EPSON

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 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 paper manual.

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.
The steps involved in running a printer operation check vary by product.
If the printer has an LCD screen, see For product with LCD screen
If the printer does not have an LCD screen, see For product without LCD screen

For product with LCD screen

Use the , , , or OK buttons to change the view of the LCD screen to find the mode you want to enter.
Make sure the printer is turned off.
Make sure that A4 size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
Press the  button to turn on the printer.
Enter Setup mode from the Home menu.
Enter Maintenance.
Enter Nozzle Check.
Press the  button to start the ink nozzle check.
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.

For product without LCD screen

Note:
The illustrations in this section may vary depending on the product.
Make sure the printer is turned off.
Make sure that A4 size paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
Hold down the  button and press the  button to turn on the printer. When the printer turns on, release both the buttons.
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.