trying to scan from the flatbed and it just says 'check document cover' won't start

— asked by Casey

Quick answer: The scanner can't detect that the document cover (the lid) is fully closed. There's a small sensor, usually near the hinge, that gets blocked or misaligned.

Diagnosis

The scanner can't detect that the document cover (the lid) is fully closed. There's a small sensor, usually near the hinge, that gets blocked or misaligned.

How to Fix It

Check for anything preventing the lid from closing completely—a paper clip, a curled corner of a book, or even the scanning cable tucked in the wrong place. Open and close the lid firmly a few times. Power cycle the printer. Also, make sure you're placing the original face-down correctly against the alignment mark.

If That Didn't Work

The sensor might be dirty. With the printer off, look along the inner edge of the scanner glass frame, near the back hinge, for a small plastic nub or window. Gently clean it with a dry cotton swab. Don't press hard.

Heads Up

If you're using the Canon ScanGear software, try the simpler Canon My Image Garden app instead. Sometimes the driver software gets confused and throws this error even when the hardware is fine.

0

Different problem with the same product?

Ask about the Canon PIXMA G7020 MegaTank All-in-One Printer →