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 | Epson printer problem by spm (11/14/03 11:17 PM) | -1 + / - | Our C60 was working fine, and yesterday I was able to print in B&W at first but then when I tried to print colour it only printed in pink. I admit, I had installed refilled cartridges, so I thought perhaps they hadn't filled the cartridge up right. I tried cleaning the heads a number of times, replacing the cartridge with a new (refilled) cartridge and also with a new generic cartridge. The only thing that happened is that the test squares got increasingly bad, and now it won't print at all. The power light is flashing and the maintenance light is on solidly.
I have reviewed past postings and thought maybe I should try to flush it using the water/coffee filter technique, but I don't know how to unlock the assy so that these parts can be moved. My level of knowledge and skill is to plug it in and expect everything to work but I am willing to try to fix this problem if it means the printer isn't junk. I just don't know even the initial steps to take to begin working on this problem. Any helpful suggestions or ideas out there?
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 | Re: Epson printer problem by Wes  (11/15/03 12:53 AM) | + / - | You will want to press the button that you use to change the ink cartridge(the 3rd button). Once the carriage is in the "cartridge change position" you can unplug the printer. Then you are ready to flush out the heads. Click here for cleaning instructions http://www.wesesweb.web1000.com/printhead.html The instructions are fairly easy to follow. If you need the head cleaning solution click here http://www.fixyourownprinter.com/kea0.html If you heed more help feel free to email me.
(click on my name for email address)
I hope this helps.
Wes
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 | Re: Epson printer problem by Cath (11/15/03 4:02 AM) | + / - | I get an "unknown error" message on my Epson Stylus color 480. I've been told that it's due to the ink pad being full. I've soaked up the ink from the pad with kitchen paper but the printer still won't work. I've priced a repair but I've been told it would cost more than the price of a new printer. I like this printer and with a recent purchase of lots of ink cartridges I'd like to be able to fix it if it's something simple.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Rudy (11/15/03 6:39 AM) | + / - | It would be best were you to remove the waste ink pads and thoroughly clean or replace them. Nothing with an epson is simple.
Search this site for waste ink error resets.
You might also visit the russian freeware site (english version available) at inkjetprinterhelp.us
Read everything before proceding with that utility.
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 | Re: Epson printer problem by Richard (11/15/03 8:26 AM) | +2 + / - | Hello Cathy following is what I did maybe thsi will help you:
I recently had problems with my Epson C42UX printer, the red and green light began flashing and a window popped up, saying, take it to your services center because some parts have reached the end of their life. Instead I did a bit of reading and I was successful. You see printer companies set a “protection counter” on all printers , it’s an internal counter measuring the amount of ink wasted by head cleaning. I needed to reset the "protection counter" as well as clean the “waste ink pad overflow”. Following is the procedure that I used:
1. Unplug the power and USB cables from the printer. I pried open my C42UX printer, careful not to break anything. I use a flat blade screwdriver to pry it apart; there are two-three tabs at the back and two at the front. Gently push them in, and then using a bit of force pry apart the cover.
2. Next I removed the two (2) waste ink pads. They are located at the back on the left hand side. I used the flat blade screwdriver to lift up the ink pads (they were soaked). Please use rubber gloves as it gets very messy.
3. Next I took the pads to the kitchen skin and washed them with just plain hot water until they were white again. I just let the hot water run on them (the pads are about three inches long).
4. Once washed I dried them using a hair drier. (you could place it the sun for a few hours or on top of your heater or maybe in a heated oven; (make sure you do not set it on fire with too much heat).
5. Once dried I placed the pads back in the ink waste bin at the back of the printer.
6. I closed the printer cover and put back all the pieces and plugged in the USB & power cable and turned it on. (Yes the lights are still flashing).
7. Go to this link and download this software: http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/epsonSSC.html
8. Install the software and run it.
9. Select your printer and model number ( It only says C42 there is no UX, choose it anyway).It will ask if you replaced with new pads; say “YES”. Then close the window.
10. Now right click on the SSC service utility, it looks like a printer icon near your clock in the task bar.
11. Then click on reset counters. You can do all other stuff with this utility too.
12. Turn off the printer power and then turn it on again. If necessary un-plug the power cord from the back of the printer, wait 20 seconds. Plug it back in.
13. THERE YOU GO! IT WORKS AGAIN.
14. By the way I use generic ink and I fill my own cartridges. I use ink from www.atlanticinkjet.com. Great stuff.
I hope this helps some of you who are frustrated and ready to throw out your Epson printer.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Anonymous (12/23/03 1:01 AM) | + / - | our epson 600 began to stop printing about a third of the way through the page. Then it began making a mechanical noise when it reached this point, trying to print the same line over & over again. We uninstalled and reinstalled the printer with no success in curing the problem. We assumed the printer was broken. We installed a spare epsom 640 which we had. This printer is doing the same thing?
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Wes (12/23/03 2:05 AM) | +1 + / - | If the same exact problem is on both printers it would suggest the printer cable or LPT port would be the problem or even the computer's BIOS on the very off, off chance.
Check the printer cable on the computer side to see if it is loose. It would be a good idea to completely disconnect the printer cable from the computer and then put the cable back on the computer just to ensure a good connection. Also you can remove the printer cable from the printer and perform a self test.
Usually you press the paper feed button and turn the power on then release the power button after the power light flashes. And the self test starts to print.
I would suspect the printer cable as being bad or having a bad connection. But you may have a printer port problem. You can check the device manager to see if there are any conflicts with the LPT port.
But the cable is the easiest thing to check and is usually the trouble maker.
One more thing you might want to check is the carriage glide shaft on the printers to see if they are dry. If they are you can clean the glide shaft and then re-oil it with a light oil. Something like 3 in one, Break Free or sewing machine oil.
I hope this helps you and have a Merry Christmas.
Wes.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (12/23/03 9:37 AM) | +1 + / - | Anonymous: As its a mechanical noise coming from the printer, my first guess is that the Carriage Assembly is DRY and or DIRTY. Try cleaning the round metal carriage bar/shaft and around the outside of the metal bushings that the shaft passes thru on both sides of the Print Cartridge Holder Assembly and then lube it slightly like "WES" mentioned. As the lubrication works into the oil pad inside the print cartridge holder assy, you may see a blackish build-up come off onto the carriage rod, as the pad is cleaning itself and the inside of those metal bushings. Keep wiping off that blackish build-up, until you can't really see any more. Don't overlube, just a couple of drops on each side of the bar near the bushings is usually enough to relube the oil pad thats inside that assy. To much lube just attracts more dust and dirt and thats what causes that blackish build-up and the resulting problems, simular to what you may have. If you have been getting any slamming noises and the resulting red error lights, you may want to check the Printhead Alignment, because it can get thrown off...Good Luck & Merry Xmas! Denny Conway
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| C60 print quality by don (1/28/04 8:06 AM) | + / - | After running several print cleaning cycles I'm still getting a repeating red horizontal line about a half inch apart in a photograph. Any suggestions? Thanks, Don
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (1/28/04 11:45 AM) | + / - | Don: Its possible that you have an actual Hardware Failure [parts problem], a bad ink cartridge, or even a possible dirty or clogged printhead, but there's no way to really know. The most common problem is clogging and printhead related problems, especially if you are using Non-Epson Ink Cartridges. You might want to try using the Printhead Cleaning Kit, available through the home page on "fixyourownprinter.com", for around $10.00 plus shipping. It includes a syringe and some Epson Printhead Cleaning Solution, which is designed to dissolve most clogs, especially if you were using Epson inks. You can try it if you want to and see if you can get the printhead nozzles to open up again...Check for an e-mail from me with some additional information in that area...If you want to see what's involved in print head cleaning, Wes has supplied a link that might help: " http://www.epsonhelp.web1000.com/printhead.html "...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Epson 740 C Printer Problem by Thomas Reinke (2/10/04 6:36 AM) | + / - | My Epson 740 Colour Stylus was working fine until yesterday when I tried to print a b/w copy of a text. I have done so many nozzle checks, but neither colour nor black ink is showing up. I have exchanged the old cartridges and replaced them by new ones (not Epson!). However no signs of any ink when I try to print. I have also checked the underside of the printhead, but everything seems to be fine. The head is possibly clogged up ? Can anyone help me on this problem? I would be thankful for any hints.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Ryan (2/10/04 7:20 AM) | + / - | Your printers are garbage, throw them out, and get a new one.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (2/10/04 9:32 AM) | + / - | Thomas: The "740" is one of the better older Epson Ink Jet Printers and one of the few older printers worth putting some money into. Few newer printers are made as well. It's possble that you may even have an actual HARDWARE PROBLEM [parts problem], but normally that would indicate that your printhead assembly is probably clogged. You might want to try using the Printhead Cleaning Kit, available through the home page on "fixyourownprinter.com", for around $10.00 plus shipping. It includes a syringe and some Epson Printhead Cleaning Solution, which is designed to dissolve most clogs, especially if you were using Epson inks. You can try it if you want to and see if you can get the printhead nozzles to open up again...If you want to see what's involved in print head cleaning, Wes has supplied a link that might help: " http://www.epsonhelp.web1000.com/printhead.html "...Good Luck! Denny Conway...P.S. Check for an e-mail from me, with some additional information.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Harold (2/10/04 10:39 AM) | + / - | my C80 Epson shows a straigt line thru the center of everything it prints. I am pretty sure the print head needs cleaned I notice that you exclude the C80 from most of your recommendations,what do you recommend for this model?
