Diagnosing Problems

Checking the Lights

If the lights on the Epson Stylus CX3800 Series come on or flash, or a number or letter appears in the Copy window, check the explanations listed below.

Light: status
Cause
Solution
Error: On
No paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
Load paper in the sheet feeder. See Loading Paper for instructions.
Multiple pages have been fed into the sheet feeder.
Remove and reload the paper. See Loading Paper for instructions.
Error: Flashing
Paper is jammed.
See Paper Feeding Problems to remove it.
Ink: Flashing
An ink cartridge is running low on ink.
See Replacing an Ink Cartridge for instructions.
Ink: On
An ink cartridge is empty or not installed correctly.
All lights: Flashing
There is a problem with the Epson Stylus CX.
Turn the Epson Stylus CX off and then back on. If the error does not clear, contact your local authorized servicer or contact Epson for a referral; see Where To Get Help.

Running a Printer Check

You can run a printer check to determine whether a problem comes from the Epson Stylus CX itself or some other source.

  1. Make sure both the Epson Stylus CX and computer are turned off. Then disconnect the interface cable from the Epson Stylus CX.
  2. Make sure letter-size plain paper is loaded in the Epson Stylus CX.
  3. Press the  ink and  On buttons together and hold them down for about 5 seconds. The Epson Stylus CX turns on and prints a test pattern. It also shows the percentage of ink left in each cartridge:



  4. Turn off the Epson Stylus CX after it prints the test page. Then reconnect the cable and turn on the Epson Stylus CX and computer.
    • If the test page prints, the problem probably lies in your software settings, the cable, or your computer. It's also possible that your software may not be installed correctly. See your Start Here sheet for instructions on reinstalling the Epson Stylus CX software.
    • If the test page doesn't print, you may have a problem with the Epson Stylus CX. Try the suggestions in Problems and Solutions. If nothing works, contact Epson as described in Where To Get Help.