Epson printer stops printing unexpectedly

Head cleaning, ink charging, or ink drying is in progress
Check to see if the Pause light is flashing. If so, the printer is in the process of head cleaning, ink charging or ink drying. During head cleaning, ink charging, and ink drying, PLEASE WAIT appears on the LCD. Wait until the printer resumes printing.

An error has occurred
Many common printer problems can be identified by the messages on the LCD.

You can also check the lights on the control panel for errors. See Lights.

For other messages not included in the following table, see Messages.

Error messages

Message

Description

What to do

UNABLE TO PRINT

An error may be occurring when you try to print patterns such as nozzle check or head alignment.

End the TEST PRINT MENU first, and solve the error displayed on the LCD. Then try to print patterns again.

MNT TK NEAR FULL

The maintenance tank is almost full.

Replace the maintenance tank with a new one. See Replacing the Maintenance Tank.

INK LOW

Ink cartridge is nearly empty.

Replacement of ink cartridge is nearly needed.

Although you can continue printing in INK LOW situation, it may decline the print quality.

MNT REQ nnnn

A part used in the printer has nearly reached the end of its life. "nnnn" shows the code of the part.

Note the code and contact your dealer. See Contacting Customer Support.

REMOVE PAPER

Cleaning cannot be executed because thick paper is loaded.

Remove the thick paper, and move the paper lever to the secured position.

The printer could not feed the printout.

Remove the printout.

NOZZLES STILL CLOGGED

The nozzles are still clogged.

Run the Head Cleaning utility. For Windows, see Cleaning the print head. For Mac OS X, see Cleaning the print head.

CHANGE PAPER TYPE

The loaded paper does not match the paper type selected.

Match the loaded paper to the paper type. See Buttons.

WRONG PAPER SIZE

The loaded paper size does not match the data size.

Match the loaded paper size to the data size.

PAPER OUT

No paper is loaded in the printer.

Load paper correctly.

Roll paper is out while printing is in progress.

Load a new roll paper.

NO BORDERLESS WITH THIS SIZE

RELOAD PAPER

Note: Those messages are displayed on the LCD alternately.

A2 size cut sheet media has been installed for borderless printing.

Install a different size of cut sheet media or roll paper. See Making the Borderless setting for Windows or Performing Borderless Printing for Mac OS X.

RELOAD PAPER

The printer cannot detect the loaded cut sheet media, because it is wavy or curled.

Flatten the cut sheet media.

The printer cannot detect the loaded paper.

Move the paper lever.

RELOAD PAPER INSERT DEEPLY

Cut sheet media inserted from the front manual feed slot is not inserted deep enough.

Insert the paper deeper. See Loading paper into the front manual feed slot.

NOT STRAIGHT RELOAD

Cut sheet media is not loaded straight, and needs to be aligned.

Load the cut sheet media correctly. See Loading cut-sheet media.

PAPER NOT STRAIGHT

The paper is not loaded straight.

Load paper straight.

PAPER NOT CUT

Paper is not cut correctly when Roll Auto Cut On is selected.

Open the top cover and remove the uncut paper. If RELOAD PAPER appears on the LCD, reload paper.

The paper cutter may not be installed correctly. See Replacing the Paper Cutter.

Paper cutter may be blunt. Replace the paper cutter. See Replacing the Paper Cutter.

COMMAND ERROR

Damaged data is sent to the printer.

Stop printing, and press the Pause button for 3 seconds.

The printer receives data with a wrong command.

The installed printer driver is not correct for the printer.

Stop printing, and press the Pause button for 3 seconds. Then make sure that the installed printer driver is correct for the printer.

DRIVER INK SET SETTING IS WRONG

MISMATCH ERROR

Note:

These messages are displayed on the LCD alternately.

The cartridge option of the printer driver has not been changed yet.

Stop printing, and then press and hold the Pause button for 3 seconds. Finally, select the correct ink cartridge in the printer driver according to the actual ink cartridge set on the printer. See Updating the printer driver information. If you want to continue printing, press the Pause button.

Non-Epson genuine ink cartridge is installed.

Press the Pause button for 3 seconds to cancel printing. If you want to continue printing, press the Pause button.

LOAD ROLL PAPER

The roll paper is not set correctly.

Load the roll paper correctly, and select or . See Loading roll paper.

LOAD SHEET PAPER IN P. TRAY

The cut sheet media is not set correctly in the paper tray.

Set the cut sheet media in the paper tray correctly, and select . See Loading cut-sheet media.

