Canon B200 Error: Print Head Fault — Causes & Fix

B200 (and related B201–B207) is a print-head error on Canon PIXMA inkjets. Canon’s official guidance is that it usually indicates a print-head fault and that, if basic steps don’t clear it, the printer needs service. Because the print head carries the electronics that fire the ink, a failing or overheating head triggers B200 to prevent damage.

• Error B200 appears and printing stops
• The carriage may park in the middle and the print head can feel hot
• It often appears after a cartridge change or heavy printing
• The printer may power itself off when the error triggers

1. 1

   Reseat the cartridges and print head (Canon’s first step)

   20 minutes

   1. Open the top cover and let the carriage move to the centre. 2. Power off, then remove the ink cartridges. 3. On models with a removable print head, take it out, check for clogs, and gently clean the electrical contacts. 4. Reinstall the print head and cartridges, close the cover, and power on.

2. 2

   Power-reset the printer

   5 minutes

   1. Turn the printer off and unplug it for a few minutes. 2. Reconnect and power on to clear a transient error.

3. 3

   Replace the print head or service the printer

   1. If B200 persists, the print head is likely failing. 2. Where a replacement print head is available for your model, fitting a new one can resolve it. 3. Otherwise Canon recommends service — weigh the cost against replacement.

• Canon USA — official product support (support.usa.canon.com)