E73
Canon Printer
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Canon Error E73 indicates a paper output tray or paper guide problem. The printer's sensors detected that the output tray is not in the correct position, is blocked, or the paper guide sensor is not reading correctly. This stops the printer from delivering pages safely. Adjusting or resetting the output tray usually resolves E73.
Affected Models
- Canon PIXMA MG3620
- Canon PIXMA MG3022
- Canon PIXMA MG2522
- Canon PIXMA TS3322
- Canon PIXMA TR4520 and similar compact all-in-one models
Common Causes
- Output paper tray is not fully extended or is stuck in the retracted position
- Paper guide inside the output tray is jammed or out of position
- A piece of torn paper or foreign object is blocking the output tray sensor
- Output tray sensor flag is stuck or the sensor itself has failed
- Printer has been moved or bumped, causing the tray mechanism to disengage
How to Fix It
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Pull out the output paper tray from the front of the printer until it is fully extended and clicks into position. On many compact Canon PIXMA printers, the tray must be completely open before printing begins.
Some Canon printers require the output tray to be in a very specific position. Even a slight misalignment can trigger E73.
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Check the output tray area for any torn paper scraps, paper clips, or other small objects. Remove anything that could be blocking the tray movement or sensor.
A small scrap of paper caught under the output tray or near its hinge is a common but easily missed cause of E73.
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Power off the printer. Manually fold the output tray fully closed, wait 10 seconds, then power back on and immediately pull the output tray open as the printer starts.
This resets the tray sensor position detection. The sensor reads the tray position during startup.
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If the tray mechanism feels stiff or resists movement, check the tray hinge for debris or cracked plastic. Gently clean the area with a dry cloth.
On compact PIXMA printers, the output tray hinges are lightweight plastic and can crack if the tray is forced.
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If E73 persists, perform a printer reset. Hold the Stop/Reset button for 5 to 10 seconds until the power light blinks, then release. This performs a soft reset that clears minor sensor errors.
A full factory reset via the printer's settings menu will also clear E73 if caused by a software/sensor glitch.
When to Call a Professional
E73 is almost always resolved by adjusting or clearing the output tray. If the sensor or tray mechanism is physically broken, a Canon service center can repair it for $50 to $100. For compact PIXMA printers, the repair cost may approach the cost of a new printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Canon printer need the output tray open to print?
The output tray sensor confirms that printed pages have somewhere to go before the printer starts moving paper. Without an open tray, pages would pile up inside the printer or fall to the floor. The E73 safety check ensures the output path is clear before each print job begins.
My output tray is open but I still get E73 — what now?
The tray sensor may be dirty or the sensor flag may be stuck in the 'closed' position. Gently move the tray in and out a few times to free any stuck mechanism. If that does not help, clean the sensor area with a dry cotton swab. A persistently stuck sensor flag may need replacement.
Can I print without the output tray on a Canon PIXMA?
No. The output tray sensor is a required safety check before the printer will operate. Without the tray sensor confirming the tray is open, the printer will not process print jobs. Always keep the output tray installed and fully extended when printing.