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (2/10/04 11:05 AM) | + / - | Harold: Usually a "White Line" or "Void Line" that shows up on the black or colors indicates either a dirty printhead, possible clogged nozzles, or even a failing/bad ink cartridge. At this point all you can really do [if you already have not done so] is to start running sets of "Printhead Cleaning Cycles" and "Nozzle Tests" to see if you can get all those nozzles to open up and start firing again. Remember that every printhead cleaning cycle must be followed by a nozzle test, because the printer uses each nozzle test as a point of reference for the next cleaning cycle performed. You may have to run as many as 6 to 10 sets of tests, while trying to get all the nozzles to open up again. Unfortunatly, all those tests waste a lot of ink and if after 10 sets of tests, all of the black nozzles are still not open, then they are probably clogged. Its also possible that the printhead assembly on your printer is failing, or that the main board assembly is failing, but clogging would be the most common problem that happens. You might want to try using the Printhead Cleaning Kit, available through the home page on "fixyourownprinter.com", for around $10.00 plus shipping. It includes a syringe and some Epson Printhead Cleaning Solution, which is designed to dissolve most clogs, especially if you were using Epson inks. You can try it if you want to and see if you can get the printhead nozzles to open up again...If you want to see what's involved in print head cleaning, Wes has supplied a link that might help: " http://www.epsonhelp.web1000.com/printhead.html "...Good Luck! Denny Conway...P.S. Check for an e-mail from me, with some additional information.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Nelson Paw (3/30/04 10:14 PM) | + / - | Epson c60 connected to e machines computer, opsys = windows xp.
Problem: print picture halfway then spit out the paper. wasted photo papers and wasted ink. need help
thanks
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (3/31/04 9:17 AM) | + / - | Nelson: I doubt that its an actual problem in the printer itself. That sounds more like a problem in your Computer System and most likely a software problem. As I do not actually work on computers, the only thing I can suggest is to actually deinstall and remove your old Printer Drivers and then go on-line to Epson Company and download the most recent drivers for your Operating System. Corrupted drivers can cause many different possible problems. Simply click-on the following link, read the information, make your choices and follow the prompts: www.epson.com ...Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Ronnie (4/12/04 3:22 PM) | + / - | I rarely use my Epson EPL-8000 so it's a pretty much "like new" machine. I turned it on to print out my tax return and got the following message:
Service Required E0003
All the lights are on.
Thanks.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (4/12/04 4:26 PM) | + / - | Ronnie: I'm sorry, but there's not much actual information that I can give you concerning your printers Service Error Condition. I can tell you that the "E" = Engine Error and the "0003" = a Fusing Unit low temperature condition. Its a good chance you will actually have to replace the fusing unit assembly, to correct that error condition. I can also tell you that the normal service interval on a fusing unit assy in your EPL-8000, is approximatly 1000,000 copies. I'm sorry that I don't have any further information or help that I can give you, but at least you will know what the Error Code is and the area that it refers to. I hope someone that is framiliar with your printer, may be able to help you further. You can E-Mail Epson Technical Support for possible help, at www.epson.com ...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by al townsend (4/12/04 4:53 PM) | + / - | I was trying to reattach the feeder guide to my Epson CX3200 and all of a sudden there was a spring about 2 inches long and about the circumference of a pinky finger. My printer works, however the little feeder tray does not go down and feed the paper. Can you advise if this because of the spring or is there some other reason the paper will not feed
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (4/12/04 5:36 PM) | + / - | Al: I'm sorry, but the CX3200 is so new that I have not actually had one come into my shop yet, so I'm not framiliar with it. I would say its a good chance the reason the tray feeder is not working is probably bnecause of that spring you found, but no way for me to really know. You can see an Exploded Diagram of your printer, by Compass Micro Inc, at " www.compassmicro.com ". It may not be of much actual help, but there's always the chance that you might be able to see where that spring might possibly go, by actually viewing that diagram. If that is of no help, then you can always e-mail the "Epson Technical Support Department", for possible help or advice, at www.epson.com and then click-on "Proceed With E-Mail"...Because the CX3200 is still a fairly new series, I have not seen any available Service Manuals listed by any of the normal vendors yet. You could always try doing a Google Search and try and locate a possible Service Manual...Denny Conway
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 | Re: Epson printer software problem by Mihai Codreanu (4/13/04 7:30 AM) | + / - | I have a Epson Stylus Color C60 printer and at the moment doesn't work proprly. The red and green leds are blinkin succesivly. Somebody's told me that is a software problem and it must be reset it. Where is the reset point???!!
THX
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Wes (4/13/04 8:57 AM) | + / - | For any resets on the newer Epsons you need to use software. You can use the original Epson software like you can buy from 2manuals.com or you can use the SSC service utiluty to reset the protection counter. But just resetting the counter is not the best way to go. I recommend you take the extra time and clean the waste ink pads or replace them.
The info on the process is at this link http://epsonhelp.freehttp.com/C60wip1.html and more info here http://epsonhelp.freehttp.com/error.html
I hope this helps.
Wes.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Anonymous (4/13/04 12:41 PM) | + / - | I have a Epson C80 that was working fine until two days ago. When I went to turn on the printer, the printer did not start up. The printer "on" light no longer turns on. The printer does not make any movement at all. There is no error message. I tried unplugging the printer and plugging it into another wall outlet but still no luck. Can anyone tell me what the problem might be? Thanks a bunch!~
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Joe (4/13/04 1:21 PM) | + / - | epson stylus color 860: i am receiving blank pages even after the recommended head clean...it still precedes to do so. In addition it moves slowly.....the cartridge moves at a slow rate.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Wes (4/13/04 4:10 PM) | + / - | Anonymous, You maght just have a blown fuse in the power supply but the power switch may have a cold connection which would anso cause the same problem.
For on-line info on how to remove the housing you can try this link http://epsonhelp.freehttp.com/C80housing.html and the main C80 page is http://epsonhelp.freehttp.com/c80.html
Joe, Don't give up trying to clean the print head it does take a few tries to unclog them sometimes.
The carriage slowing may just need a good cleaning and oiling for info on how to clean and oil the guide shaft try this link http://epsonhelp.freehttp.com/glide.html
I hope this helps you guys.
Wes.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (4/13/04 4:12 PM) | + / - | Anonymous: No way to really know, but it sounds like a failure in the Power Supply Assembly. That board assembly lists at around $60 from Epson, plus any shipping and handling charges involved. If you were to try and find a Service Manual to use for reference, disassemly and troubleshooting, you might be able to actually use a meter to try and find the bad component on that board assy, or even where you are actually dropping power at. You can normally find Service Manuals and or Service Adjustment Programs/Resets for most printers, at www.2manuals.com (most Service Manuals can usually be downloaded for around $10 /- ) [OR] www.otd.com.ua. ...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Xan (4/16/04 3:52 PM) | + / - | My Epson Stylus Photo 700 is printing nothing but code, and won't stop unless it runs out of paper. I uninstalled it, restarted the computer several times, reinstalled it, and the only difference is now it stops half way through the page of code, and thinks for a minute, then starts flashing all lights. I have to push the paper button to feed the paper out.
It has done this before, when asked to quit a job. It really hates that! Previously, I was able to get around it, but not this time.
Any help to be had??
