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.
	Paper jam
	Paper has jammed in the printer.	See The paper jams
	Ink expended
	An ink cartridge is expended or not installed.	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
	Wrong cartridge
	The currently installed ink cartridge cannot be used with the printer .	Replace the incompatible cartridge with an appropriate black or color ink cartridge. See Replacing an Ink Cartridge Before It Is Expended
	Incorrectly installed ink cartridge
	An ink cartridge is not installed correctly.	If the print head is at the home position, press the ink button to move the print head to the ink cartridge replacement position. Remove and reinsert the ink cartridge. Then continue with ink cartridge installation. If the print head is at the ink cartridge replacement position, remove and reinsert the ink cartridge. Then continue with ink cartridge installation.
	Ink low
	The black or color ink cartridge is nearly expended.	Obtain a replacement black or color ink cartridge. To determine which cartridge is nearly expended, check the ink cartridge status. See Checking the Ink Supply
	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.
	Unknown printer error
	An unknown printer error has occurred.	Turn off the printer and 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 you see an error message indicating that parts inside the printer are near the end of their service life, contact your dealer for replacement.

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.

Hold down the paper button and press the power button to turn on the printer. Release only the power button. After the printer starts the operation check, release the paper button.

Compare the quality of the printed check page with the sample shown below. If there are no print quality problems, such as gaps or missing segments in the test lines, the printer itself is fine.

The problem probably lies with the printer driver settings, the application settings, the interface cable (be sure to use a shielded cable), or the computer itself.

If the check page does not print satisfactorily, as shown below, there is a problem with the printer.

For example, if any segment of the printed lines is missing, this could mean a clogged ink nozzle or a misaligned print head.