How to Fix Canon Printer Error Code 2 140 21?

Canon printers are widely recognized for their excellent print quality and reliable performance. However, like any piece of technology, they can occasionally run into errors. One such error is Canon printer error code 2 140 21, which can cause inconvenience and halt your printing tasks. This error often relates to issues with the ink cartridge or printer hardware. Understanding the causes of this error and how to troubleshoot it will allow you to resolve the issue and get your Canon printer back in working order.

In this article, we will go over the details of Canon printer error code 2 140 21, including its causes, symptoms, and the steps you can take to fix the problem.

What is Canon Printer Error Code 2 140 21?

Canon printer error code 2 140 21 is a relatively common error that usually indicates problems related to the ink cartridge(s). This error typically appears when the printer is unable to recognize one or more of the ink cartridges or when there is an issue with the cartridge installation. The error message may be displayed on your printer’s LCD screen or show up as a blinking light or error code on the computer that is connected to the printer.

This error is particularly common on Canon printers from the PIXMA and iP series but can occur across a range of Canon models. The error may prevent the printer from printing, causing frustration and halting productivity. Fortunately, it can usually be resolved by following a few troubleshooting steps.

Causes of Canon Printer Error Code 2 140 21

Before diving into how to fix this error, it's important to understand the common causes of error code 2 140 21. Understanding the root of the problem will help guide the troubleshooting process.

1. Ink Cartridge Installation Issues: One of the most common causes of this error is improper installation of the ink cartridges. If the cartridges are not seated properly in their designated slots, or if they are installed incorrectly, the printer will not be able to recognize them. This can trigger error 2 140 21.
2. Incompatible or Faulty Ink Cartridges: Another common cause is the use of incompatible or faulty ink cartridges. While third-party or refilled ink cartridges can sometimes work, they may not always be compatible with your Canon printer. This can lead to issues where the printer fails to recognize the cartridges or reports errors such as 2 140 21.
3. Dirty or Corroded Contacts: The ink cartridges and the printer's contact points need to be clean for proper communication. Dirty or corroded contacts can cause issues where the printer does not detect the cartridges, triggering error 2 140 21. Ink residue or dust accumulation can also obstruct proper cartridge installation.
4. Cartridge Malfunctions: A malfunctioning ink cartridge can also lead to this error. If the cartridge is defective, empty, or damaged, the printer will fail to recognize it. This could be due to issues such as broken chips on the cartridge or damaged internal components.
5. Internal Printer Issues: In some cases, error code 2 140 21 can indicate problems within the printer itself, such as issues with the cartridge carriage, print head, or other internal components that are responsible for handling the ink cartridges.
6. Software and Driver Problems: In some cases, a miscommunication between the printer's hardware and the computer's software could result in an error code. Outdated drivers, incorrect printer settings, or corrupted software can cause the printer to misinterpret signals from the ink cartridges.

How to Fix Canon Printer Error Code 2 140 21

Now that we understand the common causes of this error, let’s move on to the troubleshooting steps you can follow to fix Canon printer error code 2 140 21. Most of the time, this issue is related to the ink cartridges, so the following steps will primarily focus on addressing cartridge-related problems. If those do not resolve the issue, we will also explore additional troubleshooting methods.

Step 1: Turn Off the Printer and Restart It

Before proceeding with any troubleshooting steps, it’s always a good idea to restart the printer. Power cycling the printer can often clear temporary glitches or software hiccups that might be causing the issue.

1. Turn off the printer using the power button.
2. Unplug the printer from the power source.
3. Wait for about 5-10 minutes to allow the printer’s internal system to reset.
4. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
5. Check to see if error code 2 140 21 is still displayed.

If the error was caused by a minor glitch or temporary software problem, a restart may resolve the issue. If the error persists, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Check the Ink Cartridge Installation

The most common cause of Canon printer error code 2 140 21 is an issue with the ink cartridge installation. If the cartridges are not seated properly, the printer won’t be able to detect them. To resolve this, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Open the printer cover to expose the ink cartridge area.
3. Remove the ink cartridges from the printer.
4. Inspect the cartridges for any visible issues such as damage or leakage.
5. Reinstall the cartridges, making sure that each cartridge is firmly seated in its correct slot. For example, the black cartridge should go in the black slot, and the color cartridge should go in the color slot.
6. Ensure the cartridges click into place and that they are aligned properly.
7. Close the printer cover and plug the printer back in.
8. Turn the printer on and check if the error has been resolved.

