1401MAXIFY GX4020

Canon MAXIFY GX4020 error 1401: Printhead Fixes

The Canon MAXIFY GX4020 error 1401 is a warning that the printhead has not been installed correctly or cannot be identified by the printer's sensors. This failure is very frequent after refilling ink tanks or after long periods of inactivity which cause oxidation on the contacts. If you wonder why does error 1401 appear on Canon MAXIFY GX4020?, the origin is a poor electrical connection between the printhead and the mobile carriage.

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Common causes

  • 1Oxidized contacts: buildup of residue blocking electrical signals.
  • 2Incorrect installation: head poorly seated in the holder.
  • 3Printhead damage: internal electrical failure of the component.
  • 4Dirty carriage pins: interference caused by dust or ink leaks.

Solutions

Diagnóstico rápido

If the carriage does not move or the printheads appear out of place, the 1401 is a physical installation issue. If they are well placed, it is an electrical failure in the data bus.

Solución paso a paso

  1. Open the front cover and wait for the printhead carriage to stop in the center.
  2. Carefully remove the printheads and clean their gold contacts with a lint-free cloth.
  3. Inspect the mobile carriage pins for bends or dried ink residue.
  4. Reinstall the printheads until you hear a click, then restart the device.

Prevención y mantenimiento

Avoid touching the gold contacts with your hands to prevent oil buildup. Use original GI-26 inks to keep nozzles clean and prevent heads from drying if you do not use the machine daily.

Cuándo llamar a un técnico

If the error 1401 persists after cleaning the contacts and trying with a new printhead, the main board or the carriage flex cable may have internal damage.

Ficha técnica del equipo

  • Technology: Refillable ink tank.
  • Speed: 24 ipm black, 15.5 ipm color.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet.
  • Compatible consumables: GI-26 bottles.
  • Recommended use: Small business and home office.
  • Official drivers / firmware

Steps to follow

  1. 1

    Reinstall Printheads

    Open the access cover, remove printheads, gently wipe them with a dry cloth, and reseat them firmly.

  2. 2

    Clean Pins

    Use a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the carriage contact pins.

  3. 3

    System Reboot

    Close the cover and power on the printer so the system can attempt to recognize the printhead integrity again.

Frequently asked questions

Error 1401 means the printhead is not being recognized by the printer's electronic system.

Often, the error is caused by dirt or poor connection; cleaning the contacts usually resolves it.

The GX series uses GI-26 ink bottles; using uncertified ink can degrade nozzles and cause read errors.

Perform head cleaning via the maintenance menu whenever you notice lines in your printing.