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Diagnosing the Problem
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 status monitor, 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.
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
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Problem and solution
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Paper out
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No paper is loaded.
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Load paper into the sheet feeder, and then press the paper button. The printer resumes printing and the light goes out.
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CD/DVD tray error
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When printing on a CD or DVD, the CD/DVD tray is not inserted.
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Insert the CD/DVD tray in the printer and press the paper button.
See Positioning a CD/DVD
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Multiple feed error
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During double-sided printing, the printer feeds more than one sheet of paper at a time.
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Load paper in the sheet feeder and press the paper button to resume printing.
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Paper jam
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Paper has jammed in the printer.
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CD/DVD tray jam
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When printing on a CD or DVD, the CD/DVD tray is not ejected.
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Pull out the CD/DVD tray and press the paper button.
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Output tray closed
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The output tray is closed.
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Lower the output tray, and then slide out the extension.
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Ink expended
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An ink cartridge is expended or not installed.
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Replace the ink cartridge with a new one. If the light is still on after you have replaced the cartridge, it may not be installed correctly. Reinstall the ink cartridge so that it clicks into place.
See Replacing an Expended Ink Cartridge
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Wrong cartridge
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The currently installed ink cartridge cannot be used with the printer.
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Replace the incompatible cartridge with an appropriate ink cartridge.
See Replacing an Ink Cartridge Before It Is Expended
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Incorrectly installed ink cartridge
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An ink cartridge is not installed correctly.
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Ink low
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An ink cartridge is nearly expended.
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Obtain a replacement ink cartridge. To determine which cartridge is nearly expended, check the ink cartridge status.
See Checking the Ink Cartridge Status
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Flashing alternately
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Unsupported device connected
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An unsupported device is connected to the EXT. I/F USB port.
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Only digital cameras compatible with PictBridge are supported with this printer.
See Direct Printing from a Digital Camera
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USB hub unsupported
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A USB hub is connected to the EXT. I/F USB port.
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A USB hub cannot be used with the EXT. I/F USB port of this printer.
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Cartridge holder in the wrong position
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The print head is obstructed by jammed paper or other foreign material and cannot return to the home position.
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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.
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Flashing alternately
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Maintenance
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The printer’s ink pads are nearing or at the end of their service life.
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Contact Epson support to replace ink pads. If the printer’s ink pads are nearing the end of their service life, printing can be resumed by pressing the button.
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Recovery mode
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The firmware update has failed, and the printer is in recovery mode.
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You will need to re-attempt the firmware update. Ready a USB cable and visit your local Epson website for further instructions.
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: on, : off, : flashing, : flashing fast
Status monitor
If a problem occurs while printing, an error message will appear in the status monitor window.
When you need to replace an ink cartridge, click the How To button on the window, and the status monitor will lead you step-by-step through the cartridge replacement procedure.
To confirm the status of each ink cartridge, see one of the following sections:
See Using EPSON Status Monitor 3 (Windows)
See Using EPSON Status Monitor (Mac OS X)
If an error message appears indicating the printer’s ink pads are nearing the end of their service life, contact Epson support to replace them. The message will be displayed at regular intervals until the ink pads are replaced. When the printer’s ink pads are saturated, the printer stops and Epson support is required to continue printing.
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.
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Make sure both the printer and computer are turned off.
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Disconnect the cable from the interface connector of the printer.
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Make sure that A4 or Letter size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder, and that the CD/DVD tray is not inserted in the printer.
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Hold down the button and press the button to turn on the printer. When the printer turns on, release both the buttons.
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A test page prints showing a nozzle check pattern. If the pattern has gaps, you need to clean 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 Your 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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