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, or the status monitor. 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 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  button. The printer resumes printing and the light goes out.
Multiple-paper feed
More than one sheet of paper are fed at the same time.
Load paper in the sheet feeder and press the  button to resume printing.
Paper jam
Paper has jammed in the printer.
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 ink cartridge.
See Replacing an Ink Cartridge Before It Is Expended
Incorrectly installed ink cartridge
An ink cartridge is not installed correctly.
Ink low
An 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
Flashing alternately
Maintenance
The printer’s ink pads are nearing or at the end of their service life.
Contact Epson support to replace ink pads.
If the printer’s ink pads are nearing the end of their service life, printing can be resumed by pressing the  button.
Unknown printer error
An unknown printer error has occurred.
Turn off the printer. Then, remove the jammed paper.
See The Paper Jams
Then turn the printer back on. If the error does not clear, contact your dealer.
Recovery mode
The firmware update has failed, and the printer is in recovery mode.
You will need to re-attempt the firmware update. Ready a USB cable and visit your local Epson website for further instructions.
: on, : flashing slowly, : flashing fast

Checking printer status

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

For Windows

Note:
The order in which ink cartridges are listed varies depending on the printer.
There are two ways to access EPSON Status Monitor 3:
Double-click the printer shortcut icon on the Windows taskbar.
See From the shortcut icon on the taskbar to add short cut icon on the Windows taskbar.
Open the printer driver, click the Maintenance tab, then click the EPSON Status Monitor 3 button.
When you access EPSON Status Monitor 3, the following window appears:
EPSON Status Monitor 3 provides the following information:
Current Status:
If the ink is low or expended, the How to button appears in the EPSON Status Monitor 3 window. Clicking How to displays ink cartridge replacement instructions and moves the print head to the ink cartridge replacement position.
Ink Levels:
EPSON Status Monitor 3 provides a graphic display of the ink cartridge status.
Information:
You can view information about the installed ink cartridges by clicking Information.
Technical Support:
Click Technical Support to access this manual.
Print Queue:
You can view Windows Spooler by clicking Print Queue.

For Mac OS X

Note:
The order in which ink cartridges are listed varies depending on the printer.
Follow these steps to access EPSON Status Monitor.
Access the Epson Printer Utility 4.
Click the EPSON Status Monitor button. The EPSON Status Monitor appears.
When ink is low or expended, a How to button appears. Click How to, and EPSON Status Monitor will lead you step by step through the ink cartridge replacement procedure.
You can also use this utility to check the ink cartridge status before printing. EPSON Status Monitor displays the ink cartridge status at the time it was opened. To update the ink cartridge status, click Update.