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Diagnosing the Problem

Error indicators
Status Monitor
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 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.
Canceling Printing

Error indicators

You can identify many common printer problems by checking the error indicators on the printer's control panel. If the printer stops working and you cannot solve the problems, see the table of the error indicators and solutions provided in the booklet.
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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 StatusMonitor (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. When the printer’s ink pads are saturated, the printer stops and Epson support is required to continue printing.
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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.
Before running a printer operation check, make sure the front tray is in the paper position (lower position). If it is not, move the tray lever up and reposition the front tray.
Caution:
Do not touch the front tray when operating the tray lever.
Do not move the tray lever while the printer is operating.
Note:
Before you move the tray lever, make sure no paper or other objects are on the front tray and the front tray is not extended.
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, the CD/DVD tray is not inserted in the printer, and that the front tray is in the paper position.
Press the  On button to turn on the printer.
Press the  [Setup] button to enter the Setup mode.
Press the  or  button to select Maintenance, then press the OK button.
Press the  or  button to highlight Nozzle Check, press the OK button, and then press the  Start button.
A test page prints showing a nozzle check pattern. If the pattern has gaps, you need to clean the print head.
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 driver
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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