Canon imagePROGRAF iPF Hardware Error 03130031-2618

Canon imagePROGRAF iPF Hardware Error 03130031-2618

Hardware error 03130031-2618 is not a mega serious error.  I wanted to get that out of the way early because when "hardware error" shows on the display panel, people get nervous.  It's normal to be concerned about the future of your imagePROGRAF iPF large format printer, however, in this case, take a deep breath and relax.

What is hardware error 03130031-2618?

All those numbers mean it has to be something bad, right?  Possibly... this is a VH voltage error.  What the heck does that mean?

It means one of two things (and one costs less than the other). You may need a new print head (or heads depending on the model).  The other possibility is air in the ink lines.

Can I fix the 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As mentioned in the section above, it is entirely possible to have a false error caused by air in the ink lines (or outdated firmware).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 have to perform an ink system fill either by initialization or by using 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.

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

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If you're unsure which print head your printer model requires, please consult the spec sheet or brochure.

2618 isn't my error code!

If 2618 is not the error code displayed on your screen, please see our blog post that lists all the possible 03133310 error codes so you can learn more about your specific error.

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.

12 Comments

  1. Christopher Shields on at

    Hi Ron, How do I unlock the print head when I get a hardware error 2618 message?

    • Ron Rodgers on at

      Hi Christopher, thanks for the comment. Most of the time it depends on the model. What model are you working with? We may be able to release the carriage from service mode, or we may have to release it manually.

    • Brittany Mewburn on at

      Hi Ron. So I have done what you have asked about holding the load and navigate Button. Turned it on until I see the message like flash as well as the S but still don’t get a service screen. It just keeps saying to turn the printer off and on. With the error code 03130031-2618. I can’t even move the print head to check that.

      • Scott on at

        My IPF815 is doing the same thing, did you ever get a solution to this? im thinking i have air in the lines but unable to get to service mode to release the carriage.

  2. Mohd Sultan on at

    Hello Ron Rodgers Sir My Machines Model iPF 750
    How to solved error 2618

    • Ron Rodgers on at

      The right side of the printer has a noticeable notch that can be removed which will allow you to use a screwdriver to release the carriage and access the print head.

  3. janie moran on at

    I have a prograph 8400 canon, every time I try to load the paper it either tells me It is crooked or the paper size cannot be detected. Now I have this error 0313003260E Not sure what is happening can you help me please?

    • Ron Rodgers on at

      Janie, you likely have a bad multisensor. Please contact our service department for parts. 888-812-2594

  4. Larry Tura on at

    Hello Roger, I’m getting that 2618 error code that your talking about. My machine has been sitting and there is a lot of air pockets some look empty. Can you send me the instructions to fix that? Thanks Larry 330-717-7450 from ohio.

  5. Jim on at

    Hi Ron – can you please tell me how to manually release the carriage on an IPF-6300? Thanks a million!

  6. Jack Reall on at

    I have an IPF650. It started needing to be restarted several times before it would work. Then the yellow stopped printing. I put in a new print head and cleaned the purge pads. It still gives the 2618 error on startup. I didn’t notice air in the lines, but I will check again. Any other options to check.

  7. Brandt Hall on at

    Greetings! I have a iPF765 and shows the 03130031-2618 error code. There is air in the ink lines. Could you please send instructions on how to remove the air? Thank you!

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