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Diagnosing the Problem

Error indicators
EPSON Status Monitor (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/Code

Cause

Solution

Error

No paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.

Load paper in the sheet feeder. Then press  Start Color to continue or  Stop to cancel.
See Loading Paper

Multiple pages have been fed into the sheet feeder.

Remove and reload the paper. Then press  Start Color to continue or  Stop to cancel.
See Loading Paper

Error

Paper is jammed.

See Paper jams

An ink cartridge is running low on ink.

See Replacing an Empty Ink Cartridge

An ink cartridge is empty or not installed correctly.

If any cartridge is empty, you cannot print until you replace it.
See Replacing an Empty Ink Cartridge

Error *

Print Indes Sheet -A4-

Print From Index Sheet

Print All/DPOF/
PictBridge

Code 1

An unsupported memory card is inserted.

Remove the memory card.
See Compatible Cards and Inserting Positions

The memory card does not contain any valid images.

See Compatible Cards and Inserting Positions

Error

Code H

The paper thickness lever is set to the position.

If you have set the lever to the position because you are printing envelope(s), press  Start Color to continue. Otherwise, set the lever to the position.

Error

All other lights

Code E

A part on the printer needs to be replaced.

Contact your local authorized service center or contact Epson for a referral.
See Contacting Customer Support

All lights

Code E

There is a problem with the printer.

Turn the printer off and then back on. If the error does not clear, contact your local authorized service center or contact Epson for a referral.
See Contacting Customer Support

* This error does not appear on the EPSON STYLUS CX4100 Series.

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EPSON Status Monitor (Windows only)

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

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

If you see an error message indicating that parts inside the printer are near the end of their service life, contact your dealer for replacement.

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Running a printer operation check

If you are unable to determine the source of the problem, performing a printer operation check can help you determine whether the problem comes from this printer or the computer

To print a printer operation check page, follow these steps.

Disconnect the USB cable from your computer.

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

Press the On button while also pressing the Ink button and hold them down for about 3 seconds.

This printer prints an operation check page that includes a nozzle check pattern.

Compare the quality of the printed test page with the sample shown below. If there are no print quality problems, this printer is fine and the problem probably lies with the printer software settings, the application settings, the interface cable (be sure to use a shielded cable), or the computer itself.

If the test page does not print satisfactorily, there is a problem with this printer. For example, if bands appear in the check pattern as shown below, this could mean a clogged ink nozzle or a misaligned print head.

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