Canon imagePROGRAF Hardware Error 03130031

Canon imagePROGRAF iPF Hardware Error 03130031

If your Canon imagePROGRAF large format printer has displayed a hardware error, there is no doubt you are feeling a little concerned.  Since you are reading this, we will assume that you are past the "slightly concerned" stage.  In this piece, we will quickly shed light on Hardware Error 03130031 and its variations of the last 4 digits.

What is hardware error 03130031

The good news about this particular error is, I’m here to help you.  The bad news is, you're going to have to do a little digging to figure out what's going on.  I should also add, it's possible you'll need parts.  To diagnose the error properly, we will need a little bit more information.  That info is found in the 4-digit code that follows the 03130031.

Great! But how do I know what the 4-digit code after the dash means?

4 Digit Code After The Hardware Error

The 03130031 error can display one of many, 4-digit codes after the dash.  They all have individual directions to clear/fix and some are easier than others.

Here are the different codes

Search Error Code Here

Easily Search For Individual Error Codes Using The Search Field Above.  Contact Us If you are Having Difficulty Finding Your Code.

How Do I Fix It

Fixing hardware error 03130031 can range from a simple power-cycle to a very costly replacement of any or all of the printer’s PCB cards.  The first step you should take is to make sure there is not a paper jam, and that the carriage is docked on the right side of the printer.  This can be accomplished by opening the top cover.

The next step is to use the power button to turn the printer off.  You should NEVER unplug the printer while it is on.  Once you turn the power off, reboot the printer in the normal way.  If the error is clear, do a happy dance and complete your print job.

If the error shows again, you will need to take further action (which may require an authorized service technician).  Use the links above to learn more about your particular error, and what the proper steps for repair are.

You May Not Have A Real Error

The False Error

As mentioned in the section above, it is entirely possible to have a false error caused by air in the ink lines (or outdated firmware).

Filled Ink LinesPictured here are a set of ink lines that are full of ink.  If your printer does not look like the image, a false error may be your gremlin.  If no error is present in the ink tanks, sub-tank system, or valves, the next system check occurs at the point of ink delivery, the print head.  Assuming the situation is normal at one end (tank side), the carriage assumes a suitable ink supply is present through the lines all the way to the head.

The print head can detect any nozzles that are not spraying ink.  As a result of the air in the lines, not all nozzles have an ink supply, meaning the head will notice and report to the main controller that something is not right.  A false error is displayed on the screen.

Ruling out air as the cause is easy.  Open the top cover (lid) and observe the ink lines.  Air bubbles will be obvious, even to the untrained eye.  Gaps will be present in the ink supply, as opposed to the solid flow as seen in the image here on this page.  Don't worry, you'll know it if you see it!

If you do have air in the ink lines, you'll need to perform a an ink system fill. There are 2 ways: initialization or manually with a syringe.  The syringe has been used by many and has proven to be a low-cost fix.  Removing the air from the lines works, and your printer goes back to normal.

If air is not the problem, and the firmware is current, replace BOTH print heads.  Direct links to print heads are available below.

Ron Rodgers

Ron Rodgers

Ron Rodgers is an Imaging Ace & Print Industry Hotshot with a passion for helping people turn print into profit! Aside from being the founder of ProPrinting Systems, he is a marketing machine, funtrepreneur (like entrepreneur but more fun), blogger, YouTuber, podcaster, musician, husband, father, sales expert, and all-around nice guy.

About Ron Rodgers

Ron Rodgers is an Imaging Ace & Print Industry Hotshot with a passion for helping people turn print into profit! Aside from being the founder of ProPrinting Systems, he is a marketing machine, funtrepreneur (like entrepreneur but more fun), blogger, YouTuber, podcaster, musician, husband, father, sales expert, and all-around nice guy.

8 Comments

  1. Kimberly on at

    There is air in my ink tubes but when I draw ink through them it does not stay. Please help.

    • Ron Rodgers on at

      Hi Kimberly, There may be a few things going on. First, if the ink valves are not open, the air will return to the lines immediately. Second, if the connections between the head and the carriage are not capped, air will return when the valves are opened. Third, if the syringe kit is used properly and air still returns to the lines, shift focus to the purge unit. Please call us at 888-812-2594 for more help. Thanks!

  2. Per Bekker-Madsen on at

    Hi, how do I remeove error code from the log in service mode IPF PRO-4000.

    Cant find it in the service manual 🙁

    • Ron Rodgers on at

      You’ll need to remedy the error before it will clear. What is the error code?

  3. Tyrone mcgann on at

    hello I’ve got a cannon ipf825 and its leaking ink all over the paper when printing i replaced the printed and did multiple cleaning still didn’t solve the issues

  4. Ruben Viola on at

    Hi Roger,
    I am getting an error code on my Canon TA-20. The hardware error is EC06-2F9B. I haven’t used the machine in a month or so. I can not find this code anywhere. Can you please help?
    Ruben

  5. shantanu sharma on at

    Hi Roger,
    I am getting an error code 03130031-2F53 on my canon ipf 771 machine please help me solving that issue

  6. Elias on at

    Where do I buy the syringe and tutorial on how to use it please

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