FEED SHEET PAPER

The cut sheet media needs to be loaded manually.

Load the cut sheet media.

FORBIDDEN MEDIA FROM P. TRAY

Cut sheet media, which is to be loaded from the front or rear manual feed slot, is being loaded from the paper tray.

Remove the cut sheet media from the paper tray, and load it from the proper paper feed slot. See Checking the paper path.

FEED SHEET PAPER MANUALLY

The cut sheet media needs to be loaded manually.

Load the cut sheet media manually from the front or rear manual feed slot. See Checking the paper path.

TIMES REMAINING

The conversion cartridge needs to be replaced soon. (The remaining times of the conversion cartridge appears on the LCD.)

Replacement of conversion cartridge is nearly needed. Press the Pause button.

REPLACE CNVRSION CRTG

The conversion cartridge needs to be replaced.

Replace the conversion cartridge with a new one. Or, complete the replacement of the K ink by pressing the Pause button.

INK OUT

Ink cartridge is empty.

Replace the empty ink cartridge with a new one. See Replacing Ink Cartridges.

INVALID INK CRTG

Ink cartridge with the wrong product code is installed.

Remove the ink cartridge, and install the ink cartridge with the correct product code. See Consumable Products.

WRONG INK CRTG

Ink cartridge that cannot be used with this printer is installed.

Remove the ink cartridge, and install the ink cartridge that can be used with this printer. See Consumable Products.

SET INK CRTG

CSIC error has occurred.

Remove the ink cartridge and reinstall it. If this message appears after reinstalling the ink cartridge, replace it. See Replacing Ink Cartridges.

NO INK CRTG

Ink cartridge is not installed, or ink lever is raised to the released position.

Install ink cartridge, or lower the ink lever to the secured position.

MNT TNK FULL

The maintenance tank is full.

Replace the maintenance tank with a new one. See Replacing the Maintenance Tank.

LOWER INK LEVERS

Both ink levers have been raised.

Lower the ink levers.

LOWER L INK LVR

The ink lever on the left ink compartment has been raised.

Lower the ink lever on the left ink compartment.

LOWER R INK LVR

The ink lever on the right ink compartment has been raised.

Lower the ink lever on the right ink compartment.

TOP COVER OPEN

Top cover is open.

Close the top cover.

LOAD PAPER

The paper lever is in the released position.

Move the paper lever to the secured position.

SET PAPER LEVER

Paper lever is in the released position.

Move the paper lever to the secured position.

RELEASE LEVER

REMOVE PAPER JAM

Paper is jammed in the printer.

Release the paper lever first. Then, open the top cover if necessary and remove the jammed paper. If TURN PRINTER PWR OFF AND THEN ON appears on the LCD, turn the printer off, leave it for a while, and then turn it on again. See Clearing paper jams.

NO MNT TNK

The maintenance tank is not set in the printer.

Install the maintenance tank.

REAR COVER OPEN

The rear cover is open.

Close the rear cover.

UPDATE FAILED

The printer failed to update the FirmWare.

Update the FirmWare again.

OPTION I/F ERROR

The installed interface cannot be used with this printer.

Remove the interface card, and install the interface card that can be used with this printer. See Options.

UNLOCK PRINT HEAD

Print head is locked.

Pull the green tab on the left side of the print head to release the print head.

SERVICE REQ nnnnnnnn

Print head is locked.

Pull the green tab on the left side of the print head to release the print head.

A fatal error has occurred.

Turn the printer off, leave it for a while, and turn the printer on again. If this message appears on the LCD again, note the code and contact your dealer. See Contacting Customer Support.

The printer does not turn on or stay on
When the Pause light does not come on and mechanism initialization does not start even when the Power button is pressed to turn on the printer, try the following solutions for the problem.

Turn off the printer and make sure the power cord is securely plugged into the printer.

Make sure your outlet works and is not controlled by a wall switch or timer.

Make sure the supplied voltage to the printer matches the rating voltage labeled on the printer. If not, turn off the printer and unplug the power cord immediately. Contact your dealer for assistance. See Contacting Customer Support.

Caution:

If the supplied voltage and rating voltage do not match, do not plug the printer back in again, as damage may occur.

The printer prints nothing
The printer is not correctly connected to the computer
Try one or more of these solutions:

Turn off the printer and computer. Make sure the printer's interface cable is securely plugged into the correct terminal of the computer.

Make sure the interface cable specifications match the specifications for the printer and computer.