A properly installed ink cartridge is essential for the printer to function correctly. If the cartridges were not installed properly, reinstalling them correctly should fix the problem.

Step 3: Clean the Ink Cartridge Contacts

If the ink cartridge contacts or the printer’s internal contacts are dirty or corroded, the printer may not be able to recognize the cartridges. To resolve this issue, you should clean both the cartridge contacts and the printer contacts.

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Open the printer cover and remove the ink cartridges.
3. Using a soft, lint-free cloth, gently clean the metallic contacts on the ink cartridges. You can slightly dampen the cloth with water or rubbing alcohol to help clean off any ink buildup or dirt.
4. Inspect the printer’s internal contacts where the ink cartridges make contact. Clean these contacts in the same manner.
5. Once both the cartridges and the internal contacts are clean, reinstall the cartridges and close the printer cover.
6. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

Cleaning the contacts ensures that the printer can properly communicate with the cartridges. If there was dirt or ink residue blocking communication, this step should resolve the issue.

Step 4: Replace Ink Cartridges if Necessary

If the error persists, the issue could be with the ink cartridges themselves. Over time, ink cartridges can become damaged, empty, or faulty, which could lead to recognition issues. To address this:

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
2. Open the printer cover and remove the ink cartridges.
3. Inspect each cartridge for any visible signs of damage or leakage. If any cartridge is empty or damaged, it will need to be replaced.
4. Install new, genuine Canon ink cartridges. It is always recommended to use original Canon cartridges, as third-party or refilled cartridges can sometimes lead to compatibility issues.
5. Close the printer cover, plug the printer back in, and turn it on.
6. Check to see if error code 2 140 21 has been resolved.

Replacing damaged or empty cartridges with genuine replacements is one of the most effective solutions if the error is related to cartridge malfunctions.

Step 5: Reset the Printer to Factory Settings

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you may need to reset your printer to its factory settings. This can help clear any software-related problems that may be preventing the printer from recognizing the cartridges. Here’s how to perform a reset:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press and hold the “Stop” or “Reset” button (this can vary depending on the model).
3. While holding the button, turn the printer back on.
4. Keep holding the button for about 5-10 seconds.
5. The printer should reset to its default factory settings. After the reset, release the button.
6. Check if the error code has been cleared.

Resetting the printer will erase all customized settings, so you may need to reconfigure the printer after the reset.

Step 6: Update Printer Firmware and Drivers

In some cases, outdated or incompatible printer drivers or firmware can contribute to Canon printer error code 2 140 21. To resolve this, make sure that both the printer firmware and software drivers are up to date.

1. Visit the official Canon website to check for the latest firmware and driver updates for your specific printer model.
2. Download and install the updates.
3. Once the updates are installed, restart your printer and check if the error persists.

Updating your printer’s software ensures that it operates with the latest improvements and bug fixes, which can help eliminate errors related to outdated software.

Step 7: Contact Canon Support

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, there could be a deeper hardware malfunction within the printer. If the error code 2 140 21 persists despite your efforts, it may be time to contact Canon customer support for further assistance. In some cases, a professional technician may need to inspect the printer for internal hardware issues.

Conclusion

Canon printer error code 2 140 21 is often related to ink cartridge installation problems, faulty cartridges, or dirty contacts. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can usually resolve the error and get your printer back to normal. These steps include restarting the printer, reinstalling or cleaning the cartridges, replacing damaged cartridges, and ensuring that the printer’s software is up to date.

If all else fails, resetting the printer or contacting Canon support for further assistance may be necessary. By performing regular maintenance and using high-quality, compatible ink cartridges, you can help prevent errors like 2 140 21 from occurring in the future, ensuring that your Canon printer continues to provide reliable performance for years to come.