Canon “Support Code 1405” — wrong print head installed

Joe B.

Reviewed for technical accuracy

Specialities: Canon PIXMA, Inkjet print heads, Windows/macOS, Firmware, Color management

Fix Canon Support Code 1405 — “wrong/incorrect print head installed”, “print head not recognized” (PIXMA TS/MG/TR series)

Technician

Hey! We can clear Canon Support Code 1405 (often shown as wrong print head installed or the type of print head is incorrect).
A couple quick checks: which Canon PIXMA model (TS/MG/TR/G/MX)? Did you recently replace the print head or the ink cartridges? Any spills, power loss, or firmware update right before the error?

Customer

It’s a PIXMA TS6220. I replaced the black cartridge and cleaned around the area. Now it shows Support Code 1405 and won’t print.

Technician

Got it. Error 1405 means the printer can’t identify or hand-shake with the print head assembly.
Typical causes: 1) the head isn’t seated fully; 2) gold contacts or ribbon pads are dirty/wet with ink; 3) incompatible head/cartridges (e.g., wrong series or setup vs standard carts); 4) bent pins in the carriage; 5) rare case — head electronics failed.
We’ll reseat the head, clean contacts, and rule out incompatible/unsupported cartridges.

Customer

I didn’t remove the whole print head, just swapped the cartridge. How do I reseat the head safely?

Technician

Step 1 — Reseat the Canon print head
1) Power on the printer and open the cover so the carriage moves to the center. Unplug the power while it’s centered (prevents auto-lock).
2) Remove all ink cartridges (keep them upright).
3) Lift the gray/blue locking lever behind the cartridges and gently pull the print head straight out — no tilting.
4) Reinsert the head straight back in and push until it sits flush; lock the lever.
5) Reinstall cartridges by color/slot. Close the cover, plug in, and power up. See if Support Code 1405 clears.

Customer

The error is still there. I might have touched the contacts while cleaning. Could that trigger “wrong print head installed”?

Technician

Yes. Oil/ink on the gold contacts can break the low-voltage signal and cause incorrect print head or related 1401/1403/1405 errors.
Step 2 — Clean contacts
• Remove the head again. With the printer unplugged, lightly wipe the head’s gold pads and the carriage’s spring contacts using a lint-free cloth dampened with 90–99% isopropyl alcohol. No dripping.
• Check for bent contact pins inside the carriage and for ink puddles on the PCB edge.
• Let both surfaces dry 10 minutes, then reseat the head and cartridges.

Customer

After cleaning, it now shows 1405 sometimes and 1401 other times. I’m using third-party cartridges. Could those be the problem?

Technician

Possibly. Two points here:
1) Setup vs Standard cartridges: some PIXMA models ship with “setup” cartridges that are paired during first install. Mixing setup carts with a different print head can throw 1405/1401. Test with a known-good standard/OEM cartridge if available.
2) Firmware & chip compatibility: a recent firmware update can reject certain third-party chips as not recognized. If you have new chips or a spare OEM cart, try them to eliminate a chip issue.
If the error persists even with OEM carts, the head or carriage is still not communicating properly.

Customer

I can get OEM cartridges today. Anything else to try while I’m at it?

Technician

Great. Meanwhile let’s do a power reset that often clears 1405 after reseating:
• With the printer ON, unplug power for 60 seconds. Hold the power button 10 seconds to discharge.
• Plug back in, power on, and wait until all movement stops.
• If it clears, run a Print Head Alignment from the device menu or IJ Utility (Windows/macOS) to ensure the head is calibrated after reseating.

Customer

Still getting 1405. If I need a new head, how do I make sure it’s the correct one?

Technician

Use the exact Canon print head part number for your series (e.g., QY6-0082, QY6-0086, etc.). Heads are not cross-compatible between all PIXMA lines.
When buying: choose genuine, avoid “pulled” heads with unknown life, and confirm warranty/return policy — a faulty head also triggers wrong print head installed. After installation, always lock the carriage lever and run head alignment.

Customer

Could moisture or ink under the head cause intermittent 1405?

Technician

Absolutely. If ink wicks into the carriage PCB or the flex ribbon, you’ll see 1405/1403 come and go.
• Inspect under strong light for wet ink around the contacts and at the back of the carriage.
• Blot (don’t rub) with lint-free cloth; allow 30 minutes to air-dry.
• Check for debris where the head sits and ensure the locking lever closes fully.

Customer

If none of this works, is there any reset I can try before replacing the head?

Technician

Final steps before replacement:
• Try OEM cartridges to rule out chip incompatibility.
• Update the printer’s firmware via Canon utility (or, if third-party carts stop working after an update, test with OEM).
• Perform a factory reset from the device menu (not Service Mode). Service Mode resets are risky — ask in chat and we’ll advise model-specific steps.
If 1405 persists after reseating/cleaning/OEM test, the print head is likely failed and needs replacement.

Customer

Thanks — that explains it. I’ll try OEM carts and, if needed, order the correct head number.

Technician

Summary: Canon Support Code 1405 usually means a print head communication issue. Reseat the head, clean gold contacts, dry the carriage, test with OEM/standard cartridges, update firmware, then align the head. If still failing, replace the head with the correct QY6-xxxx part. Need model-specific guidance? Open the chat.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted fix for Canon Support Code 1405 — wrong print head installed: reseat the print head, clean and dry the contacts and carriage pins, confirm compatible OEM/standard cartridges (avoid mixed setup carts), then power-cycle and run print head alignment. If 1405 returns with OEM ink, replace the head using the exact QY6 part for your PIXMA series.

FAQ

Step-by-step (works for most Canon PIXMA inkjets)

1. Power reset the printer; open the cover to center the carriage.
2. Remove cartridges; lift the lever and reseat the print head.
3. Clean and dry the contacts on the head and in the carriage; check for bent pins.
4. Install OEM/standard cartridges only; avoid mixing setup carts.
5. Power on, clear the error, then run Nozzle Check & Print Head Alignment.
6. If 1405 persists, replace with the correct QY6 head for your exact model.

Notes for Windows & macOS users

1. This error is inside the printer — computer drivers don’t cause 1405.
2. Use Canon IJ Utility (Win/macOS) only for Nozzle Check and Head Alignment after the hardware fix.

Sources

• Canon Support — PIXMA printers & error codes
• Canon IJ Online Manual — Print head handling & alignment
• Canon — Repair & parts information

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