Canon Printer Error E37 — Print Head Overheated

What Does This Error Mean?

Error E37 means the print head temperature has exceeded a safe limit or the temperature sensor has detected a fault. The printer shuts down printing to protect the print head from heat damage. Turning the printer off and letting it cool down for 15–30 minutes usually clears the error.

Affected Models

Canon PIXMA MG5720
Canon PIXMA MG5750
Canon PIXMA MG6820
Canon PIXMA TS5020
Canon PIXMA TS8020
Canon PIXMA TR8520

Common Causes

The print head overheated during a long high-coverage print job
Ambient room temperature is very high, reducing the printer's ability to cool down
A blocked or obstructed ventilation area around the printer is trapping heat
Repeated print head cleaning cycles in quick succession generated excess heat
A faulty temperature sensor inside the print head is reporting incorrect readings

How to Fix It

Turn the printer off using the power button. Unplug it from the wall outlet.

Do not leave the printer in standby — a full power-off is needed to allow the print head to cool.
Move the printer to a cooler, well-ventilated area if the room is hot or the printer is in an enclosed space.

The printer needs airflow around all sides. At least 10 cm of clearance on each side is recommended.
Wait at least 15 to 30 minutes before turning the printer back on.

Rushing this step may cause the error to reappear immediately.
Plug the printer back in and power it on. Allow it to complete its startup cycle.

If the error is gone, try a short test print before resuming a long job.
Avoid running long print jobs back to back. Allow a few minutes between large jobs.

This is especially important when printing photos or high ink-coverage pages.

When to Call a Professional

If the error returns every time you print even short jobs, the temperature sensor may be defective. A Canon service center can test and replace the print head assembly. Print head replacement typically costs $40 to $100 depending on the model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E37 dangerous — will it damage the printer?

The error is a safety feature that prevents heat damage. As long as the printer shuts down before overheating is severe, no permanent damage occurs. Ignoring the warning and forcing printing could damage the print head permanently.

Can I reset E37 without waiting for the printer to cool?

You can try turning the printer off and on, but the error will likely return immediately. The thermal sensor needs to register a safe temperature before the printer will resume. Waiting 15–30 minutes is the fastest reliable fix.

My printer is in an air-conditioned room — why is it still overheating?

Even in a cool room, a printer enclosed in a cabinet or pressed against a wall can trap heat. Check that all ventilation slots are unobstructed. Also, frequent cleaning cycles generate more heat than normal printing.