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 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.

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.
	CD/DVD tray error
	When printing on a CD or DVD, the CD/DVD tray is not inserted.	Insert the CD/DVD tray in the printer and press the paper button. See Positioning a CD/DVD
	Multiple feed error
	The printer has fed more than one sheet of paper at a time.	Make sure you pull up the tray lever to set the front tray to the paper position. Then, 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
	CD/DVD tray jam
	When printing on a CD or DVD, the CD/DVD tray is not ejected.	Pull out the CD/DVD tray and press the paper button.
	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 CD/DVD tray is inserted in the printer, first pull out the CD/DVD tray then replace the cartridge. 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
	Front tray error
	The front tray is not in the correct position.	Before turning on the printer, pull up the tray lever to set the front tray to the paper position. When printing on a CD or DVD, push down the tray lever to set the front tray to the CD/DVD position. When printing on sheets of paper, pull up the tray lever to set the front tray to the paper position.
Flashing alternately	Unsupported device connected
	An unsupported device is connected to the EXT. I/F USB port.	Only digital cameras compatible with PictBridge or USB DIRECT-PRINT are supported with this printer. See Direct Printing from a Digital Camera
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.

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.

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.

Make sure that A4 size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder, that the CD/DVD tray is not inserted in the printer, and that the front tray is in the paper position. If the front tray is not in the paper position, move the tray lever up and reposition the front tray.

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)