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (4/16/04 4:52 PM) | + / - | Xan: Its difficult to really know for sure, but it sounds like you might actually have two separate and different problems...FIRST POSSIBLE PROBLEM: Because you said "My Epson Stylus Photo 700 is printing nothing but code, and won't stop unless it runs out of paper": It sounds like your Computer System has a Communication Error/Problem, or possibly even a Computer Virus. When a printer prints "jibberish" [random symbols and characters], or has communication problems, its usually caused by: #1 A bad Parallel Printer Cable [old cable/poor quality cable: not bi-directional printer cable, or not IEEE-1284 rated cable. Inexpensive parallel cables are not usually shielded enough and are not always bi-directional]. #2 Corrupted Printer Drivers: printer drivers are usually available online from EPSON.COM at no charge; remove/de-install your old printer drivers and then go online and download the newest drivers available for your printer. If you use your old CD that came with your printer, then your not getting the latest changes/updates available free from Epson. #3 Its also possible that a VIRUS can cause problems with printers. Even if you have a virus protection program installed on your PC, it has to be updated regularly to protect against possible new, or modified virus'...SECOND POSSIBLE PROBLEM: A Service Error where all LED's/Lights are blinking at the same time, is normally a Maintenance Request Error. The maintenance request error is actually a Waste Ink Ink Pad Error and normally your remedy is to replace the Waste Ink Pad/Pads with a new one/ones and then reset the Internal Waste Ink Pad Counter. If you just reset the counter and don't replace the pads, then your printers old pads will eventually overflow and normally start leaking ink out the bottom of your printer. Some people actually wash the ink out of the old pads and then dry them out and simply reinstall them back into their printer. The choice on what to actually do, is yours to make. I would at least recommend getting that Waste Ink Counter reset procedure and performing it first, to make sure your printer will then work...Good Luck! Denny Conway...P.S. Check for an e-mail from me, with some info from other people, that might be of use.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by NEC (4/18/04 5:20 AM) | +1 + / - | EPSON TM-300A. WHEN I TURN POWER ON, THERE IS NOTHING HAPPEND. ONLY GREEN LIGHT IS ON, AND RED LIGHTING TWICE FAST AND ONCE SLOW. CAN YOU HELP ME, PLEASE.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (4/19/04 9:33 AM) | + / - | Nec: Just in case no one else is able to help you either, I wanted to let you know that you can e-mail the "Epson Technical Support Department", for possible help or advice, at www.epson.com and then click-on "Proceed With E-Mail"...Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by BPI (4/26/04 2:34 PM) | + / - | What is the view on printer cleaner cartridges instead of the syringe, cleaning solution approach?
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (4/26/04 4:02 PM) | + / - | BPI: Cleaning Cartridges are ok, for what they actually do, which is basically cleaning out the Print Head Assembly, as long as there is no actual clogging involved. If there is an actual clog, then it has to be dissolved from the inside of the print head nozzles by the Epson Cleaning Solution. Cleaning cartridges will not normally dissolve most clogs. In fact, I prefer Hot Water to flush out and clean out the print head assembly over cleaning cartridges and feel it works better than those cartridges. Sometimes hot water will even open up nozzles that are not clogged badly. The Epson Cleaning Solution is the chemical used by Epson in their service department and was designed by Epson Company to dissolve clogs in their Print Head Assemblies, especially when using Epson Inks....Denny Conway
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 | Re: Epson printer problem by gareth (4/27/04 12:31 AM) | + / - | I have a printing problem with my epson cx3200..no matter how much i clean the heads i seem to get vertical stripes through my images. the text is fine it's just the pictures.is there an easy solution ....some one told me it was due to having the printer in a warm area...then they said it could be the cartridges i am using.....help
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (4/27/04 9:28 AM) | + / - | Gareth: Usually, when I see that vertical striping problem its do to a failing Print Head Assembly, a bad ink cartridge, or even a clogging problem in the print head assembly, but no way to know for sure. You might want to try using the Epson Stylus Head Cleaning Solution, available through the Home Page on "fixyourownprinter.com", at " http://fixyourownprinter.com/ ". When it opens, click-on Epson, under PRINTER REPAIR KITS. Then click-on "Epson Stylus Head Cleaning Solution" and that page should then open correctly. The Epson Solution sells for around $10.00 plus shipping. It includes a syringe and some Epson Printhead Cleaning Solution, which is designed to dissolve most clogs, especially if you were using Epson inks. This is the same chemical used by Epson in their service department. You can try it if you want to and see if you can get the printhead nozzles to open up again. If you want to see what's involved in print head cleaning, Wes has supplied a link that might help: http://www.epsonhelp.web1000.com/printhead.html and he also suggests trying the SSC service utility form here http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/epsonSSC.html...Your printer is usually covered by a one year warranty, so check your origional invoice or sales receipt for the purchase date. If its been under a year since you've purchased it, let me know by posting a reply on this Printer Repair Site and I'll give you some additional information...Good Luck! Denny Conway...P.S. Check for an e-mail from me, with some additional information.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by dan (1/5/05 3:10 PM) | + / - | hi
I have an Epson Stylus C82 which hadnt been used in a while, because the ink cartridges were empty and I just didn't need to print anything. I purchased new catridges yesterday and installed them like I would normally. Now I go to print today and there white lines through everything. I ran the head cleaning utility and then tried printing again. This time the only colors that printed were black and cyan. Everything what was supposed to be green came out cyan. Does this probably mean that the print head needs to be flushed?...since this incident, i've run the head cleaning utility numerous times, to no avail.
any help would be appreciated
thanks
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (1/5/05 3:59 PM) | +1 + / - | Dan: Epson Printers need to be used often, or the ink thats inside the tiny Printhead Nozzles will dry out and that usually causes clogging. The longer the printer sets not being used the worse the clog can become and its even possible that a really bad clog could damage the actual printhead nozzles. Those "white lines/void lines" are indicating that some of the nozzles are probably clogged and thats why the ink is not printing correctly. Unfortunatly, simply running the Printhead Cleaning Cycles, or even installing new ink cartridges will not usually dissolve the clogs. Clogs have to be usually dissolved from the inside of the printhead assembly. AT THIS POINT: You might want to try using the Epson Stylus Head Cleaning Solution, available through fixyourownprinter.com, at http://www.fixyourownprinter.com/kits/epson , but it will only help, if there is an actual clogged printhead assembly. When it opens, click-on "Epson Stylus Head Cleaning Solution" thats listed for your particular printer. The Epson solution sells for around $10.00 plus shipping. It includes a syringe and some Epson printhead cleaning solution, which is designed to dissolve most clogs, especially if you were using Epson inks. This is the same chemical used by Epson in their service department. You can try it if you want to and see if you can get the printhead nozzles to open up again, but that will only help if they are actually clogged. It was basically designed by Epson Company for use on their older models of ink jet printers, but people have been using it on the newer models, with success reported. IF YOU DECIDE TO, TRY THE "EPSON STYLUS HEAD CLEANING SOLUTION", JUST REMEMBER: The "nozzles" inside the printhead assembly can be easily damaged by using to much force on the plunger of the syringe. Damage can even occur when you are using the Epson Stylus Head Cleaning Solution method, if you actually try to force the fluid thru the nozzle. To much force/pressure can damage the little tubes inside the Nozzle Assembly and then it will never work again. One individual printhead nozzle is so tiny, that it will not accept a human hair. You can see why they can get clogged so easily, or even why the nozzles can be so easily damaged. The correct method is to use the syringe to add the fluid into the nozzle and then leave the fluids set inside the nozzle for a day or two, to try and dissolve a possible bad clog. Sometimes you might have to use the fluids several times to be able to dissolve the clog in the printhead nozzles. Sometimes the clog will never dissolve, or it actually damages the nozzles. The longer the clog has been in, the worse it is to remove. Again, if the cleaning fluids don't help, then its generally time to invest in a new printer. In some more expensive printers, you may want to get an estimate to replace the printhead assembly, but as a general rule, its not really economical to do in the smaller Epson Ink Jet style printers. You can generally buy a new small printer cheaper than you can have your old one repaired for. EXAMPLE: The printhead assembly in the "C80" Printer sells for around $120 to $130. There is a REVIEW of the Printhead Cleaning Solution kit, available to view at http://www.inkjetprinterhelp.us/EKR.html ...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Anonymous (1/22/05 3:04 PM) | + / - | My epson c46 pull s the paper in at an angle then stops loading, but carries on printing with no paper so that the ink spills out of the bottom, can any one give me a clue as to why?
