Canon Error Code 6A81 - FIXED!

We recently came across error code 6A81 on our Canon Pixma MG5250 Printer (using PGI-525/CLI-526 range cartridges). The error could also occur on other printers in this range.

The error code is basically caused by an obstruction within the printer, usually a paper jam but could be any foreign body that has found its way into the printer (those with young children will understand!). The obstruction stops the carriage and print head from moving into the correct position when powering up the printer. The print head should come to rest at the right hand side of the carriage and position itself over the waste ink sponges. If the print head is unable to do so, it returns the '6A81' error message.

You can see from the picture, the position of the two waste ink sponges towards the right hand side. The sponges are spring loaded and move backwards and forwards when the printer initialisation occurs upon start up.

The problem in our case was caused by two pieces of torn paper. One at the far right of the printer which was simple to remove, but the other was stuck in a small opening behind the spring mechanism for the waste ink sponges. This was preventing the sponges from being moved freely and seated correctly, which in turn meant that the print head was unable to pass over them and come to rest in the correct position.

To remove the torn paper we turned off the power to the printer (to prevent any damage to the carriage mechanism) and used a pair of tweezers to carefully pull the offending article through the small gap. We missed this hidden piece of paper the first time we checked for obstructions so it's worth shining a torch in and having a good nose around!

Close your printer lid, power on the printer and et voila... Canon error code 6A81 is no more!

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Created on: 05/02/2022 20:59

I had this same problem on my Pixma MX882 and it was due to a spring-loaded piece that had gotten gooed up with ink and wasn't moving freely. I moved it back and forth a few times with my finger to free it up and then the carriage was able to move into problem position. Hope this helps someone!

Created on: 05/03/2022 18:48

Yes There is a little platform on the right where the ink heads get cleaned
There was a plastic piece connected by a spring that was extended and not retracted.
I pushed that piece toward the rear of the printer it is about 1 inch square and it locked into place.
At the same time the sponges that clean the print head were now visible where before they had been covered by this piece of plastic. They even popped up slightly when I pushed that piece covering them over and I was wondering of that was the correct position or not but it was. Turned printer back on and it worked ! Most of these issues due to dried up ink Frustrating but I love this printer so much want to keep it running. It makes beautiful copies and prints..

Created on: 29/05/2022 20:36

After spending hours working at Error 6A81, I eventually fixed mine by the simple expedient of easing the purge unit over to the left and cleaning underneath where it had been, on the right, with a bit of muslin to remove inky residue, which apparently causes it to stick. Bingo! My Canon PIXMA MG5150 must be over 15 years old and I'd be sorry to lose it.