has developed a fault and cannot drive the carriage

How to Fix It

Turn off the printer and unplug it. Open the top cover to access the print head carriage area.

Never reach inside a powered-on printer — the carriage can move suddenly and cause injury.
Look for an orange plastic shipping lock or tape that may be securing the carriage in place.

New printers ship with a lock to prevent carriage movement during transport. If this was never removed, the printer cannot operate.
Carefully look along the entire carriage path for any paper scraps, labels, or foreign objects. Remove anything you find.

Use a flashlight for a thorough inspection — small objects are easy to miss.
Gently try to slide the carriage by hand to the center of its track. It should move smoothly with light pressure.

If the carriage feels completely stuck and will not move at all, do not force it — this indicates a mechanical fault requiring service.
Close the cover, plug in the printer, and power it on. The carriage will attempt to initialize and move to its home position.

If the carriage moves normally and the error clears, you are good to go. Try a test print to confirm.

When to Call a Professional

If you find no physical obstruction and the carriage still will not move, the carriage motor or belt may be damaged. A Canon technician can diagnose and replace the carriage assembly. Repair costs range from $60 to $150 depending on the printer model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the print head carriage?

The carriage is the part that moves back and forth across the page while printing. It holds the ink cartridges and print heads. Think of it like the arm on an old typewriter — it moves side to side to apply ink across the paper.

Is error 1200 the same as error 5100?

They are related but different. Both involve carriage movement problems, but error 5100 is specifically a carriage error where the printer detects the carriage is not in its expected position. Error 1200 is more specifically about the scanner unit or cover not opening properly.

Can error 1200 happen after I move my printer to a new room?

Yes, this is actually a common scenario. Moving the printer can shift the carriage or dislodge the belt. Always power off the printer before moving it, and let the printer park the carriage in its home position first.