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Wes (1/23/05 11:24 AM) | + / - | Usually that is caused by the pad that helps to seperate and load the paper. You can use some water and clean the pad (usually it's green) the pad is located at the botton of the paper feed tray. You can use a long q-tip or a clean thin paint brush to access the pad to clean it.
You can see what the pad looks like from this picture http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/C60asf2_1_.jpg You can also clean the other pad shown in the photo using the same brush/q-tip.
I hope this helps,
Wes.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (1/25/05 10:37 AM) | +1 + / - | Anonymous: You might also want to check for a possible foreign object being stuck inside that paper feed-in area. It's possible that the paper may be running into a foreign object and not feeding in at all. A foreign object could also cause the paper to stall, or even feed-in crooked. Remove all the paper and use a flashlight to look carefully into the paper feed-in area. Look for a pen, pencil, push pin, paper clip, candy, etc. If you can't see anything, then actually pick your printer up and turn it so the paper opening is facing down and shake it a little, side to side. Your trying to dislodge anything that might be stuck in the paper entrance area. If nothing falls out, then turn it back over and use the flashlight to once again look inside that area. Sometimes you'll see an object that may have moved over into view while you were shaking the printer. Any foreign object might block the paper from actually being able to move forward, so then the printer thinks there is no paper installed. You may have to even remove the Top Cover to be able to get a better view of that paper feed area. Unfortunatly, just removing that cover is not always that easy, especially on the newer Epson Printers. You may need a Service Manual for reference, disassembly and troubleshooting. Even if there is not a foreign object stuck in that area, with the top cover off, you might just possibly see what the problem is and even be able to correct it...I'm sorry, but because your "C46" was made by Epson Company, for overseas sales and distribution [usually the UK & Latin America] and I live in the USA, the information sites I have are mainly for those models sold in the USA. There is an "Epson Stylus C60 Printer Information Page", that covers a lot of different models of Epson Printers, that you can view at http://epsonhelp.freehttp.com/C60.html . It does not actually cover your "C46" model, but you may be able to use it as a possible guide on your particular printer. It does have a section on the left side you can click-on, titled HOUSING REMOVAL, that may possibly be of some help to you. If that is of no real help, then you may need to go on-line and try and locate an actual Service Manual, to buy and download for your "C46" model...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Anonymous (2/22/05 5:27 AM) | + / - | hi can you help had my computer reformatted when i re-installed my epson c46 printer it comes up communication error or something to do with ltp1 port printer worked fine before reformat and its not showing how much ink is in a box comes up and says buy now any ideas please thanks
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Anonymous (2/22/05 5:31 AM) | + / - | hi can you help had pc reformatted and when i went to re-install my epson c46 printer i get communication error or something to do with lpt1 port printer worked fine before re-formatting its now showing how much ink is in either any ideas thanks
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (2/22/05 10:06 AM) | + / - | Anonymous: Thats an actual problem in your computer system, rather than a problem in your printer. When you reformatted your PC, you erased all your old information, including your actual printer drivers, as well as the internal computer settings, that were loaded and programed onto your computer system. Try downloading new printer drivers directly from Epson Company and see if that helps. As your printer model is not listed on the Epson USA web-site, try loading the latest available Printer Drivers, directly from the EPSON UK web-site, at http://emeasupport.epson-europe.com/downloads.aspx?LNG=en-GB . Then simply read the information and follow the prompts, to download the latest available drivers from that Epson web-site. If that does not actually help, then you will need to get help from a Computer Technician/Person, rather than a Printer Technician, on this Printer Repair Site...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Epson cx3200 problem by gaujun (3/1/05 8:02 PM) | + / - | My epson cx3200 suddenly started printing things in different color. So every time I try to print something in color, it uses all the wrong colors, yellow for grey, green for blue, and so forth. It doesn't matter what program I use. Any ideas on how to fix this? It worked fine when I first got the printer. And its the same color cartridge that is in there that worked fine before.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (3/2/05 10:00 AM) | + / - | gaujun: As most Epson Authorized Service Dealers are not actually trained on any of the newer "C", "CX", or "R" models of Epson Printers, there's not much I can do to help you, not being framiliar with your "CX3200" printer. Try running an "Internal Epson Self-Test Page", directly from the printer itself. That test has a "Nozzle Test" on it, but is slightly different from the nozzle test page thats ran from your computer system. On most Epson Printers you can usually run an "Internal Epson Self-Test Page" to determine whether a problem comes from the printer itself, or possibly from your Computer System. Not all Epson Printers are always the same, but the following information applies to most models. If this self-test does not actually work on your particular printer, then you should refer to your "User's Manual/Owners Manual" for the correct procedure on how to run your printers self-test page. First unhook/unplug the printer cable from the back or side of the printer. Leave the power cord still plugged in to the wall and leave the paper loaded, as normal. Turn the printer off for 10 seconds or so, to clear out any remaining DATA or Information that may still have been in the printers system, from when the computer was previously connected. Normally [on most models] you turn the printer off and then you simply reach over and hold-in on the Paper Button, while you reach over and turn the Power Button back on, as normal. Continue to hold in on the paper button for about 3 to 5 seconds, but release the power button after turning your printer on. Release the paper button once you can hear and see the printer starting to initialize and start to pull-in a piece of paper. The printer will normally print out the Internal Epson Self-Test Copy, which will also have a Nozzle Test on it. If that test fails, or cannot actually be ran because the "Red Error Lights" come on, then you know that there is an actual problem in the printer. Depending on the combination of which lights are on SOLID, or FLASHING or OFF, will actually indicate the possible Service Error Condition. ON THE OTHER HAND: If everything is working correctly in the printers Paper Feed Assembly, Carriage Assembly/Cartridge Assembly and the Printhead Assembly, then the self-test copy should be printed out and correctly fed thru the printer. If the self-test page prints out correctly and the nozzle test looks ok, then that indicates that your printer thinks it is working normally [as far as the self-test goes]. If your printer is working ok and the nozzle test on that page looks ok, then your problem could be in your Computer System/PC: bad drivers, bad printer cable, bad software, incorrect internal PC settings, possible hardware/parts problems, possible virus, etc. I would suggest you try downloading new Printer Drivers directly from the epson.com web-site. You can delete your printer and its drivers and then download the latest available drivers from the Epson Home Page at http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/index.jsp . As drivers are FREE, I usually recommend trying those first if you have a possible communication problem. Bad or corrupted drivers can cause many problems. DEINSTALL [remove] your old printers first and then go to the epson.com web-site. Click-on your particular area, where you live [example: USA]. Then click-on DRIVERS AND SUPPORT and then click-on your particular type of Epson Printer [example: INKJET]. Look under the Ink Jet Printers for your "Epson Stylus CX3200" and click-on it. Once the DRIVERS & DOWNLOAD PAGE opens, read the INFORMATION to locate your particular SYSTEM [Win's 95,98,ME,2000.etc.] and then click-on it. Follow the directions and read all the available information concerning your systems driver downloads. Finally at the bottom of the page, click-on "Printer Software Installation for Windows ___ [Epson Printers]", or the "Download" option button. After the downloading utility opens, read the download information available, make your choices and complete the installation...If new drivers do not help and your printer 's nozzle test looks ok, try running a normal copy, using the Copy Mode thats on most of the newer all-in-one printers. If the copy printed out also looks ok, then its possible that your problem may actually be in your computer system and most likely with the software program that you may be printing from. In that case, you may need to get help from an actual Computer Technician/Person, rather than from a Printer Technician, on this printer repair site...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by baz1939 (3/12/05 10:18 AM) | + / - | cannot get paper to feed in on my EpsonC42UX.Installed new drivers direct from Epson.com after lost installation disc. Downloaded Staus Monitor for same. Came up with cartridges not installed correctly or empty. Green Light blinking Red light statioary. Replaced new cartridges all well, monitor showing cartridges full, but when started to print would not feed in paper any clues.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (3/15/05 9:35 AM) | + / - | baz1939: Turn your printer off for about 10 seconds, remove the printer cable and then turn the printer back-on. Does only the Green Power Light come on solid [not blinking], as would be normal, or does the Red Error Light also come on? If only the green power light comes on, then try running your printers self-test page, directly from the printer. On most epson printers you can usually run an self-test page to determine whether a problem comes from the printer itself, or possibly from your computer system. Of course if there are actually any red error lights/leds, already showing on your printer, that would indicate that there is already a problem in your printer. Not all epson printers are always the same, but the following information applies to most models. If this self-test does not actually work on your particular printer, then you should refer to your "User's Manual/Owners Manual" for the correct procedure on how to run your printers self-test page. First unhook/unplug the printer cable from the back or side of the printer. Leave the power cord still plugged in to the wall and leave the paper loaded, as normal. Turn the printer off for 10 seconds or so, to clear out any remaining DATA or information that may still have been in the printers system, from when the computer was previously connected. Normally [on most models], you turn the printer off and then you simply reach over and hold-in on the paper button, while you reach over and turn the power button back on, as normal. Continue to hold in on the paper button for about 3 to 5 seconds, but release the power button after turning your printer on. Release the paper button once you can hear and see the printer starting to initialize and start to pull-in a piece of paper. The printer will normally print out the self-test copy, which will also have a nozzle test on it. If that test fails, or cannot actually be ran because the "Red Error Lights" come on, then you know that there is an actual problem in the printer. Depending on the combination of which lights are on SOLID, or FLASHING or OFF, will actually indicate the possible service error condition. Be sure and let us know if you recently had to remove any bad paper jams, by yanking out the paper with force, especially towards the rear of the printer, in the backwards direction. There is a common problem when you get a constant jam condition, or paper won't feed in correctly after a bad jam was removed, or even when the printer or your computer thinks that the paper has not been correctly loaded. If that is the case, then its possible that a part was unhooked/unseated or even damaged, causing a possible constant paper jam condition. If you did have a bad jam, prior to the paper feeding problem, then let us know and we can try to help you further...ON THE OTHER HAND: If everything is working correctly in the printers Paper Feed Assembly, Carriage Assembly/Cartridge Assembly and the Printhead Assembly, then the self-test copy should be printed out and correctly fed thru the printer. If the self-test page prints out correctly and the nozzle test looks ok, then that indicates that your printer thinks it is working normally [as far as the self-test goes]. This does not mean your printer may not be dirty, or have another service related problem, or possibly even nearly empty ink cartridges. If your printer is working ok, then your problem could be in your Computer System/PC: bad drivers, bad printer cable, bad software, incorrect internal PC settings, possible hardware/parts problems, possible virus, etc...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by dBART (3/23/05 6:18 AM) | + / - | I've had several epson 740 printers, and they all seem to develop the same type of problem after a couple of years. They make a lot of noise when they're first turned on, slam the print carriage against the right side of the printer, and all the lights flash. I've assumed that this is a problem I can't fix, but I've found that if I restart them until they start normally, they work fine as long as I never turn them off. What's going on here?
