Hi, i'm getting error message 1203 on the printer and we've lost the user's manual. Can you tell me what this is?

1203 error indicates a communication problem with your printer and one of your cartridges. Please refer to this article in the Lexmark website: How to Troubleshoot a 1203 Error on the Lexmark X4250/X4270/F4270 Printers. This will help you identify and resolve the 1203 error message on your printer.

Hi there

Error 1203 is an issue that occurs either when a cartridge is bad or the printer cartridge Slot is bad...

1 - try cleaning the copper contacts of the both carts and cart slot in the printer and try again..
or
2 - when error shows up, shut the printers power off; wait one minute and turn it back on press copy.
All the best Pineworks

Hi there
Error 1203 is an issue that occurs either when a cartridge is bad or the printer cartridge Slot is bad...

1 - try cleaning the copper contacts of the both carts and cart slot in the printer and try again..
or
2 - when error shows up, shut the printers power off; wait one minute and turn it back on press copy.

All the best Pineworks

Hi Your error is to try
Error 1203 is an issue that occurs either when a cartridge is bad or the printer cartridge Slot is bad...

1 - try cleaning the copper contacts of the both carts and cart slot in the printer and try again..
or
2 - when error shows up, shut the printers power off; wait one minute and turn it back on press copy.

The error 1203 error message on the operator panel could indicate a problem with one of the ink cartridges. Please follow the steps given below:

1. Please make sure the All-In-One is powered on.
2. Pull the control panel towards you, and then open the cartridge access door. The print cartridge carrier moves and stops at the loading position.
3. Pull the old cartridges towards you, and then lift them out.
4. With the cartridges out of the printer, shut the access door and the control panel.
5. Power the printer OFF and then back ON.
6. Please check the operator panel to see if the same error has returned or if a new message has appeared.
7. If the message displayed is 1203, there is something wrong with the printer hardware.
If the message now displaying is Cartridge Missing, do the following:

1. Reinstall the cartridges into the printer.
2. Insert the color cartridge in the left carrier. Insert the black cartridge in the right carrier.
3. Push back firmly on the cartridges until they snap securely into place.
4. Close the cartridge access door, and then close the control panel.
5. If the 1203 message is still present on the operator panel, you need to insert one cartridge at a time to determine which cartridge is producing the failure.
6. With one cartridge in the carrier, close the access door and control panel.
7. Please check the operator panel. If the 1203 error is displayed, this cartridge is the defective item. If the Cartridge Missing message is displayed, the second cartridge is producing the failure.
8. Please replace the defective cartridge.

Seen this lots with dell printers.
Error 1203 is an issue that occurs either when a cartridge is bad or the printer cartridge Slot is bad...

1 - try cleaning the copper contacts of the both carts and cart slot in the printer and try again..
or
2 - when error shows up, shut the printers power off; wait one minute and turn it back on press copy.
Please come back and just gave a vote, it will gave me some satisfaction to know am helping some one so I will keep on helping.
All The Best: Pineworks

It is a hardware printing problem . Try to clean contacts in printers in cartridge holder by alcogol and elastic rubber. it may become dirty an poor contact. after this you can try this:
Put some layers of the sticky tape on cartridge to improove force of contact.

Error 1203 is an issue that occurs either when a cartridge is bad or the printer cartridge Slot is bad... I would request you to try cleaning the copper contacts of the both carts and cart slot in the printer and try again..

These steps are for a Lexmark 4200, but I suspect they will work for your printer as well:

Cartridge Error: 1203

Your print cartridge has a short.

1. Press Power to turn your All-In-One off.
2. Unplug your All-In-One from the wall outlet.
3. Plug in your All-In-One.
4. Reinstall the cartridges.

If this does not resolve the problem, see More troubleshooting options, or replace your cartridges.

Source: http://www.lexmark.com/publications/pdfs/4200/eng/trouble.html

You can try testing your Printer with another Print Cartridge and if the error message repeats, you should contact Service Center as then there would be a Hardware Problem.