Lexmark X5470 All-In-One InkJet Printer Logo
Posted on Apr 23, 2009

Error 1203 getting error 1203 even after cleaning cartridge head and cradle

  • Thomas F. Schneider May 11, 2010

    Below taken for another website:







    Re: error 1203 on lexmark printer by panda (8/4/05 12:04 PM) reply
    + / -

    It's mean your catridges overflow even from brand new catridges after a several prints or right after you refilled the catridges. Check to see if ink are smeared on the holder where the contact panel with the catridge. I have the same problem which I think lexmark have a proble and overlook.

    Solution:
    I use the klennex with a few drops of water to dampen and clean off those contact on the holder and my printer work again.
    The refill ink work very well if you let it sit 24 hrs. Then before you print anything, you should run aligned the catridges a couple times then run clean catridges a couple times.
    Print the test page to see how it's look and way you go.
    Be sure not to leave any debris of klennex on those holder contact panel.

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  • Contributor 14 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 24, 2009
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Hi..

error 1203 means either or both cartridges have short circuited and needs replacement..

You will need to perform the following steps to find out which cartridge is defective:


1. With the printer turned ON, open the front cover and remove both cartridges from the printer.
2. Power the printer OFF and unplug the power cable for 30 seconds. Plug the power cable back in and turn ON the printer.
3. If the error message is now cleared from the printer, please perform the "Self-Test" by following the steps below:
{
1. Make sure the printer is in “Copy Mode.”
2. Press the “Menu” button once.
3. The screen will display “Copy Menu: Copies”.
4. Press the left arrow button once. The screen will display “Copy Menu: Tools”.
5. Press the check button once. The screen with read “Tools: Maintenance”.
6. Press the check button once. The screen with read “Maintenance: Ink Levels”.
7. Press the right arrow button until the screen reads “Maintenance: Print Test Page”.
8. Press the check button once. This will start the Self-Test. Once the page has printed, the printer will stop. The test is not continuous.
}

If the printer has detected a "Cartridge Missing" error, then please follow the steps given below:

1. Turn the power OFF.
2. Open the front cover.
3. Turn the power back ON. The print cartridge carrier should move to the install position located in the middle of the printer. If it does not, close and reopen the cover:
4. Reseat both cartridges in the printer and check for the error.
5. If the error still displays, then remove the color print cartridge.
6. Close the cover.
7. If there is no error indicated by flashing lights, the color cartridge has short-circuited.
8. However, if you continue to get an error, repeat steps 1-3, and then go to step 9.
9. Remove the black print cartridge and reinsert the color cartridge.
10. If there is no error indicated by flashing lights, the black cartridge has short-circuited.
11. If you continue to receive an error in both cartridge scenarios, both print cartridges have short-circuited.

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Related Questions:

0helpful
2answers

Hi, i'm getting error message 1203 on the printer and we've lost the user's manual. Can you tell me what this is?

Error 1203 is a very interesting error code. Here is what I found out about error 1203



Error 1203 is a very interesting cartridge error. It means your cartridges overflow even from brand new cartridges after a several prints or right after you refilled the cartridges. Check to see if ink are smeared on the holder where the contact panel with the cartridge


Solution:
I use the lint free cloth(coffee filter work great) with a few drops of water to dampen and clean off those contact on the holder and my printer work again.
Then before you print anything, you should run aligned the cartridges a couple times then run clean cartridges a couple times.
Print the test page to see how it's look and way you go.
Be sure not to leave any debris of lint free cloth(coffee filter work great on those holder contact panel.

Article on refilling Dell ink cartridges


Rick
0helpful
1answer

The printer read Cartridte error 1203 I am reading the manuel but I do not understand how to fix it to print. I do not have it connected to the computer I just want to make copies.

Are you using Dell Series 9 ink cartridges?

Error 1203 is a very interesting error code. Here is what I found out about error 1203



Error 1203 is a very interesting cartridge error. It means your cartridges overflow even from brand new cartridges after a several prints or right after you refilled the cat ridges. Check to see if ink are smeared on the holder where the contact panel with the cartridge


Solution:
I use the lint free cloth(coffee filter work great) with a few drops of water to dampen and clean off those contact on the holder and my printer work again.
Then before you print anything, you should run aligned the cartridges a couple times then run clean cartridges a couple times.
Print the test page to see how it's look and way you go.
Be sure not to leave any debris of lint free cloth(coffee filter work great on those holder contact panel.