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (3/23/05 9:19 AM) | + / - | dBart: Printers simply get dirty over time and require servicing and upkeep. Although it's possible your printer has an electronic or mechanical failure, the most common problem is that the "Carriage Assembly" is simply DIRTY and or DRY, causing it to stick and make noises. That usually results in the printer loosing track of just where the "Print Cartridge Holder Assembly" is actually at and that can cause the error light/led to come on. Sometimes when the printer looses track of where that assembly is at, it then keeps telling that assembly to keep moving and can even cause it to slam into the end of the printer. Try wiping off all around the round metal carriage bar or shaft [that the print cartridge holder assembly moves back-n-forth on], with a lint free cloth. Also clean the outside of the metal bushings with q-tips, that the carriage bar passes thru, on both sides of the print cartridge holder assembly. You can also use alcohol on the cloth, if there is a lot of build-up on the carriage shaft/bar. Then lube the metal bar on both sides of the holder assembly, slightly with a precision oiler, not a spray lubrication, or the appropriate grease thats used on some of the newer models [Epson C40UX, C44UX, C62]. A drop or two of a Teflon based lubrication or Tri-Flo lube is best on the older models of most printers. Manually slide the holder assembly back and forth to spread out the lubrication and wipe of any excess lube or blackish build-up that appears on the bar. After the carriage assembly is cleaned & lubed, then you should perform the "Printhead Alignment Procedure" thru the PRINTER PROPERTIES UTILITY thats loaded onto your Computer System. That alignment can be thrown off because of a dirty and or dry carriage assembly. Sometimes people will simply do a re-alignment without cleaning & lubing that assembly. That simply does a quick fix that usually does not last long. Once that assembly is cleaned & lubed, the actual alignment is then usually off, from those previously done re-alignments and or the sticking & binding caused from when that assembly was dirty and or dry...You can check out this link, supplied by WES, to see different lubrications: http://www.epsonhelp.web1000.com/oil.html and also this link provided by WES, http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/glide.html , to see some general information on "Carriage Guide Shaft Maintenance"...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by ESugar (4/7/05 7:26 AM) | + / - | Got a problem with my Epson C42UX. When I turn it on and it goes through it's startup routine, the cartridge gets hung up on the far right hand side, appears to still want to move, it jerks and makes a gawdawful clicking noise, but I notice that the yellow plastic/rubber drive strip keeps moving. After about 30 seconds it stops, the red light goes on, and I can't do anything with it.
HELP!!
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (4/7/05 9:12 AM) | + / - | ESugar...TRY THIS FIRST: Although it's possible your printer has an electronic or mechanical failure, the most common problem is that the "Carriage Assembly" is simply DIRTY and or DRY, causing it to stick and make noises. That usually results in the printer loosing track of just where the "Print Cartridge Holder Assembly" is actually at and that can cause the error light/led to come on. Sometimes when the printer looses track of where that assembly is at, it then keeps telling that assembly to keep moving and can even cause it to slam into the end of the printer. Try wiping off all around the round metal carriage bar or shaft [that the print cartridge holder assembly moves back-n-forth on], with a lint free cloth. Also clean the outside of the metal bushings with q-tips, that the carriage bar passes thru, on both sides of the print cartridge holder assembly. You can also use alcohol on the cloth, if there is a lot of build-up on the carriage shaft/bar. Then lube the metal bar on both sides of the holder assembly, slightly with a precision oiler, not a spray lubrication, or the appropriate grease thats used on some of the newer models [Epson C40UX, C44UX, C62]. A drop or two of a Teflon based lubrication or Tri-Flo lube is best on the older models of most printers. Manually slide the holder assembly back and forth to spread out the lubrication and wipe of any excess lube or blackish build-up that appears on the bar. After the carriage assembly is cleaned & lubed, then you should perform the "Printhead Alignment Procedure" thru the PRINTER PROPERTIES UTILITY thats loaded onto your Computer System. That alignment can be thrown off because of a dirty and or dry carriage assembly. Sometimes people will simply do a re-alignment without cleaning & lubing that assembly. That simply does a quick fix that usually does not last long. Once that assembly is cleaned & lubed, the actual alignment is then usually off, from those previously done re-alignments and or the sticking & binding caused from when that assembly was dirty and or dry...You can check out this link, supplied by WES, to see different lubrications: http://www.epsonhelp.web1000.com/oil.html and also this link provided by WES, http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/glide.html , to see some general information on "Carriage Guide Shaft Maintenance"...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by scalman (4/7/05 1:43 PM) | + / - | need to know how to had the firmware to allow the printer to stay on when the power cord is pluged and and unpluged and pluged back in
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (4/7/05 2:21 PM) | + / - | scalman: I'm not sure what you are actually asking. However, most Epson Printers actually have a tiny battery on the Main Board Assembly, that powers an internal timer circuit. Basically, that timer circuit monitors when the printer has been turned off and for how long. It also monitors when the actual power cord has been unplugged from the wall. After a set period of time, when the printer is plugged back-in and turned on, or simply turned back on [if not unplugged], it causes the printer to go thru a Print Head Cleaning Cycle. That is to flush out the old ink inside the tiny printhead nozzles, by injecting new fresh ink into those nozzles. That timer circuit is built-into that PCB and cannot be reprogrammed , at least to my knowledge...Denny Conway
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| Epson C62 Paper won't feed by Lauren (4/12/05 12:34 PM) | + / - | Help please,
I had been using my Epson C62 for about two years when I decided to put it aside for 4 months or so. When I plugged it back in it won't take the paper. A message keeps popping up saying "paper not loaded correctly". After the attempt the red light goes solid and the green blinks. There are two fresh ink cartidges in there...Please let me know what to do.