Make sure the interface cable is directly connected to the computer without passing through any device, such as a printer switching device, or extension cable.

Your Epson printer is not selected as the default printer
Install the printer driver if it is not installed yet, and follow the steps below to select your Epson printer as the default printer.

For Windows XP

Click the Start button, and Printer and Faxes.

Right-click EPSON Stylus Pro 4800.

Select Set As Default Printer, then close the window.

For Windows 2000

Click the Start button, point to Settings and select Printers.

Right-click EPSON Stylus Pro 4800 in the Printers window.

Select Set As Default, then close the Printers window.

For Mac OS X

Make sure that the printer driver Stylus Pro 4800 is correctly added to the Printer Setup Utility (for Mac OS X 10.3), and the correct one is selected in the Printer Setup Utility.

Printer port setting does not match the printer connection port (for Windows only)
To select the printer port, follow the steps below.

For Windows XP

Click Start, click Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Printers and Faxes.

Right-click EPSON Stylus Pro 4800, then select Properties.

Click the Ports tab.

Make sure that your printer port is selected.

For Windows 2000

Click Start, point to Settings, and then select Printers.

Right-click EPSON Stylus Pro 4800 in the Printers window, then select Properties.

Click the Ports tab.

Make sure that your printer port is selected.

Try one or more of these solutions:

Run the Head Cleaning utility. For Windows, see Cleaning the print head. For Mac OS X, see Cleaning the print head.

If the Head Cleaning utility does not work, replace the ink cartridges. See Replacing Ink Cartridges.

Printouts are not what you expected
Incorrect, garbled characters, or blank pages print
Try one or more of these solutions:

For Windows, clear any stalled print jobs from the Progress Meter. See Using the EPSON Spool Manager.

If the problem persists, turn off the printer and computer. Make sure the printer's interface cable is plugged in securely.

Incorrect margins
Try one or more of these solutions:

Check the margin settings in your application.

Make sure the margins are within the printable area of the page. See Printable area.

For Windows, check the Borderless setting in the Paper menu. Make sure they are correct for the paper size you are using. See Making Settings on the Paper Menu.

Make sure the paper set position is correct. See Using Roll Paper, or Using Cut Sheet Media.

Inverted image
For Windows, turn off the Flip Horizontal setting in the Advanced menu. See Making Advanced setting.

For Mac OS X, turn off the Flip Horizontal setting in the Advanced Settings selected in the Print Settings selected in the Print dialog. See Advanced Settings.

Printed color differs from the color on the screen
Try one or more of these solutions:

Adjust the Color Density in the Paper Configuration dialog. For Windows, see Paper Configuration. For Mac OS X, see Paper Configuration.

Make sure the media type setting matches the paper being used.

Since monitors and printers produce colors differently, printed colors will not always match on screen colors perfectly. However, the above color systems are provided to overcome color differences.

For Mac OS X, select ColorSync to color match your system in the Printer Color Management selected in the Print dialog. See Printer Color Management.

You can produce sharper images with more vivid colors.

For Windows, select PhotoEnhance in the Advanced menu. See Making Advanced setting.

For Windows, select Color Controls in the Advanced menu, and adjust color, brightness, etc. as required. See Making Advanced setting.

For Mac OS X, select Color Controls in the Printer Color Management selected in the Print dialog. See Printer Color Management.

A ruled line shifts
Perform the print head alignment. For Windows, see Aligning the print head. For Mac OS X, see Aligning the print head.

If the problem persists, perform the print head cleaning. For Windows, see Cleaning the print head. For Mac OS X, see Cleaning the print head.

Printout has smears on the bottom edge
Try one or more of these solutions:

If the paper is curled towards the printable side, flatten it or curl it slightly to the opposite side.

For Windows, if you use Epson special media, check the Media Type setting in the Main menu. See Making Settings on the Main Menu.

For Mac OS X, if you use Epson special media, check the Media Type setting in the Print Settings selected in the Print dialog. See Page Setup.

For paper other than Epson's, register and select paper thickness in the SelecType mode. Make sure it is correct for the paper you are using. See Making the paper settings.

Set the PLATEN GAP to WIDE in the PRINTER SETTING of the SelecType mode. See PRINTER SETUP.

Horizontal banding
Try one or more of these solutions:

For Windows, check the Media Type setting in the Main menu. Make sure it is correct for the paper you are using. See Making Settings on the Main Menu.

For Mac OS X, check the Media Type setting in the Print Settings selected in the Print dialog. Make sure it is correct for the paper you are using, see Page Setup.

