How to read your copier error code before you call, brand by brand

14 October 2026 · Document Services Australia

When an office copier stops, it nearly always says why, in a code on the panel. That code is the most useful thing you can give a service desk: it tells the technician which part of the machine raised the fault, and so which parts to bring. Every brand writes its codes differently, though, and a photo of the screen is better than a guess. Here is how to read the main ones.

Before anything else

• Write the whole code down, including any digits after a dash or an underscore. The part at the end is often what narrows it to the exact condition.
• Note what the machine was doing when it stopped: copying, printing from a computer, scanning, or feeding from a particular tray.
• Switch off once at the main power switch, wait a minute and switch back on. Many minor codes clear this way. If the same code comes back, stop there: repeated restarts do not fix a cause, and some codes, such as fusing faults, are locked on purpose.
• Find the model and serial number, usually on a label on the front or back of the machine, or in the machine's own information screen.

Ricoh and Lanier: SC codes

Ricoh shows a service call as SC and three digits, with two more after them, for example SC542 then 02. The first digit gives the area: SC5xx is paper feed and fusing, SC3xx charging and development, SC8xx the controller. Ricoh also sorts codes into levels, and level A codes, mostly fusing, lock the machine until a technician resets it. Ricoh SC codes explained, and Ricoh and Lanier service.

Kyocera: C, F and J codes

Kyocera asks you to call for service and shows a C and four digits, such as C6000, where the C6000s are the fuser. F codes, such as F040, are system errors between the main boards, and J codes, such as J0501, are paper jams with a letter on the panel saying where to look. Kyocera codes explained, and Kyocera service.

Toshiba e-STUDIO: C, E and F codes

A Toshiba e-STUDIO puts its code in the top right corner of the screen when the Call Service or Clear Paper symbol flashes. E codes are paper jams, C codes are service calls from the engine (C4 is the fuser, C1 paper feed, C3 developer and transfer), and F codes come from the controller, its hard drive and its software. Many are only set after the machine has seen the fault more than once, so a code on the screen is rarely a one off. Toshiba codes explained, and Toshiba service.

Konica Minolta bizhub: C codes and warning codes

A bizhub trouble shows as C and four characters, such as C3425. C3 is the fusing unit, C2 the drums, developing and transfer, C0 paper feed, C8 the document feeder. Some image problems show instead as a warning code such as P-6 behind a maintenance mark, and the machine keeps working. Jams show as two numbers such as 11-01. Konica Minolta codes explained, and Konica Minolta service.

Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE: E codes

Canon shows E and three digits, then a four digit detail code, for example E001-0000. Some panels pad it with zeros, so E000001 is the same code as E001. Fixing assembly errors are held in memory until a technician clears them in service mode, which is why switching off and on will not clear them. Canon E codes explained, and Canon service.

Sharp MX: trouble codes

Sharp joins a main code and a sub code, for example H4-00. H is fusing, F2 toner and process, C charging and transfer, L motors and the scanner, U memory and options. Many Sharp codes stay in memory after the fault is fixed and have to be cancelled in Sharp's simulation mode. Sharp codes explained, and Sharp service.

Fujifilm, Fuji Xerox and Xerox: chain link codes

Two groups of three digits, such as 077-101. The first group is the area: 010 the Fusing Unit, 071 to 078 the trays and paper path, 091 to 094 drums, toner and transfer, 005 the document feeder. Fujifilm codes explained and Xerox codes explained, with Fujifilm service and Xerox service.

HP LaserJet: numbered codes

HP shows two digits, then two more groups separated by full stops, such as 10.00.11. The first two digits give the system: 10 supplies, 13 a jam, 50 the fuser, 59 a motor. On smaller models with a two line panel, a blinking Attention light means an error. HP codes explained, and HP printer service.

Then ring with the code

With the code, the model and what the machine was doing, the service desk can book the right technician with the right parts. Book a repair, or call 1300 922 260.

Brand names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the machines we service.

More news and guides from DSA