Thanks in advance
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (4/12/05 3:23 PM) | + / - | Lauren: I'm sorry, but there's no way to really know whats wrong. Do you remember getting a really bad jam, just prior to putting your printer away for 4 months? If so, then the following general information may be of some possible help to you. The following information was created for the older models of Epson Ink Jet Printers, but may also apply to the newer models as well. This info covers the most common paper feeding or paper jam related problem, or when paper won't feed in correctly after a bad jam was removed, or even when your computer thinks you are actually out of paper or the paper is not loaded correctly. You may have to use it as more of a guide, on your printers possible paper related problems. If you have recently had a bad paper jam that you had to forcefully yank out of your printer, especially towards the rear of the printer, in the backwards direction, then its possible that a part was unhooked/unseated, or even damaged. When paper is pulled to the rear/backwards with force, it usually unseats the arm on the "Paper Jam Sensor Assy", resulting in a constant jam condition. Normally, as paper passes thru the printer, it causes a black plastic arm [with a spring attached] to be pushed forward out of the "Paper Jam Sensor". As the trail edge of the paper leaves the plastic arm, the spring causes the plastic arm to be pulled back into its normal position [into that sensor assembly]. When the arm does not correctly return, the sensor is not activated and the printer thinks there is a paper jam [even though you can not see any paper in the paper path], or does not correctly feed-in the paper, because the sensor is not correctly actuated. Of course I have no way to really know whats wrong with your printer, or even if this is your problem but you have to start some place and I've seen this happen many times. Because of the disassembly and troubleshooting involved, you will find it easier to do with a Service Manual for reference. There is an "Epson Stylus C60 Printer Information Page", that also includes the C62 series, that you can view at http://epsonhelp.freehttp.com/C60.html . It does have a section on the left side you can click-on, titled HOUSING REMOVAL and also a section titled PAPER FEED, that will be of some help to you, if you want to try the possibly needed servicing. You have to realize that your printer does not actually have the ability to see any paper in your printer. It depends on electrical signals transmitted thru sensors, to determine if there is a jam or if the paper is out. Usually what happens is that the plastic arm is unhooked at its pivot points, or sometimes actually broken/damaged and cannot return back into the paper sensor. You would have to remove the printers "Top Cover" to be able to shine a flashlight in to possibly see the arm of the paper jam sensor. Again, even removing that Top Cover may require a Service Manual to use for reference and probably even for troubleshooting your possible problem. If you can get the "Top Cover" off: Most of the time you will have to carefully, partially remove the plastic "Paper Holder Assy" in the rear of the printer[usually 2 screws], far enough to be able to fully see and hopefully be able to reinstall the arm assy into its pivot points/holder assy [providing that is your problem, of course]...TECH NOTE: You will need to turn the printer around to disassemble and partially remove the paper holder assembly...WATCHING NOW FROM THE REAR SIDE: Closely observe how the "paper holder assy" comes out/slides out, esp on the left side. The right side is normally just held in by a screw, but the left side [also held in by one screw] is also positioned under and slightly into the paper feed clutch/motor assy. You usually don't need to fully remove the left end of the paper holder assy to be able to see and reconnect the sensor's arm and spring. You do need to be able to reinstall the left end back under/into that clutch assy, or paper won't feed-in correctly. Go slow and LOOK AT EVERYTHING CLOSELY. Check every thing/every step VERY CLOSELY, so you can put it back together again correctly. If the sensor's arm was not broken, or damaged [and its normally just unhooked] you can just try to correctly reinstall it back into its normal position. Once the sensor's arm is correctly positioned, then slowly and carefully reassemble everything, except leave the "Top Cover" off for testing. TECH NOTE: On some Epson models, when you remove the top cover, there is a "Ribbon Cable" [electrical cable] plugged into the top cover itself. If you are not careful, you may find that you have to replug that Ribbon Cable back into its connector on the top cover, for testing purposes. Plug-in and turn-on the printer, but don't load any paper yet. If no immediate jam indicator comes on [once the printer is turned back on], it usually indicates the sensor assy is working normally now. Now load paper as normal [with the top cover still off] and if no "Error Lights/LED's" come on, push the paper/resume button to feed in paper part way [as normal]. Push the same button a second time to finish feeding the paper thru the printer. If successfull, run the same test several times, just to be sure. If the paper does not feed in, you'll probably have to start over on the disassembly of the "paper holder assy" and try to see what went wrong while you performed the reassembly/reinstallation of that assembly. Of course, if that sensor arm was not your problem, once the Top Cover is off, you may be able to actually see the possible problem. You may still need to try and locate an actual Service Manual on-line, to buy and download for reference in disassembly, troubleshooting and servicing. I have not checked, but you can normally find Service Manuals for most printers, from Manuals4You, located at http://www.manuals4you.com . If that source is not available, then I would recommend that you go to the "Compass Micro Inc" web-site, at http://www.compassmicro.com/parts_select.cfm and check with them directly, to see if they have a Service Manual available yet for your printer. Several people have posted that they have manuals available for the newer printers, that are not actually available from other normal sources...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (4/12/05 3:34 PM) | + / - | Lauren...Just to let you know: I actually looked in the Epson Service Manual and did not see a service error condition listed where the Green Power Light is BLINKING and the Red Error Light is on SOLID...ANOTHER THOUGHT: It's possible that the paper may be running into a foreign object, which could cause the paper to stall, or even feed-in crooked and sometimes even stop the paper from feeding in at all. Remove all the paper and use a flashlight to look carefully into the paper feed-in area. Look for a pen, pencil, push pin, paper clip, candy, etc. If you can't see anything, then actually pick your printer up and turn it so the paper opening is facing down and shake it a little, side to side. Your trying to dislodge anything that might be stuck in the paper entrance area. If nothing falls out, then turn it back over and use the flashlight to once again look inside that area. Sometimes you'll see an object that may have moved over into view while you were shaking the printer. Any foreign object might block the paper from actually being able to move forward, so then the printer thinks there is no paper installed. You may have to even remove the Top Cover to be able to get a better view of that paper feed area. Unfortunatly, just removing that cover is not always that easy, especially on the newer Epson Printers. You may need a Service Manual for reference, disassembly and troubleshooting. I have not checked, but you can normally find Service Manuals and or Service Adjustment Programs/Resets for most printers, at www.2manuals.com (most Service Manuals can usually be downloaded for around $10 +/- ). If that source is not available, then I would recommend that you go to the "Compass Micro Inc" web-site, at http://www.compassmicro.com/parts_select.cfm and check with them directly, to see if they have a Service Manual or Reset Procedure available yet for your printer. Several people have posted that they have manuals available for the newer printers, that are not actually available from other normal sources. Even if there is not a foreign object stuck in that area, with the top cover off, you might just possibly see what the problem is and even be able to correct it...Again, Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Anonymous (4/21/05 11:00 AM) | + / - | my epson c46 is saying some parts have reached the end of there service what should i do about this can anyone help
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| Re: Epson printer problem by newuser (4/21/05 11:45 AM) | +1 + / - | It's a common problem, the waste ink counter is overflowed and the printer refuses to operate.
Some generic infos about how to reset the printer are here:
http://myprinter.altervista.org/simplefaq/mysimplefaq.html#counter
but this will only clear the error, you should also disassemble your printer clean the waste ink pads you can find at printer bottom.