Make sure the printable side of the paper is face-up.

Run the Head Cleaning utility to clear any clogged ink nozzles. For Windows, see Cleaning the print head. For Mac OS X, see Cleaning the print head.

You can also clean the print head nozzles using the control panel. To clean the print head nozzles, press the Menu button for 3 seconds.

Check the Paper Feed value. Reduce the value to improve light banding, and increase it for dark banding. For Windows, Paper Configuration. For Mac OS X, see Paper Configuration.

Check the Ink check light. If necessary, replace ink cartridges. See Replacing Ink Cartridges.

Vertical misalignment or banding
Try one or more of these solutions:

For Windows, turn off the High Speed setting in the Advanced menu. See Making Advanced setting.

For Mac OS X, turn off the High Speed setting in the Advanced Settings is selected in the Print Settings selected in the Print dialog. See Advanced Settings.

Run the Print Head Alignment utility. For Windows, see Aligning the print head. For Mac OS X, see Aligning the print head.

Faint printout or gaps
Try one or more of these solutions:

Make sure that the ink cartridges do not exceed the expiration date. The expiration date is labeled on the outside of the ink cartridge.

For Windows, check the Media Type setting in the Main menu. Make sure it is correct for the paper you are using. See Making Settings on the Main Menu.

For Mac OS X, check the Media Type setting in the Print Settings selected in the Print dialog. Make sure it is correct for the paper you are using. See Page Setup.

Run the Head Cleaning utility to clear any clogged ink nozzles. For Windows, see Cleaning the print head. For Mac OS X, see Cleaning the print head.

You can also clean the print head nozzles using the control panel. To clean the print head nozzles, press the Menu button for 3 seconds.

Check the Ink check light. If necessary, replace ink cartridges. See Replacing Ink Cartridges.

Select Standard as Platen Gap in the Paper Configuration dialog box. For Windows, see Paper Configuration. For Mac OS X, see Paper Configuration.

Blurry or smeared printout
Try one or more of these solutions:

For Windows, check the Media Type setting in the Main menu. Make sure it is correct for the paper you are using. See Making Settings on the Main Menu.

For Mac OS X, check the Media Type setting in the Print Settings selected in the Print dialog. Make sure it is correct for the paper you are using. See Page Setup.

If the paper you are using is not supported by the printer driver, make the paper thickness setting in the SelecType mode. See CUSTOM PAPER.

Make sure your paper is dry and the printable side is face-up. Also, make sure you are using the correct type of paper. See Paper for specifications.

Ink may have leaked inside the printer; wipe the inside of the printer with a soft, clean cloth.

Run the Head Cleaning utility. For Windows, see Cleaning the print head. For Mac OS X, see Cleaning the print head.

You can also clean the print head nozzles using the control panel. To clean the print head nozzles, press the Menu button for 3 seconds.

Color documents print in black only
Try one or more of these solutions:

Make sure the color data settings in your application are correct.

For Windows, make sure Color or Color/B&W Photo is set in the Main menu. See Making Settings on the Main Menu.

For Mac OS X, make sure Color or Color/B&W Photo is set in the Print Settings selected in the Print dialog. See Color.

Printing could be faster
Try one or more of these solutions:

Select High Speed on the Advanced dialog box. For Windows, see Making Advanced setting. For Mac OS X, see Advanced Settings.

For Windows, select the Automatic mode and move the slider towards Speed in the Main menu to increase print speed. See Making Settings on the Main Menu.

For Mac OS X, select Automatic mode and move the slider towards Speed in the Print Settings selected in the Print dialog to increase print speed. See Mode.

Do not run too many applications at the same time. Close any applications you are not using.

Change the interface card of your computer to IEEE1394 or USB 2.0.

Delete unnecessary files to make room on your hard disk drive.

Note for Windows:

Your computer may not have enough memory. For further tips, see Increasing the Print Speed.

Roll paper cannot be cut
Try one or more of these solutions:

Make sure that paper cutter cover is set correctly. See Replacing the Paper Cutter.

Make sure that the is selected as the Paper Source on the LCD. Press the Paper Source button if necessary. Then press and hold the Paper Source button for 3 seconds. The printer cuts the roll paper.

Make sure that Normal Cut, Single Cut, or Double Cut is selected as the Auto Cut in the printer driver. For Windows, see Making the Auto Cut setting. For Mac OS X, see Auto Cut.

