Canon Printer Error 1403 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Canon error 1403 means the printer has detected a problem with paper feeding from the cassette or that the ink cartridge carriage cannot move freely. On some Canon models, this code appears when a paper jam is detected in the feed path even if no paper is visibly stuck. You may see the printer refusing to print, paper not advancing, or the printer making grinding sounds. Most of the time this can be resolved without tools or professional help.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG2522
Canon PIXMA TS3322
Canon PIXMA MX922
Canon PIXMA TR4520
Canon PIXMA G3260

Common Causes

A small torn piece of paper or debris is stuck in the paper feed path
Paper in the cassette is not aligned correctly or is the wrong size
The ink cartridge carriage is physically obstructed and cannot move
Paper cassette is not fully seated in the printer
Foreign object such as a staple, paper clip, or rubber band is inside the printer

How to Fix It

Turn the printer off and unplug it from the power outlet. Open all access panels — the front paper output tray, rear access panel (if present), and the top cartridge cover.

Unplugging prevents the carriage from moving unexpectedly while your hands are inside.
Look inside the printer for any paper — including small torn pieces. Gently pull out any paper you find. Pull in the direction the paper normally travels to avoid tearing it further.

Use a flashlight to look deep into the paper path — small pieces are easy to miss in low light.
Check the paper cassette. Remove it completely, re-fan the paper stack, and re-insert the cassette firmly. Make sure the paper guides touch the edges of the paper without squeezing.

Paper that is slightly skewed in the cassette is a common cause of feed jams and error 1403.
Gently move the ink cartridge carriage by hand (when printer is unplugged) to check for obstructions. It should slide smoothly from side to side.

Never force the carriage. If it is blocked, look for the obstruction before applying more pressure.
Plug in the printer, turn it on, and press the Stop/Reset button once to clear the error. If 1403 returns, repeat the inspection and look for a missed paper fragment.

On many Canon PIXMA models, pressing Stop/Reset once clears a jam error and resumes printing.

When to Call a Professional

Canon error 1403 is almost always a DIY fix. If the printer makes grinding sounds after clearing all visible jams and paper, the feed rollers may be worn or the carriage motor may be damaged. In that case, a Canon service center can diagnose mechanical damage. For most people, a thorough inspection and cleaning resolves this error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Canon printer keep showing 1403 even after clearing the jam?

There is likely a small piece of torn paper still inside the printer that you have not found yet. Use a flashlight and check every angle of the paper path — under the cassette, behind the cartridge, and in the rear feed area. Even a small scrap the size of a fingernail can trigger this error repeatedly.

Can I prevent Canon error 1403?

Yes — always use good quality paper that is not damp, dog-eared, or stuck together. Align the paper guides snugly but not tightly in the cassette. Avoid loading too many sheets — most Canon cassettes hold up to 60 to 100 sheets depending on paper weight.

Is Canon error 1403 the same as 1300?

They are related. Error 1300 is a general paper jam code, while 1403 can indicate a more specific feed path issue. Both are resolved by the same basic approach — finding and clearing the jam. If 1300 and 1403 both appear, the paper jam is confirmed.