You can find and exploded diagram of you printer at:
http://www.compassmicro.com/parts.cfm
Pads to clean are parts #504 and #503 listed at page #4 of exploded diagram.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (4/21/05 11:59 AM) | + / - | Anonymous: A Service Error where you get a message telling you that "Parts inside your printer at the end of their service life, contact your dealer for replacement", or "Parts inside your printer require maintenance or replacement, call your service company", is normally a Maintenance Request Error. The maintenance request error is actually a Waste Ink Ink Pad Error and usually your remedy is to replace the waste ink pad/pads with a new one/ones and then reset the Internal Waste Ink Pad Counter. If you just reset the counter and don't replace the pads, then your printers old pads will eventually overflow and normally start leaking ink out the bottom of your printer. You can see exploded parts diagrams for most epson ink jet printers and can also check on possible parts ordering, by Compass Micro Inc, at http://www.compassmicro.com/parts_select.cfm . Some people actually wash the ink out of the old pads, by holding them under running cold water. Then they simply dry them out and reinstall them back into their printer. The choice on what to actually do, is yours to make. I would at least recommend getting that waste ink counter reset procedure and performing it first, to make sure your printer will then work. You may be able to reset that waste ink counter, using the SSC SERVICE UTILITY available at http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/sscserve.exe . Unfortunatly, that utility only works using a windows operating system. You can check and see if your particular epson printer is compatible, by going to http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/epsonSSC.html ...Here's some previously posted info that may also help. "NEWUSER Re: Epson Error and power light flashing by newuser (4/5/05 11:10 AM). To reset the error download this utility: http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/epsonSSC.html . Once installed run the program and configure it, closing the main window and right clicking the icon in the tray area, from there choose Configure and select your printers model. After configuration, select Protection counter -> Reset protection counter, it should be able to clear the error message. If that does not actually work, then the only suggestion I can give is to perform a soft-reset before resetting counter. Remove also the Epson status agent, it detects errors and it may hinder communication with the printer, then reboot your pc. As profile choose the one sscservice didn't use after autoconfiguration, check for printer response. Remember that you should also clean the waste ink pads located at the printer bottom. For a more in-depth procedure by NEWUSER, go to his site at http://myprinter.altervista.org/simplefaq/mysimplefaq.html#counter "....Unfortunatly, that ssc service utility may not actually work on all epson printers and not on all operating systems, so you will have to check it out for yourself. Just in case that source does not work: You may actually need to go on-line to try and locate the actual reset procedure, to buy and download to reset that waste ink counter...There is an "Epson Stylus C60 Printer Information Page", that also includes some of the C40 series printers, that you can view at http://epsonhelp.freehttp.com/C60.html . Although it does not actually cover your C46 model, you may be able to use its information as reference, or a guide for the work needed on your particular model of epson printer. Those pages do have a section on the left side you can click-on, titled WASTE INK PAD SERVICING and also a section titled HOUSING REMOVAL, that may be of some help to you, if you want to try the needed servicing on your C46 printer...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Epson printer problem by Anonymous (5/1/05 9:46 PM) | + / - | Will the old epson stylus color 480 drivers stuff up my windows xp?? Please tell me .
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (5/2/05 12:13 PM) | + / - | Anonymous: No way for me to really know, it depends on your actual computer system and how its working. We work on the actual printers on this Printer Repair Site, but no usually on the actual computer related problems. Generally speaking, simply installing the latest available printer drivers, off the epson web-site, should not cause computer problems for you, unless your computer system already has problems. In case you need those drivers: You can get the latest drivers off the Epson Drivers & Downloads web-site, for the "Epson Stylus Color 480/480SX", thats located at http://www.epson.com Just click-on DRIVERS & DOWNLOADS and then read all the info and make your choices, to download the drivers for your particular printer and your computers operating system...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Jusikeit (5/10/05 11:35 AM) | + / - | I have an Epson Stylus C40 Series Printer and I CANNOT change the cartridge. I put the new one in there by sliding the cartridge over manually because I got frustrated, but it still won't print color. I lost the instructions. PLEASE HELP ME.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (5/10/05 12:12 PM) | + / - | Jusikeit: If you installed a new color cartridge and your printer still will not print ion color, then either you have a bad ink cartridge [be sure you removed any pull strip/pull tape off the new cartridge], or a possibly clogged color prinr head assembly, or an actual hardware/parts failure [such as a faing print head assembly]. If you are actually using a Non-Epson Ink Cartridge in your printer, its always possible that ink cartridge is not actually being recognized by your printer. Open up your Status Monitor, thats loaded onto your computer sytem, under the Printer Properties Utility. You want to be sure that ink cartridge is actually being recognized and is showing an actual ink level. Its very common that some brands of non-epson ink cartridges may not always be recognized by the newer models of epson printers. Its usually because of the inexpensive and or incompatable electrical chips that are mounted on some brands of generic or third-party ink cartridges. Unfortunatly, there is no way to make your epson printer use that non-epson ink cartridge, if it cannot actually recognize it. Sometimes you will even get error messages up on your monitors screen, telling you that you are actually using a non-epson ink cartridge, or that your printer cannot recognize the cartridge that you installed. Sometimes the ink level indicator, on your status monitor, will not show an actual ink level, but may indicate a cartridge error or cartridge problem instead. Either you buy an actual epson ink cartridge, or keep trying the non-epson cartridges, until you find a brand that will work in your printer. I have read a suggestion that you can always use an actual epson ink cartridge and when its empty, use the electrical chip off that epson cartridge. You could install the epson chip onto the non-epson ink cartridge, but then you would need an actual "Ink Chip Resetter", to reset that chip, that was marked as empty by your printer. Until that chip is reset, it will not work in your printer. Some people simply refill the empty epson ink cartridge and then reset the electrical chip. The choice on what to do, or what to use is yours to make...If the ink cartridge is actually being recognized, but no ink is actually being printed out on the paper, then its possible that color print head may be clogged, or simply failing. Normally, the most common problem is clogging of the print head nozzles, especially if you were actually using non-epson ink cartridges. You might want to try using the "Epson Stylus Head Cleaning Solution", available through fixyourownprinter.com, at http://www.fixyourownprinter.com/kits/epson . However, that solution will only help, if there is an actual clogged print head assembly. When it opens, click-on epson stylus head cleaning solution thats listed for your particular printer. The epson solution sells for around $10.00 plus shipping. It includes a syringe and some epson print head cleaning solution, which is designed to dissolve most clogs, especially if you were using epson inks. This is the same chemical used by epson in their service department. You can try it if you want to and see if you can get the print head nozzles to open up again. That solution was basically designed by epson company for use on their older models of ink jet printers, but people have been using it on the newer models, with success reported. IF YOU DECIDE TO, TRY THE "EPSON STYLUS HEAD CLEANING SOLUTION", JUST REMEMBER: The nozzles inside the print head assembly can be easily damaged by using to much force on the plunger of the syringe. Damage can even occur when you are using the epson stylus head cleaning solution method, if you actually try to force the fluid thru the nozzle. To much force/pressure can damage the little tubes inside the nozzle assembly and then it will never work again. One individual print head nozzle is so tiny, that it will not accept a human hair. You can see why they can get clogged so easily, or even why the nozzles can be so easily damaged. The correct method is to use the syringe to add the fluid into the nozzle and then leave the fluids set inside the nozzle for a day or two, to try and dissolve a possible bad clog. If you remove the Top Cover Assembly, then you can leave the print head assembly parked in its normal home position, at the far right side. Then any ink & fluids that are purged during the cleaning, will normally travel thru the cleaning station hoses, to the waste ink pads. If you have the "Print Cartridge Holder Assembly", positioned away from the home position, then you will need to slide strips of paper towels or coffee filters under that assembly, to soak up any expelled ink and fluids, or it can get all over. Sometimes you might have to use the fluids several times to be able to dissolve the clog in the print head nozzles. Sometimes the clog will never dissolve, or it actually damages the nozzles. The longer the clog has been in, the worse it is to remove. Again, if the cleaning fluids don't help, then its generally time to invest in a new printer. In some more expensive printers, you may want to get an estimate to replace the print head assembly, but as a general rule, its not really economical to do in the smaller epson ink jet style printers. You can generally buy a new small printer cheaper than you can have your old one repaired for. EXAMPLE: The print head assembly in the "C80" Printer sells for around $120 to $130. There is a REVIEW of the "Print Head Cleaning Solution", as well as general "Print Head Cleaning Instructions", that is available to view at http://www.inkjetprinterhelp.us/EKR.html ...Just to let you know: You can view the "Epson Stylus C40UX - Documents & Manuals web-site, located at http://www.epson.com . You can simply click-on REFERENCE GUIDE and then click-on REPLACING INK CARTRIDGES, to view that on-line information on how to check the ink supply, or on replacing the ink cartridges...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson Stylus Color 860 printer problem by jcaprinterquest (5/17/05 8:51 AM) | + / - | I have an Epson Color Stylus 860. Both ink buttons are constantly lit. The paper adv button is blinking. The power button is blinking. The FAQ I looked up says its a general error. I tried installing new cartridges.
As a last ditch effort I took the case off. I saw nothing unusual. I Tried to get it to work & it powered up with no problem, and started to print but no ink worked. I used clogged print head utility & the color works but the black worn work at all no matter if I change the cartridge or use the utilities. I can occasionally get it to work but when it does only the color works even when I replace the black cartridge. and the same general error lights come on occasionally.
Is this printer worth fixing? Does this one have a waste ink pad to reset like the c80? Any ideas.
