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Diagnosing the Problem

Error indicators
EPSON Status Monitor (For Windows Only)
Running a printer operation check

Troubleshooting printer problems is best handled in two steps: first diagnose the problem, then apply likely solutions until the problem is fixed.

The information that you need to diagnose and solve most common problems is provided by online problem solving, the control panel, the EPSON Status Monitor utility, or by running a printer operation check. Refer to the appropriate section below.

If you have a specific problem relating to print quality, a printout problem not related to print quality, or a paper feeding problem, or if the printer does not print at all, refer to the appropriate section.

To solve a problem, you may need to cancel printing.
See Canceling Printing

Error indicators

You can identify many common printer problems using the lights on your printer. If the printer stops working and the lights are on or flashing, use the following table to diagnose the problem, then follow the recommended corrective measures.

Lights

Problem and solution

Paper out

No paper is loaded.

Load paper into the sheet feeder, and then press the  paper button. The printer resumes printing and the light goes out.

Multiple feed error

The printer has fed more than one sheet of paper at a time.

Load paper in the sheet feeder and press the paper button to resume printing.

Paper jam

Paper has jammed in the printer.

See The paper jams

Ink low

The black or color ink cartridge is nearly expended.

Obtain a replacement ink cartridge. To determine which cartridge is nearly expended, check the ink cartridge status.
See Checking the Ink Cartridge Status

Ink expended

An ink cartridge is expended or not installed correctly.

Replace the ink cartridge with a new one. If the ink end error occurs after the print head has moved to the home position, the ink cartridge may not be installed properly. Reinstall the ink cartridge so that it clicks into place.
See Replacing an Expended Ink Cartridge
See The ink light is flashing or is on after you replace the cartridge

Flashing alternately

Service required

Waste ink pad in the printer is saturated.

Contact your dealer to replace it.

Carriage error

The print head is obstructed by jammed paper or other foreign material and cannot return to the home position.

Turn off the printer. Open the printer cover and remove any paper or other obstructions from the paper path. Then turn the printer back on. If the error does not clear, contact your dealer.

: on, : off, : flashing, : flashing fast

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EPSON Status Monitor (For Windows Only)

If a problem occurs while printing, an error message will appear in the Progress Meter window.

When you need to replace an ink cartridge, click the How To button on the screen, and EPSON Status Monitor will lead you step-by-step through the cartridge replacement procedure.

If an error message appears indicating the parts inside the printer are near the end of their service life, the waste ink pad in the printer is saturated. Contact your dealer to replace it.


Note:

When you use your printer as a shared printer on a network with the following combinations of computers, the client operating systems are not able to communicate with the printer, so that some functions are not available for that particular client.

Server

Client

Windows XP x64/XP

Windows Me/98 SE/2000

Windows Me/98 SE/2000

Windows XP x64/XP

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Running a printer operation check

If you are unable to determine the source of the problem, run a printer operation check to help you determine whether the problem comes from the printer or your computer.

To run a printer operation check, follow these steps.

Make sure both the printer and computer are turned off.

Disconnect the cable from the interface connector of the printer.

Make sure that A4 size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.

Hold down the  paper button and press the  power button to turn on the printer. When the printer turns on, release both the buttons. The printer prints the nozzle check pattern.

A test page prints showing a nozzle check pattern. (If the pattern has gaps, you need to clean the print head.
See Cleaning the Print Head)

  • If the test page prints, the problem probably lies in your software settings, the cable, or your computer. It is also possible that your software may not be installed correctly. Try uninstalling your software and reinstalling it.
    See Uninstalling the Printer Software

  • If the test page does not print, you may have a problem with your printer. Try the suggestions in the following section.
    See The Printer Does Not Print

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