Ricoh SC681-11, SC681-12, SC681-13 & SC681-14 Error Codes (MP C & IM C Series Complete Fix Guide)

SC681-12

If your Ricoh copier is displaying SC681, SC681-11, SC681-12, SC681-13, or SC681-14, you're dealing with a toner communication error. These codes usually indicate that the machine is unable to properly read the electronic ID chip on one of the toner cartridges.

While these errors can appear alarming, they're often caused by something as simple as a dirty toner chip or poor electrical contact. In other cases, they can point to a failing toner supply assembly or control board.

At Terra Office Solutions, we've seen these errors across both older MP C series machines and the latest IM C models. This guide walks through the most common causes and the troubleshooting steps we recommend before replacing expensive parts.

What Does Ricoh SC681 Mean?

The SC681 series refers to a communication failure between the copier and the toner bottle's electronic ID chip.

Each toner cartridge contains a small integrated circuit that tells the copier:

• Which color toner is installed

• Whether the toner is genuine

• Toner identification information

• Cartridge status

When communication with that chip fails, the copier records an SC681 code.

SC681 Error Code Breakdown

Error Code	Toner Color
SC681-11	Black (K)
SC681-12	Magenta (M)
SC681-13	Cyan (C)
SC681-14	Yellow (Y)

For example:

• SC681-12 means the copier cannot communicate with the magenta toner cartridge.

• SC681-13 points to the cyan toner cartridge.

  
  

Common Symptoms

Before the actual SC code appears, you may notice:

• Functional Problem message

• Copier automatically restarting

• "Add Toner" message even though toner is full

• Printing stops during large jobs

• Errors occurring more frequently during heavy duplex color printing

• Toner bottle repeatedly failing to initialize

Sometimes the machine will restart several times before finally locking with an SC681 error.

Step 1 – Remove and Reinstall the Toner

It sounds simple, but this fixes more machines than you'd expect.

1. Remove the affected toner cartridge.

2. Inspect it for damage.

3. Reinstall it firmly until fully seated.

4. Shut the machine off using the main power switch.

5. Wait 30 seconds.

6. Restart the copier.

Improper seating can interrupt communication between the toner chip and the machine.

Step 2 – Clean the Toner ID Chip

RICOH Toner Chip Example

Every Ricoh toner bottle contains a small gold-colored electronic chip.

Inspect the chip for:

• Toner dust

• Fingerprints

• Oxidation

• Physical damage

Clean it carefully using a lint-free cloth.

Also inspect the spring contacts inside the copier that touch the chip.

Dirty contacts are one of the most common causes of intermittent SC681 errors.

Step 3 – Replace the Toner Cartridge

The toner itself may be perfectly fine while the ID chip has failed.

Install another genuine Ricoh toner cartridge if available.

Many aftermarket or remanufactured cartridges use lower-quality chips that can generate communication errors even when brand new.

If the error disappears after installing another toner bottle, you've likely found the problem.

Step 4 – Inspect the Machine Contacts

Next, inspect the electrical contacts inside the toner compartment.

Look for:

• Bent pins

• Broken springs

• Loose connectors

• Corrosion

• Excess toner contamination

Even one weak contact can prevent the copier from reading the toner chip consistently.

Step 5 – Update Firmware

Although firmware isn't usually the root cause, Ricoh periodically releases updates that improve toner communication and reliability.

If the machine is running significantly outdated firmware, update it before replacing major components.

Step 6 – Replace the PCDU (If Necessary)

If toner replacement doesn't resolve the issue, the next logical component is the corresponding Photoconductor Unit (PCDU).

This is especially worthwhile if:

• Print quality has also degraded.

• The machine has high page counts.

• The error began after servicing.

However, replacing the PCDU alone will not resolve every SC681 error.

Step 7 – Inspect the Toner Supply Assembly

If the error remains on the same color, technicians should inspect:

• Toner supply assembly

• Toner ID sensor

• Wiring harnesses

• Connectors

• Toner drive mechanism

If communication is interrupted anywhere along this path, the copier will continue generating SC681 errors regardless of how many toner bottles are replaced.

Step 8 – Check the Controller Boards

After consumables and wiring have been eliminated, the remaining suspects are the electronic boards.

Depending on the model, this may include:

• Toner Supply Board

• Toner Control Board

• I/O Board

• BCU

• Main Controller Board

Board failures are less common but do occur, particularly on higher-mileage machines.

Real-World Example: MP C4503 SC681-12

One technician reported an MP C4503 that would:

• Restart during heavy full-color duplex printing

• Display Add Magenta Toner

• Record SC681-12

The following repairs had already been attempted:

• Firmware updated

• Toner chip contacts cleaned

• Magenta chip swapped with yellow

• New magenta toner installed

• New magenta PCDU installed

Despite replacing multiple components, the problem remained.

At that point, the troubleshooting shifted away from consumables and toward the toner communication circuitry, wiring, connectors, and associated control boards.

This is a good reminder that replacing parts without isolating the failure can become expensive very quickly.

How to Prevent SC681 Errors

While not every failure is preventable, these practices can help:

• Use genuine Ricoh toner.

• Keep toner compartments clean.

• Avoid touching toner chip contacts.

• Do not force toner bottles into place.

• Keep firmware reasonably up to date.

• Inspect spring contacts during regular maintenance.

  
  

When Should You Call a Technician?

If you've already:

• Replaced the toner cartridge

• Cleaned the ID chip

• Inspected the contacts

• Updated firmware

…and the same SC681 error continues returning, the problem is likely within the copier itself rather than the toner.

At that point, additional diagnosis is usually required to identify a failed toner supply assembly, damaged wiring harness, sensor issue, or controller board.

Need Ricoh Copier Service?

Terra Office Solutions provides professional Ricoh copier service, maintenance, and repairs throughout Southern California.

Whether your machine is displaying SC681-11, SC681-12, SC681-13, SC681-14, or another Ricoh service code, our technicians can diagnose the root cause and get your office back up and running quickly.

If your Ricoh copier keeps asking for toner even after you've replaced the cartridge, don't keep throwing parts at the problem—give Terra Office Solutions a call. We'll help determine whether the issue is the toner, the machine, or something deeper in the communication system.

Ricoh Models Commonly Affected

We've encountered these errors on many Ricoh platforms, including:

MP C Series

• MP C2003

• MP C2503

• MP C3003

• MP C3503

• MP C4503

• MP C5503

• MP C6003

MP C04 / EX Series

• MP C2004

• MP C2504

• MP C3004

• MP C3504

• MP C4504

• MP C5504

• MP C6004

• MP C2004ex

• MP C2504ex

• MP C3004ex

• MP C3504ex

• MP C4504ex

• MP C5504ex

• MP C6004ex

RICOH IM C Series

• IM C2000

• IM C2500

• IM C3000

• IM C3500

• IM C4500

• IM C5500

• IM C6000

RICOH IM C x010 Series

• IM C2010

• IM C2510

• IM C3010

• IM C3510

• IM C4510

• IM C5510

• IM C6010

Production Models

These errors have also been reported on several higher-volume IM C production devices, including the IM C6500, IM C6510, IM C8000, and IM C8010.