Rick
0helpful
2answers

Printer says cartridge error: error 1203

Remove both ink cartridges and check the bottoms to be sure all of the tap is removed. Small pieces of tape frequently are stuck to the cartridge bottom causing errors. Confirm you have the correct cartridges (# 34 for Black(HIGHYIELD) and #33 for color). Reseat the cartridges and try again.
0helpful
2answers

Error #1203

There´s is cleaning issue try to use alcohol to clean the electronic contacts in the head printing slots
4helpful
2answers

Lexmark x4270- Can't find manual. Shows error 1203. How can I correct this. Thanks

Hi


Error 1203 occurs due to smearing of ink on the carriage bottom where the cartridge head touches the carriage bottom. Please turn off your printer and unplug it.
Clean the bottom of carriage with a damp cloth and clean any dried ink. Make sure that you use the printer after 5-10 mins or until the carriage area dries up completely.

If the 1203 message is still present on the operator panel, you need to insert one cartridge at a time to determine which cartridge is producing the failure.

Now try and check whether you are still getting an error. I hope that you are using orignal Lexmark ink. If not then please use genuine inks only.

Daniel Scott
0helpful
1answer

Error 1203.

It's mean your catridges overflow even from brand new catridges after a several prints or right after you refilled the catridges. Check to see if ink are smeared on the holder where the contact panel with the catridge. I have the same problem which I think lexmark have a proble and overlook.
Solution:
I use the klennex with a few drops of water to dampen and clean off those contact on the holder and my printer work again.
The refill ink work very well if you let it sit 24 hrs. Then before you print anything, you should run aligned the catridges a couple times then run clean catridges a couple times.
Print the test page to see how it's look and way you go.
Be sure not to leave any debris of klennex on those holder contact panel.

Dell Series 5 ink cartridges have a sensor in them that cannot be reset. Article on refilling Dell ink cartridges.

Dell Series 5 ink cartridges can be purchased at Staples, Walmart or Dell's Website.



regards
iversh

A very helpful rating is appreciated for answering your query...
0helpful
1answer

Error code 1203 with my lexmark x4270

Hello,
have you tried cleaning the gold points on the cartridge heads and cartridge slots. Use a proper claning solution and non scented baby wipes or q tips (cotton buds) are good cleaning items. This may restore error 1203. You can also reset it by unpluging it after turning it off. Unplug all cords after waiting a moment replug all an turn on. Try and print now. Post back if no good
Cheers,
lilacgerry
0helpful
1answer

When you turn on the printer an error occurs and #1203 comes up and says consult user guide

Its generally a cartridge error

Remove the cartridges...and properly clean the contacts of the cartridge...the printer service station where the cartridges sit...clean well for smeared inks....reinstall cartridge..

Align print head...

clean the print head from the printer software....
keep me posted

If this worked for you...please do not forget to vote!

Cheers

2helpful
2answers

Error message 1203

This link should have the answer for you.
http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=A940&message.id=13761
0helpful
1answer

X4270 lexmark all-in-one InkJet Printer

Error 1203 is a bit of a generic cartridge issue. If this is a new printer and these are new cartridges, the most likely cause is defective cartridges, they do happen from time to time with new printers. It is also possible that there's a communication issue in the cartridge bay in your printer. Personally, I wouldn't try to do these diagnosing steps (Short of checking for any obvious mistakes). Since this printer is brand new, I would put it back in the box and return it for an immediate replacement. Some retailers would try to find any way to discredit your return right, the aim would be to give them as little ammunition as possible. To try and self troubleshoot the cartridge, first make sure they are inserted correctly. First, ensure you removed the tape from the contacts on the cartridge from its package. Make sure when you snap the cartridge in, it doesn't appear loose or easy to shake in the cradle. If you're still getting the error, remove the cartridge and check for any residual ink. If ink is present (appearing to leak in any form), it's possible this is causing the error. You can try cleaning the cartridge, a safe solution to use would be a light application of methylated spirits on a cloth that doesn't disintegrate. Holding the cartridge at its sides, you can run the cartridge in a vertical motion on the cloth. Horizontal motions can potentially damage the cartridge. You can also check the contacts on the printer (This is, the gold circuits where the cartridge touches the printer in the cradle). If ink appears on this, this can also be causing the issue. You would need to use an electrical safe contact cleaner (A very light amount) and a safe cloth to clean it with. Anything that can leave particles would be unsafe to use. Make sure to let the solution dry before reinserting the cartridge. Hope everything works out.
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