Canon Printer Error Code E17 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error E17 means your Canon printer detected that the ink cartridge is not properly aligned. The cartridge may be installed at the wrong angle, in the wrong slot, or not fully clicked in. Reseating the cartridge correctly almost always clears this error.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG2500 Series
Canon PIXMA TS3100 Series
Canon PIXMA E400 Series
Canon PIXMA TR4500 Series
Canon PIXMA MX490 Series

Common Causes

The ink cartridge was not pushed down firmly enough to click into its slot
The cartridge was installed at a slight angle and is not sitting flush in the holder
The cartridge was placed in the wrong slot — for example, black installed in the color slot
A cartridge was bumped or shifted after being installed, causing it to sit unevenly
The print head carriage moved while the cartridge was being installed

How to Fix It

Open the cartridge access cover and wait for the print head carriage to stop moving and park in the center.

Never open the access cover while the printer is printing or the carriage is moving — this can damage the printer.
Remove the ink cartridge that is causing the alignment error. If you are not sure which one, remove all cartridges.

Handle cartridges by their sides. Avoid touching the ink nozzle area or the copper contacts.
Inspect each cartridge. Confirm the correct cartridge is going into the correct slot. Check the color label on each slot.

Black cartridges go in the black slot, color cartridges go in the color slot. They are usually labeled with text or color symbols.
Reinstall each cartridge by pushing it straight down into its slot. Press firmly until you feel and hear a click.

A cartridge that does not click into place is not fully seated. Press more firmly — it needs a definite click.
Close the access cover and allow the printer to initialize. The error should clear if the cartridge is seated correctly.

The printer may run a short alignment or initialization cycle after you install or reinstall cartridges.

When to Call a Professional

Error E17 is almost always fixable at home by reseating the cartridge. If the error keeps appearing after carefully reseating a correct cartridge, the alignment mechanism in the carriage may be damaged. A technician can inspect and repair the carriage assembly for $40 to $80. Contact Canon support at 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666) if your printer is under warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the wrong cartridge in the wrong slot cause E17?

Yes. Installing a black cartridge in the color slot, or vice versa, will trigger an alignment error. Check the slot labels carefully — they are usually color-coded or have text labels. Install each cartridge in the correct slot and press firmly until it clicks.

I reinstalled the cartridge and still get E17. What next?

Try removing all cartridges and reinstalling them one at a time, listening for the click on each. If the error still appears, try a fresh cartridge to rule out a defective one. If multiple good cartridges trigger E17, the carriage alignment mechanism may need service.

Does E17 mean I wasted my cartridge?

No. E17 is a seating or alignment detection error, not an ink level error. The cartridge is not damaged by this error. Once you reseat it correctly, it should work normally.