Last Updated 08/04/2022

Are you experiencing any Lexmark printer error codes? You have come to the right place! Here I will be explaining the most common Lexmark error codes you’ll come across, along with all of the solutions that you can use for yourself so that you won’t have to get a technician to fix the issue.

What is a Lexmark printer error code? 

A Lexmark printer error code is your printer’s way of telling you something is not working as it should. There are several different error codes for each of the issues. 

I have tried to include as many error codes as I possibly can, but don’t fret if you don’t see your error code, as the issue could be very similar to an error that’s already included in this blog so keep your eye out.

I have created a table below to display all of the error codes and their causes. If you’d like to click onto the error code in the table and you will be taken down the page to view the solution.

Lexmark Error Code(s): 7, 9, 970, 972(Fan not turning) 

Error: These error codes are usually shown when the fan isn’t moving correctly. 

Solution: Follow these instructions; – 

1. You should be able to see the vent for the fan on the left-hand side of the printer, it will differ between printers, but this is usually where it’s placed.
2. Then turn off the printer.
3. Open the top of the printer’s lid, along the left-hand side you should see a metal circle or a wheel, there’ll be a piece of black plastic obstructing it.
4. Sometimes the fan can just get stuck on its own, you can try to spin it and see if the wheel freely moves.
5. If the fan isn’t moving correctly check for any possible object that could be in the way.
6. If the fan moves as it should then close everything up and then turn the printer off, then on again.
7. Try printing again, then if there is no error continue to use the printer but also keep an eye on it.
8. Finally, if the printer’s error returns make sure to do all the above steps again but make sure that your printer is connected directly to a wall as the power outage could be interfering with how the machine could be working.

If you are still experiencing problems make sure to contact a technician here;- https://www.lexmark.com/en_gb/services/customer-support-services.html. 

Lexmark Error Code(s):20, 21, 22, 23, 200.13, 200, 201(Paper Jam)

Error: In other words, you have got a paper jam, one of the most common issues among printers all around. 

Solution: Follow the instructions below; – 

1. First, carefully open the front door of the machine
2. Carefully remove the ink or toner cartridge
3. Push the feed roller release lever back so that you can remove the paper
4. Now remove the paper tray and reinstall it and then re-install either the toner or ink cartridge.

Lexmark Error Code(s): 24, 26, 27, 31 (Wrong Paper Size) 

Error: This is simply the wrong paper size and in order to fix the issue replace the paper with the correct paper size. Or you can try and change this through the Lexmark machine as follows, 

Solution: Follow these instructions; – 

1. Settings
2. Paper
3. Tray Configuration
4. Paper Size/Type
5. Select a Paper Source
6. Set the Paper Size and Type

Lexmark Error Code(s): 32, 32.5, 930, 931, 932, 933, 934, 935, 936 (Incorrect Cartridges)

Error: You have installed the incorrect cartridges or installed the cartridges in the incorrect slots. Although this can also be in relation to a defective system board or defective cables, in which case a Lexmark technician may be needed. 

Solution: Follow the below instructions. 

1. Double-check your cartridges are correct!
2. Power down the Lexmark printer
3. Make sure you keep the machine off for at least 1-2 minutes
4. Turn the machine back on, if your error still presents itself move on to the next step
5. Make sure that your printer is connected directly to a wall outlet
6. If your printer is connected to a wall outlet already then check to see if there is anything else plugged into the same wall outlet. (Especially anything that may be high powered)
7. If you are still seeing the same Lexmark error code, then your best next step will be to contact Lexmark technical support.

Lexmark Error Code(s): 39 (Page is too complex to print) 

Error: This error is showing up due to the amount of memory space needed in order to complete the print job is higher than the memory of the printer. 

Solution: Follow these instructions; – 

1. Print fewer pages during the print job
2. Make sure to scale down any graphics or remove them completely
3. Change any fonts that you may deem unnecessary
4. You can also change the image quality of the print. If printing at 1200 dpi or higher try to lower the print setting to 600 dpi

 (Remember that you can always add additional memory to your printer too). 

Lexmark Error Code(s): 80, 81 (Need a new maintenance kit) 

Error: Newer modern Lexmark printers will alert you about their maintenance, printers will usually have a limit on the number of pages they can print before they need to have a maintenance kit replaced. 

Solution: The error is basically letting you know that you need a new maintenance kit, you’ll need to purchase a new one and then install it into your printer. If you want an idea of how to install the maintenance kit here’s a good video to watch: https://printsaverepeat.com/blog/how-to-change-the-maintenance-kit-in-your-lexmark-ms810-related-printers/. 

Lexmark Error Code(S): 990, 980, 950, 900.57, 900.43, 900(Hardware or Network Issue)

Error: These error codes align with hardware or network issues; the first indicator should be if the error code is showing up whilst connected to a computer/PC. If the error shows when the printer isn’t connected to a PC or laptop, then there’s a good chance this is a hardware issue. 

Solution: In order to determine whether you will need a service call follow these steps; – 

Printer Hardware Issue 

1. If your printer is showing a 900 error, then power down your machine.
2. Leave the machine for 30 seconds. (Make sure to wait)
3. When the machine is off you need to cancel any print jobs that are pending.
4. Power on the machine.
5. If the error message is still there then disconnecting all the network cables such as the ethernet and USB cable could help, leave the power chord in the printer.
6. Connect the power chord into a wall outlet if it isn’t already
7. If the printer keeps showing every time you power up, then this could be due to a part on the printer and you need to contact Lexmark technical support.

Printer Software Issue

1. Firstly, try a different document to print.
2. If the error still occurs, then try different software to print from.
3. Try using a different device/computer
4. If none of the first 3 steps helped remove the error, then the issue must lie in the communication cables.
5. Try using another communication cable if possible
6. Try the print job again with the new communication cable
7. If none of the above has helped, then you will need to contact Lexmark’s technical support

Lexmark Error Code(s): 920, 921, 922, 923 (Fuser Not Up to Temperature) 

Error: This basically means that your fuser isn’t up to its ideal temperature, if this is the first time the error has appeared, then the first thing to do is to turn the machine off and wait at least 10 seconds before you turn the machine back on. 

Solution: Follow these instructions; – 

1. Make sure that your printer is in an environment above 16 degrees.
2. Make sure there are no cool breezes near the machine.
3. Check that your printer is plugged directly into a wall unit. (Rather than a surge device)
4. If you’re still having issues, then contact Lexmark technical support by this link: https://support.lexmark.com/en_gb.html

Lexmark Error Code(s): 1102, 1203 (Communication error between cartridges) 

Error: This will be due to poor communication between the printhead and the Lexmark machine, it can also be due to incorrect printheads or a poor power supply. 

Solution: Follow the instructions below; – 

1. First, turn your machine off. Taking out the power chords from the printer and wall outlet
2. Wait for around half an hour and then re-insert the cables
3. Power up the machine
4. If the error is still appearing, turn the machine off again
5. Remove the printhead cartridges
6. Clean the printhead contacts, do this by getting a smooth cloth and a small amount of water
7. Make sure you dry the printheads before re-installing them back into the printer
8. Do a defective cartridge test on your machine and see if the printer prints out the page

If the page has been printed the error should be resolved, if not then you’ll need to contact a Lexmark technician

Lexmark Error Symbols 

Lexmark printers will all feature a set of error symbols on what you would call the operator panel now all operator panels will look slightly different; I’m going to explain to you what each of the symbols means to give you a better idea of what’s going on with your machine.  

Remember that most error codes you may run into can be temporary, make sure you follow the steps I have laid out for you and hopefully you’ll be able to overcome the issue without having to pay for any Lexmark technical support