Solving Problems


Checking the LCD Screen

Here is a list of error messages that appear on the LCD screen and what you should do when you see them.

Error message
Solution
Quality&Paper setting is not acceptable for B&W copy. Press the Stop button.
Press the Stop button, then change the Quality&Paper settings. You can't copy in black and white on photo paper.
No XXX ink cartridge - - - >
Press the Color copy button to install new ink cartridge.
The indicated ink cartridge is not installed. See Replacing an Ink Cartridge to install a cartridge.
XXX ink out - - - >
Press the Color copy button to begin replacing the ink cartridge.
The indicated ink cartridge is out of ink. See Replacing an Ink Cartridge to replace the cartridge.
Ink cartridge error - - - >
Press the Color copy button to begin replacing the ink cartridge.
There is something wrong with the ink cartridge. See Replacing an Ink Cartridge to replace the cartridge.
Paper jam or misfeed - - - >
Press the Color copy button and clear the paper jam by hand if necessary.
Paper is jammed. Press the Color Copy button to clear the jam. If it is still jammed, see Paper Feed Problems.
Paper out - - - >
Load paper in Paper tray and press the Color copy button.
Load paper in the sheet feeder, then press the Color Copy button to continue printing.
Scanner unit open - - - >
Close the scanner unit.
Carefully close the scanner and press it down until it clicks securely into place.
Scanner error - - - >
See your documentation and call service if necessary.
Press the On button to turn off the EPSON Stylus CX5400. Unlock the transportation lock, if necessary (see Transporting the Stylus CX). Turn on your Stylus CX again. If the error message still appears, contact your dealer or EPSON as described in Where To Get Help.
Printer error - - - >
See your documentation and call service if necessary.
Press the On button to turn off the EPSON Stylus CX5400, then press the button again to turn it back on. If the message still appears, contact your dealer or EPSON as described in Where To Get Help.

Printing a Nozzle Check

You can print a nozzle check to determine whether a problem comes from the EPSON Stylus CX5400 or some other source.

  1. Make sure letter-size or larger paper is loaded in the sheet feeder.
  2. Press the left Menu button on the control panel until you see Nozzle Check.
  3. Press the Color Copy button.

If the check page prints, the problem probably lies in your software settings, the interface cable, or your computer.

If the check page doesn't print, you may have a problem with your printer. Try the suggestions in the following sections.

Setup and Software Installation Problems

Tip: It's a good idea to check EPSON's web site periodically for possible updates to your software. Visit http://support.epson.com and check the section for your product to see if there is new software available for downloading to your computer.

The EPSON Stylus CX5400 makes noise after ink cartridge installation.

You cancelled software installation or connected the EPSON Stylus CX5400 before installing the software.

Your EPSON software may be incorrectly installed. See Uninstalling Your Software. Make sure you carefully follow the steps on your Start Here sheet when you reinstall your software. You need to connect the EPSON Stylus CX5400 at the correct time in the installation process.

You're having problems installing the software.

Printing and Copying Problems

Only the On light is on, but nothing prints.

It sounds like the EPSON Stylus CX5400 is printing, but nothing prints.

Your EPSON Stylus CX5400 makes noise when you turn it on.

Your Stylus CX is performing routine maintenance.

Printing or copying is too slow.

Make sure your system meets the requirements listed in System Requirements. If you're printing a high-resolution image, you need more than the minimum requirements. You may also need to:

For the fastest printing:

The margins are incorrect.

The printer prints blank pages.

Scanning Problems

Your system doesn't recognize the EPSON Stylus CX5400.

Make sure the Stylus CX is connected to your computer and plugged into an electrical outlet.

The fluorescent lamp isn't on.

The EPSON Stylus CX5400 doesn't scan.

The EPSON Stylus CX5400 scanning software doesn't work properly.

Paper Feed Problems

Too many copies are printing.

Make sure that the Copies setting in your printer software and/or program aren't set for multiple copies.

Paper doesn't feed correctly or jams in the EPSON Stylus CX5400.

Paper doesn't eject fully or is wrinkled.

Print Quality Problems

You see banding (light lines) in your printouts or copies.

Your printout is blurry or smeared.

Your printout is faint or has gaps.

Your printout is grainy.

You see wrong or missing colors.

Miscellaneous Printing Problems

You see incorrect characters.

The image size or position is incorrect.

Make sure the paper and/or layout options are set correctly. Click the ? or Help button on your printer settings window for more information.

The image is inverted, as if viewed in a mirror.

Turn off Mirror Image (Windows) or Flip Horizontal (Macintosh) in the printer software or the mirror setting in your application software.

Scan Quality Problems

Your scanned image is blurry or distorted.

Your image is too dark.

Only part of the image is scanned.

The image does not look the same as the original.

The scanner doesn't recognize your image type when scanning in Full Auto mode.

Try scanning the image again. If that doesn't work, scan in Manual mode. See Advanced Scanning With EPSON Scan for instructions.

The file size is too big.

Adjust your scan settings. Try selecting a lower resolution (dpi), saving the file in a different format, or scan only part of the image. 300 dpi is typically an adequate resolution for images that will be printed.

The printed image is larger or smaller than the original size.

You have changed the resolution or scaled your image. The image size settings in your software determine the size of the printed image.

A dotted line appears in the image.