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Problem Solver

Diagnosing the Problem

Using the error indicators
Using the Status Monitor (not available for Windows 3.1)
Running a printer operation check

Troubleshooting printer problems is best handled in two easy steps: first diagnose the problem, then apply likely solutions until the problem is fixed. The information that you need to diagnose the most common problems is provided by the printer's control panel lights and by the Status Monitor utility (for Macintosh and Windows 98, 95, 2000, and NT 4.0). You can also run a printer operation check to determine whether the problem originates with the printer or the computer. Refer to the appropriate section below.

Using the error indicators

You can identify many common printer problems using the lights on your printer's control panel. If your printer stops working and the lights are on or flashing, use the following table of panel light patterns to diagnose the problem, then follow the recommended corrective measures.

Lights	Problem and solutions
	Paper out
	No paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.	Load paper in the sheet feeder, then press the load/eject button. The printer resumes printing and the light goes out.
	Paper jam
	Paper has jammed in the printer.	Press the load/eject button to eject the jammed paper. If the error does not clear, open the printer cover and remove all of the paper inside, including any torn pieces. Then, reload the paper in the sheet feeder and press the  load/eject button to resume printing.
	Ink low (black ink cartridge)
	The black ink cartridge is nearly empty.	Obtain a replacement black ink cartridge (T019201, US; T019311, Canada).
	Ink out (black ink cartridge)
	The black ink cartridge is empty.	Replace the black ink cartridge with a new one (T019201, US; T019311, Canada). See Replacing an Empty Ink Cartridge for details.
	Ink low (color ink cartridge)
	The color ink cartridge is nearly empty.	Obtain a replacement color ink cartridge (T020201, US; T020311, Canada).
	Ink out (color ink cartridge)
	The color ink cartridge is empty.	Replace the color ink cartridge with a new one (T020201, US; T020311, Canada). See Replacing an Empty Ink Cartridge for details.
	Carriage error
	The print head is obstructed by jammed paper or other foreign material and cannot return to the home position.	Turn off the printer. Open the printer cover and remove any paper from the paper path by hand. Then, turn the printer back on. If the error does not clear, contact your dealer.
	Fatal error
	The yellow tape seal has not been removed from the ink cartridge.	Turn off the printer, then turn it on again. The ink out lights come on and the print head moves to the left. Replace the ink cartridge with a new one. If this error occurs again after turning on the printer, contact your dealer.
	Unknown printer error
	An unknown printer error has occurred.	Turn off the printer and contact your dealer.

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Using the Status Monitor (not available for Windows 3.1)

The Status Monitor utility provides status messages and a graphic display showing the current status of the printer.

If a problem occurs while printing, an error message is displayed in the Progress Meter window.

When the ink is out, click the How To button in the Status Monitor or Progress Meter window and EPSON Status Monitor will lead you step-by-step through the cartridge replacement procedure.

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Running a printer operation check

Performing a printer operation check can help you to determine whether the problem comes from the printer or from the computer.

To print a printer operation check page, follow the steps below.

Make sure that both the printer and computer are turned off.

Disconnect the cable from the printer's interface connector.

If you use the parallel interface, unlock the wire clips on both sides of the interface connector and remove the ground connector, if necessary. Then, disconnect the cable from the printer's interface connector.

Hold down the  load/eject button and press the power button to turn on the printer. Then, release both buttons.

Compare the quality of the printed check page with the sample shown below. If there are no print quality problems such as gaps or missing segments in the test lines, the printer itself is all right and the problem probably lies in the printer software settings or the application settings, or with the interface cable or the computer itself. Always use a shielded interface cable.

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