Diagnosing Problems

Checking the Lights

If the lights on the Epson Stylus CX all-in-one come on or flash, or a number or letter appears in the Copy window, check the explanations listed below.

Light: status
Copy window status
Cause
Solution
On: Flashing
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.
Error: Flashing
Memory Card (all 3 lights):
Flashing
(Epson Stylus CX4800 Series only)
1
A memory card is inserted that is not supported by the Epson Stylus CX4800 Series.
Remove the incompatible memory card. See the Quick Guide for instructions.
The inserted memory card does not contain any valid images.
See the Quick Guide for a list of compatible card and image types.
Error: Flashing
Print From Index Sheet: Flashing
(Epson Stylus CX4800 Series only)
2
An index sheet was not recognized because it is not positioned correctly.
Position the index sheet correctly on the glass, aligning the top of it with the left edge of the glass. Then press  Start Color to continue or  Stop to cancel.
3
The index sheet is marked incorrectly.
(No marks are detected or the sheet includes more than one mark for an image.)
Remove the index sheet, mark it correctly, and try again. See the Quick Guide for instructions.
4
The index sheet does not match the photos on the memory card.
Remove the memory card and insert the card used to print the index sheet (see the Quick Guide for instructions)-or place the correct index sheet on the glass. Then press  Start Color to continue or  Stop to cancel.
Error: Flashing fast
H
The paper thickness lever is set to the  H position.
If you have set the lever to the  H position because you are printing envelopes, continue printing. Otherwise, set the lever to the  L position.
Error: On
Ink: On
All other lights: Flashing
E
An Epson Stylus CX part needs to be replaced.
Contact your local authorized servicer or contact Epson for a referral; see Where To Get Help.
All lights: Flashing
E
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.

Note:
When you turn off the Epson Stylus CX, a red light inside it may stay on for up to 15 minutes. This is normal.

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 USB 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 USB cable and turn on the Epson Stylus CX and computer.
    • If the test page prints, the problem probably lies in your software settings, the USB 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.