Canon pixma mp510-when switch on -grinding sound - then error 5C00 message - when open cover - ink assembly unit does NOT move to center - please advise

they might not be all the way inplace sometimes they have to click into place, check that they are in the little "tracks" or lines they slide into

That's a jammed purge unit issue (search for 5C00 or purge in that link.) That is, the degunker got gunky!

"purge sensor error which means that something is jammed or broken in the purge unit. Most of the time all it is are the wiper blades that clean the bottom of the printhead get stuck in the extended forward position. Gently press on them and see it they will release. Press down on the two ink pads and they should move down at least 1/4" with very little force.

Other than this, you may have to take the printer apart and examine the purge gear very close. It could also be just a jammed piece of paper. I have had people find all kind of things dropped in there, such as paper clips, staples, cigarette butts, etc."
--trigger1937

Hello and Welcome to FixYa!
The 5C00 error is a defective signal from the Purge unit. This error code is telling you that the purge unit did not complete a good power on cycle and the cam is not in the correct position. Typically this means the purge unit is stuck extended due to accumulation of a lot of dried up ink.

Open the cover and when the head comes to the center, pull the power cord. Once that power is off you can now move the carriage to the far left so it is out of the way. Now use a paper towel and gently blot all the excess ink off of the ink Pads and press them down. If the Wiper blade is extended, clean it and it should snap back in position. If it is still stuck, try sparying the area with Windex but don't get any on anything except the pads.

This D.I.Y thingy may seems a bit out of the scope, Yes I'll recommend you to get your printer service in case.

I hope you will have a clear picture now. Concerned, Nooh.

Hi andrew_webb0,

The error code 5C00 means the purge unit is broken. To fix this, you have to bring the printer to a Canon service center and need to replace it with new one.

Hope this helps.

The 5C00 code is for purge cam sensor error meaning an error occurred in the purge unit. You can remove the purge assembly and clean out all the ink covering the moving parts. You can clean it with isopropyl alcohol or just water. If no luck, replace the purge unit, will be around $30. This is the part number, if you need to replace it: Purge unit (QM2-2925).

The 5C00 code is for purge cam sensor error meaning an error occurred in the purge unit. You can remove the purge assembly and clean out all the ink covering the moving parts. You can clean it with isopropyl alcohol or just water. If no luck, replace the purge unit, will be around $30.

The 5C00 code is for purge cam sensor error meaning an error occurred in the purge unit. You can remove the purge assembly and clean out all the ink covering the moving parts. Open the cover and when the head comes to the center, pull the power cord. Once that power is off you can now move the carriage to the far left so it is out of the way. Now use a paper towel and gently blot all the excess ink off of the ink Pads and press them down. If the Wiper blade is extended, clean it and it should snap back in position. You can clean it with isopropyl alcohol or just water. If no luck, replace the purge unit, will be around $30.

The 5C00 code is for purge cam sensor error meaning an error occurred in the purge unit. You can remove the purge assembly and clean out all the ink covering the moving parts. You can clean it with isopropyl alcohol or just water. If no luck, replace the purge unit, will be around $30.

The 5C00 code is for purge cam sensor error meaning an error occurred in the purge unit. You can remove the purge assembly and clean out all the ink covering the moving parts. You can clean it with isopropyl alcohol or just water. If no luck, replace the purge unit, will be around $30. This is the part number, if you need to replace it: Purge unit (QM2-2925).

check in inside the fusing unit by the roller.