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (5/17/05 10:30 AM) | + / - | jcaprinterquest: When the ink light or lights [some models have two ink lights] are on SOLID and the power light and paper light are both FLASHING, that indicates a FATAL ERROR on most Epson Printers. I'm sorry, but just as it sounds, that is the worse possible error on your printer. There is no actual reset procedure for a fatal error service condition, because either there is an actual hardware/part failure, or a related area is requiring some servicing to be performed, to be able to correct that fatal error. You may need to try and locate a Service Manual on-line, that you could download for in-depth troubleshooting, disassembly and servicing, if you want to try and locate your possible problem. There are approximatly 10 different things that can cause a FATAL ERROR and most of them involve HARDWARE PROBLEMS [bad/defective/failing electrical parts] in the "carriage assembly" or "paper feed assembly". You would normally know if you have been having any paper feed problems [jams, misfeeds, crooked feeding copies, etc]. You would also normally know if your printer was having any unusual or strange GRINDING NOISES or RATCHETING NOISES, that may indicate a DIRTY or DRY CARRIAGE ASSEMBLY. If your not sure about possible carriage problems, or just to eliminate that area, you might want to clean and lubricate that assembly. You need to eliminate possible problems and the carriage assembly is one of the biggest and most common problem areas, that cause that Fatal Error Condition. Try wiping off all around the round metal carriage bar or shaft [that the print cartridge holder assembly moves back-n-forth on], with a lint free cloth. Also clean the outside of the metal bushings with q-tips, that the carriage bar passes thru, on both sides of the print cartridge holder assembly. You can also use alcohol on the cloth, if there is a lot of build-up on the carriage shaft/bar. Then lube the metal bar on both sides of the holder assembly, slightly with a precision oiler, not a spray lubrication, or the appropriate grease thats used on some of the newer models. A drop or two of a Teflon based lubrication or Tri-Flo lube is best on the older models of most printers. Manually slide the holder assembly back and forth to spread out the lubrication and wipe of any excess lube or blackish build-up that appears on the bar. After the carriage assembly is cleaned & lubed and if that corrects your fatal error service condition, then you should perform the "Printhead Alignment Procedure" thru the PRINTER PROPERTIES UTILITY thats loaded onto your Computer System. That alignment can be thrown off because of a dirty and or dry carriage assembly. Sometimes people will simply do a re-alignment without cleaning & lubing that assembly. That simply does a quick fix that usually does not last long. Once that assembly is cleaned & lubed, the actual alignment is then usually off, from those previously done re-alignments and or the sticking & binding caused from when that assembly was dirty and or dry...You can check out this link, supplied by WES, to see different lubrications: http://www.epsonhelp.web1000.com/oil.html and also this link provided by WES, http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/glide.html , to see some general information on "Carriage Guide Shaft Maintenance"...Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (5/17/05 10:32 AM) | + / - | jcaprinterquest...ANOTHER COMMON FATAL ERROR PROBLEM: You're "Stylus Color 860" has a plastic "Encoder Strip/Sensor Strip" that runs thru a sensor mounted on the back of the Print Cartridge Holder Assembly. That strip is located beside and slighty behind the carriage bar/shaft and runs from the left side to the right side of the printer. This strip appears to be almost see threw, but has tiny encoder dots on the strip, that give the instructions to the Printhead Assembly/Print Cartridge Holder Assembly, during a printing job. Sometimes ink splatter will get on that strip, causing the sensor to mis-read the actual encoder dots, causing positioning problems. To eliminate that possibility, you might want to CAREFULLY and VERY GENTLY, clean that sensor strip. You should only use Distilled Water [less chemicals and minerals in distilled water] to clean this strip with. Other fluids and chemicals [such as: alcohol/acetone/ink removers/etc] may actually damage the plastic strip or even wipe off the tiny encoded dots/marks. Then it will of course not work or simply not give the correct information anymore. You can use damp Q-Tips, but I prefer wet strips of flat coffee filters, folded into an approx two inch length. Once the folded strip is fairly wet [just not dripping], I lay it on the top of the sensor strip and then carefully fold it over the top of the sensor strip and down both the front side and the rear side of the sensor strip. Position one finger on one side of the folded wet strip and your thumb over the other side [the sensor strip will now be covered by the folded wet coffee filter strip]. Use your other hand and firmly hold the sensor strip between your thumb and finger, at as near to one end of the sensor strip as you can. Now slide the wet coffee filter strip slowly and gently along the sensor strip to clean it. You may have to change the wet coffee strip if it gets real dirty. Ink spray/spots/dots that may have collected on the sensor strip, will then be cleaned off by the wet coffee filter strips. Its possible that the build-up of ink on the sensor strip, can actually cause the sensor to read the information wrong. The sensor is trying to actually read that ink spray/spots/dots and gets real confused. This can cause strange problems to happen and sometimes can even cause a Service Error Light/Led to come on...WARNING: Be sure that you are holding one end of the sensor strip firmly, so it does not move back and forth while cleaning it with the other hand. If it moves to much it can actually un-hook from its little attachment point/hook and is almost impossible to rehook/reinstall without removing the Top Cover Assembly. If you pull to hard on the sensor strip, it can actually be damaged and break off its attachment point/hook. NO STRIP = NO WORKING PRINTER. SO ALWAYS GO SLOW AND BE VERY CAREFULL WHEN CLEANING, OR EVEN NEAR THAT SENSOR STRIP...Again, Good Luck! Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by jcaprinterquest (5/18/05 10:31 AM) | + / - | Denny Conway-- Thank You
Its working and so is the black ink. For some reason the head cleaning utility worked this time. Not sure why.
Is there a waste ink collection area on the 860? I saw an above post that mentioned an ink collection reset program compatible for the 860? Where is this area on the 860?
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (5/18/05 12:19 PM) | + / - | jcaprinterquest: You're welcome!...The "Waste Ink Pads" are located in a plastic box, just under where the paper passes under the "Print Cartridge Holder Assembly" during the actual printing process. I believe there are four total pads in your printer [2 long pads and 2 slightly shorter pads]. There is a free download of an "Epson Stylus Color 860 Service Manual", from fixyourownprinter.com, at http://www.fixyourownprinter.com/reference/manuals/public/epson . You can use that manual as reference, to see whats involved in getting to those waste ink pads. When your printer finally goes into that "Maintenance Request Error", it will shut down. Your printer cannot be used until those pads are replaced, or actually cleaned & dried & reinstalled and even then the actual "Waste Ink Counter" will have to be reset before that service error condition will be turned off. That manual can be used as reference for actual disassembly and servicing of those waste ink pads, if you actually want to perform the needed servicing on your printer. However, you may still need to buy the actual reset procedure, to clear the actual Waste Ink Counter, unless the free "SSC Service Utility" works on your particular model of printer and on your computers operating system. You may be able to reset that waste ink counter, using the SSC SERVICE UTILITY available at http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/sscserve.exe . Unfortunatly, that utility only works using a windows operating system. You can check and see if your particular epson printer is compatible, by going to http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/epsonSSC.html ...Here's some previously posted info that may also help. "NEWUSER Re: Epson Error and power light flashing by newuser (4/5/05 11:10 AM). To reset the error download this utility: http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/epsonSSC.html . Once installed run the program and configure it, closing the main window and right clicking the icon in the tray area, from there choose Configure and select your printers model. After configuration, select Protection counter -> Reset protection counter, it should be able to clear the error message. If that does not actually work, then the only suggestion I can give is to perform a soft-reset before resetting counter. Remove also the Epson status agent, it detects errors and it may hinder communication with the printer, then reboot your pc. As profile choose the one sscservice didn't use after autoconfiguration, check for printer response. Remember that you should also clean the waste ink pads located at the printer bottom. For a more in-depth procedure by NEWUSER, go to his site at http://myprinter.altervista.org/simplefaq/mysimplefaq.html#counter "....Unfortunatly, that ssc service utility may not actually work on all epson printers and not on all operating systems, so you will have to check it out for yourself. Just in case that source does not work: You may actually need to go on-line to try and locate the actual reset procedure, to buy and download to reset that waste ink counter...Denny Conway
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| Re: Epson printer problem by Denny Conway (5/18/05 12:20 PM) | + / - | | jcaprinterquest: You're welcome!...The "Waste Ink Pads" are located in a plastic box, just under where the paper passes under the "Print Cartridge Holder Assembly" during the actual printing process. I believe there are four total pads in your printer [2 long pads and 2 slightly shorter pads]. There is a free download of an "Epson Stylus Color 860 Service Manual", from fixyourownprinter.com, at http://www.fixyourownprinter.com/reference/manuals/public/epson . You can use that manual as reference, to see whats involved in getting to those waste ink pads. When your printer finally goes into that "Maintenance Request Error", it will shut down. Your |
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