Canon E301 — Scanner light-intensity (shading) error

What this error means

The scanner's light reading fell below reference during shading correction — dirty optics or white reference area, a weakening lamp, or reader unit failure. Cleaning fixes a meaningful share.

Symptoms

• Copies/scans fail or come out dark
• Printing from PC still fine

Try this first (safe DIY steps)

1. Clean the platen glass AND the thin scan strip with a lint-free cloth
2. Check for debris under the glass edges
3. Power cycle

Safety: power off before any physical intervention. Never bypass covers or interlocks — fuser areas run hot enough to burn.

When to call a technician

If cleaning doesn't clear it — lamp/reader unit service.