Canon Pro-1000 B801 error

[medialpfc]

Hey all, hoping someone here might have insight. I’ve been battling a B801 error on my Canon PRO-1000. Here's a quick rundown:

• Printer was working fine until it threw a B801 right before a print. The error tells me to power cycle. Canon support wasn't much help and the printer is 2 years old (out of warranty). I've done many iterations and combinations of power cycling, unplugging, removing ink carts, etc. etc.

• After leaving the printer unplugged for a few days, it randomly started working again. I got through a few days of light printing (A4 size, ~5x7" image area), no errors. This was after putting in a new MC20, which started at 276g. After the prints above, we're at 322g.

• Then, after just one day off (printer left on), B801 returned after sending a print job.

• I noticed that when it was working, the internal pump motor sounded louder than usual — I suspect it was the waste ink pump struggling.

• Nozzle checks looked good; no other print issues.

•I use canon inks

I’m thinking the waste ink pump or sensor is failing — maybe a clog or underpowered motor. Before I look into professional repair or a replacement, has anyone dealt with something similar? Thanks.

 

[x64]

Did you check your waste cartridge too? Maybe it is defective or not seated properly.

From what I could find the B801 error is a general hardware error. Your waste motor spinning faster (louder) would indicate some kind of leak, slower (struggling) some kind of clog or block.

That would make sense as the motor expects a certain pressure pushing the ink towards the cartridge. More or less pressure would mean more or less power used by the motor, and a well designed machine will detect this deviation and spit out an error before more damage is caused by whatever the issue is.

 

[medialpfc]

Did you check your waste cartridge too? Maybe it is defective or not seated properly.

From what I could find the B801 error is a general hardware error. Your waste motor spinning faster (louder) would indicate some kind of leak, slower (struggling) some kind of clog or block.

That would make sense as the motor expects a certain pressure pushing the ink towards the cartridge. More or less pressure would mean more or less power used by the motor, and a well designed machine will detect this deviation and spit out an error before more damage is caused by whatever the issue is.

Thanks - I had thought my waste cart was the issue, although it based on weight it was not full. Either way I bought a brand new one and after a few power cycles (the error bricks the printer and I can't access any functions if it throws) I managed to get it to run a nozzle check and make a few prints - during this time the cart went from 276g (i.e. empty) to 322g. I don't have a frame of reference as to whether it's filling too fast or not. That being said, I think your response is definitely a clue towards identifying the issue.

I got my hands on a service manual which indicates that it's a MX cam sensor error. Troubleshooting steps include:

1. Remove foreign materials inside the printer - I couldn't find any and motors/gears can turn.
2. Properly connect the mixing cam and choke cam sensor cables - this could be the case, but I'm a bit hesitant to disassemble further.

The last two troubleshooting steps require extensive disassembly/reassembly:

3. Replace the ink supply unit and perform initial ink filling
4. Replace the main PCB unit.

 

[x64]

during this time the cart went from 276g (i.e. empty) to 322g. I don't have a frame of reference as to whether it's filling too fast or not. That being said, I think your response is definitely a clue towards identifying the issue.

I think that's a lot but neither do I have that reference, with 12 carts I'd guess that seems right. At least it indicates that the waste system is functioning and pumping ink.

If you have the service manual that is excellent and there isn't much better advice I can give. Now you'll have to decide to proceed yourself or find a local repair shop.