Most Canon printers are designed to refuse to work without ink.
The printer then enters into an error state and refuses to scan.
The most common error code in this case is "2, 140, 21".
You need in such a case to work around the printer's firmware.
In the best case, the firmware permits the use to reset ink detection
by pressing and holding “Stop” (button with orange circle and triangle)
for 5 seconds. Many Pixma models allow that.
Another known workaround was found for the Canon MP-198 printer and
similar. It requires for the printer to have a digital display screen,
and you may need to redo it every time that you turn on the printer.
If this method doesn't work for the printer, then there is probably
no solution.
The following procedure is described below, and there is also
a video.
Step 1: Remove All Cartridge
Turn printer ON, lift upper body to access cartridge, remove cartridge by pushing it to the front (to you).
Step 2: Enter 0 Mode
Now we need to enter the mode where the display shows 0
.
- Turn printer OFF
- Disconnect USB cable
- Close front lid (where paper come out)
- Insert paper into paper tray (new sheet not crumpled).
- Press and HOLD "stop/reset"
- Press and HOLD the "ON" button
- Release "stop/reset" button
- Press and release "stop/reset" button two times
- Release "ON" button.
Wait a moment, printer will enter into 0 mode, it will show 0
(zero)
on its display.
- AFTER it shows
0
, turn OFF printer by pressing ON button
- PAPER will slightly coming/moving in.
Go to the next step after PAPER is slightly coming/moving in.
Step 3: Enter E3 Mode
We enter E3 mode, where the display will blink "E" and "3" continuously.
- TURN ON printer
- PAPER will continue moving into the printer
- After half of the paper is inside, it will stop moving.
The printer will display E3: blinking "E" and "3" continuously
Step 4: Enter 1 Mode
In 1 mode the printer will show 1
on the display.
This mode means the printer is ready to use (as scanner) without
ink cartridges.
- Open front lid (where paper come out after print)
- PAPER will continue moving and eventually coming out from front lid.
- Close front lid again.
- Finish, wait and it will go to 1 mode.
Step 5: Start Scanning Without Any Ink or Cartridge
Connect printer via USB to your PC to use it as a scanner.