Cut the roll paper by hand if necessary. Check that the paper thickness of the roll paper loaded in the printer matches the paper specification (see Paper). If so, the paper cutter may be blunt and require replacement. See Replacing the Paper Cutter.

Note:

If you use roll paper other than Epson special media, see the user documentation included with the paper, or contact your supplier.

Paper feed or paper jam problems occur frequently
Try one or more of these solutions:

Before loading paper and guiding it through the paper insertion slot, adjust paper suction.

To adjust the paper suction using the printer driver, see Paper Configuration for Windows or see Paper Configuration for Mac OS X.

To adjust the paper suction using the control panel, see CUSTOM PAPER.

Make sure the paper is not folded or wrinkled.

Make sure the paper is flattened.

Make sure printing occurs within the operational temperature range.

Make sure the paper is not damp.

Make sure the paper is not too thick or too thin. See Paper.

Make sure no foreign objects are inside the printer.

For Windows, check the Media Type setting in the Main menu. Make sure it is correct for the paper you are using. See Making Settings on the Main Menu.

For Mac OS X, check the Media Type setting in the Print Settings selected in the Print dialog. Make sure it is correct for the paper you are using. See Page Setup

Make sure that the platen gap setting matches your paper. You can change the platen gap setting in the PRINTER SETUP of the SelecType mode. See PLATEN GAP.

For non-Epson special media, check the paper type selected in the CUSTOM PAPER of the SelecType mode. See Making the paper settings.

Whenever loading non-Epson special media, test if the paper can be loaded correctly before printing.

To clear Paper jams, see Clearing paper jams.

Roll paper does not eject properly
Try one ore more of these solutions:

Roll paper is wound tightly and may feed with a curl. Flatten it before you load it.

Select Starwheel-Roll Curled as the Feed Roller Type in the Paper Configuration dialog box. For Windows, see Paper Configuration. For Mac OS X, see Paper Configuration.

Clearing paper jams
When roll paper is jammed
To remove jammed roll paper, follow the steps below:

Turn off the printer.

Open the roll paper cover, and move the paper lever to the released position.

Cut the paper at the paper insertion slot, and remove the roll paper.

Remove the jammed paper from the front or rear side of the printer.

If necessary, open the top cover, and remove the jammed paper.

When paper loaded from the paper tray is jammed
To remove jammed paper, follow the steps below.

Turn off the printer.

Move the paper lever to the released position.

Remove the paper tray from the printer.

Carefully remove the jammed paper.

If necessary, open the top cover, and remove the jammed paper.

If the paper is jammed around the rear cover, remove the rear cover by squeezing the knobs, and remove the jammed paper.

When paper loaded from the front manual feed slot is jammed
To remove jammed paper, follow the steps below:

Turn off the printer.

Move the paper lever to the released position.

Remove the jammed paper from the front or rear side of the printer.

When paper loaded from the rear manual feed slot is jammed
To remove jammed paper, follow the steps below:

Turn off the printer.

Move the paper lever to released position.

Remove the jammed paper from the front. If necessary, open the top cover and remove the jammed paper.

Contacting Customer Support
If your Epson product is not operating properly and you cannot solve the problem using the troubleshooting information in your product documentation, contact customer support services for assistance. If customer support for your area is not listed below, contact the dealer where you purchased your product.

Customer support will be able to help you much more quickly if you give them the following information:

Product serial number
(The serial number label is usually on the back of the product.)

Product model

Product software version
(Click About, Version Info, or similar button in the product software.)

Brand and model of your computer

Your computer operating system name and version

Names and versions of the software applications you normally use with your product

Where To Get Help

Epson provides technical support and information on the installation, configuration, and operation of professional printing products through the Epson Preferred Protection Plan. Dial (888) 377-6611, 6 AM to 6 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Support hours and days are subject to change without notice.

Before you call, make sure you have your Unit ID number, which is included with the Epson Preferred Protection Plan information that came with your printer. You’ll also need your printer serial number and proof of purchase.

Epson also provides technical assistance 24 hours a day through the World Wide Web. You can reach Epson Support at http://support.epson.com. At this site, you can download drivers, firmware, and other files, look at product documentation, access troubleshooting information, and receive technical advice through e-mail.

You can purchase genuine Epson ink cartridges, paper, and accessories from an Epson reseller. To find the nearest authorized reseller, please call 800-GO-EPSON (800-463-7766). To purchase online, visit www.epsonstore.com (U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call 800-463-7766 for a reseller referral.