Sharp “CE-00” — finisher/option communication error (MX/BP series)
Joe B.
Reviewed for technical accuracy
Specialities: Sharp MX/BP options & finishers, I/F PWB diagnostics, firmware, stapler/punch/booklet, network & scanning
Sharp CE-00 option communication — finisher not recognized, F1-00 after power-on, stapler/punch offline
Technician
• Model family (MX-xxxx / BP-xx series) and finisher type (FN/FS/FN27, FN28, FN11, saddle stitch).
• Does the panel show “CE-00” during jobs, at boot, or only when using the finisher? Any F1-xx codes (e.g., F1-00 Finisher communication error) after restart?
• Recent moves, jams at exit/bridge, firmware updates, or someone removed/re-fitted the finisher?
• Network scanning also failing with CE-00, or only the finisher is affected?
Technician
• Bridge/finisher harness not fully seated (CN connectors shifted when clearing a jam).
• Finisher address/DIP or detect pin not latched after a move; device then boots “without finisher.”
• Option I/F PWB or low-voltage power to finisher hiccuping after jams.
• Firmware versions that mis-handle recovery after exit-sensor jams (BP series had fixes).
• Less often: true network CE-00 during scan/email — different path, but we’ll rule it out.
Technician
1) Power the MFP completely off at the main switch and wait 30–60 seconds until the panel is dark.
2) Slightly pull the bridge unit toward you, then re-insert so the alignment pins fully seat. Ensure the finisher is flush with the main frame — no gap at the latch.
3) Locate the option I/F harness (multi-pin) between main body and finisher. Press each CN connector until you feel a click. Check the small detect/micro switch that confirms the finisher is docked.
4) Inspect for pinched cables behind the bridge or under the rear cover. A pinched harness can throw CE-00/F1-00 at boot.
5) Power on. If the finisher initializes (motors jog, elevator moves) but still shows offline, continue below.
Technician
• On the panel, open System Settings → Device Control → Peripheral Devices and run Auto-detect. Ensure the correct finisher model (e.g., BP-FN11/FN28) appears.
• If “Not installed,” power off, check the finisher’s address/DIP selector (some options use an ID pin/selector on the PWB). Set to default (Addr=0) and re-boot so the MFP can enumerate the option.
• If you changed device name/region recently, make sure the finisher region/firmware matches the main unit series.
Technician
• Sharp released updates that improve finisher communication recovery after exit-sensor jams (some builds mis-report as CE-00 or flip to F1-00). Install the latest general release for your exact BP-xx and finisher.
• After update, perform a full power cycle (main switch) and re-run Peripheral Auto-detect. If it now detects, test staple/punch and booklet modes.
• If firmware is current and detection still fails, we’ll isolate hardware (I/F PWB vs finisher PWB vs harness).
Technician
• With power off, inspect the finisher PWB for blown fuses or scorch near the option connector; reseat the CNxx plugs on that board.
• If available, swap the interface harness with a known-good harness from another unit, or test your finisher on a matching main unit. If the fault follows the finisher, suspect finisher PWB or internal PSU; if it stays with the main unit, suspect the Option I/F PWB on the copier side.
• Check chassis ground between main unit and finisher — a poor ground can trigger intermittent CE-00/F1-00 during initialization.
• Only as a last resort, a service tech can run diagnostics and check I/O for the option port; avoid NVRAM resets unless instructed.
Technician
• Network cable/DNS reachability and correct SMB/SMTP settings.
• Try scan-to-USB to confirm the scanner works, then fix the network path.
This is separate from the finisher bus, but the same code label is reused.
Technician
• When clearing exit jams, avoid pulling the bridge sideways; hold the frame so alignment pins don’t unseat.
• Keep firmware current for both main unit and finisher options (BP series notes include fixes for finisher comms).
• If you relocate the device, re-dock the finisher carefully and re-run Auto-detect in Peripheral Devices.
• For network CE-00 during scans, verify DNS/SMB credentials after IT changes.
Need help checking the option I/F PWB part numbers? Open the chat.
Technician
Quick answer: the accepted fix
Accepted fix for Sharp CE-00 finisher/option communication: power off, reseat bridge & I/F harness, confirm finisher latch/detect switch, then power on and run System Settings → Peripheral Devices → Auto-detect. Update main + finisher firmware. If still “Not installed,” check address/DIP on the finisher PWB and inspect the Option I/F PWB and ground path.
CE-00 vs F1-00 — what each means on Sharp
CE-00 is a general communication error code on Sharp devices — you might see it with network scanning (SMTP/SMB/DNS) or during option handshake. F1-00 specifically flags finisher communication trouble. If CE-00 appears when using the finisher or at boot and the finisher shows “Not installed,” treat it as an option communication fault: reseat harnesses, run Auto-detect, and update firmware.
How to verify the finisher is back online
Print a multi-page job with staple/punch and a small booklet set. In the job log, confirm finisher actions complete without CE-00/F1-00. In Peripheral Devices, the correct finisher model should be listed. If intermittent errors return during heavy jobs, re-check the bridge alignment, harness strain relief, and consider replacing the option I/F harness.
Prevent CE-00 finisher errors — quick tips
Most “finisher not installed/communication” cases are docking, harness, or firmware.
Keep the finisher square and fully docked after jam clears or moves, update BP/MX firmware regularly, and verify the finisher address/DIP is default. For CE-00 during network scans, validate DNS, SMB credentials, SMTP, and cabling. When in doubt, an expert can check the Option I/F PWB and ground continuity with you live.
Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated and intended for general guidance only. For advice specific to your environment, please consult a verified expert on Whizz-Tech before making decisions.
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FAQ
Is CE-00 always a finisher error?
No. CE-00 is a generic communication code. It often appears with network scan/email issues (DNS/SMTP/SMB), but if your finisher shows Not installed or you also see F1-00, treat it as an option communication problem and follow the reseat/firmware steps.
What does F1-00 mean compared to CE-00?
F1-00 specifically indicates finisher communication trouble. Some firmware versions can surface CE-00 during the same failure. Updating firmware helps map the error correctly and improves recovery after jams.
My finisher intermittently drops offline. What’s the likely cause?
Usually bridge misalignment or a loose CN harness between the main unit and finisher. Check docking alignment pins, reseat connectors, verify chassis ground, then update BP/MX firmware before replacing boards.
Scanning also shows CE-00 — fix?
Confirm the network cable, set correct DNS/SMTP/SMB details, and test scan-to-USB. Once the network path is valid, CE-00 for scanning clears. This is separate from the option I/F bus.
Sources
- PrintCopy.info — Sharp CE-00: communication error description
- Sharp Canada bulletin — notes including fix for finisher communication (F1-00) on BP series
- Spiceworks — CE-00 as generic network communication code context
Filed under: General Printer Problems
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