How to Troubleshoot an Epson Inkjet Printer

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:TroubleshootEpsonInkjetPrinter
Post By :
Anonymous
Rate:
Vote

How to Troubleshoot an Epson Inkjet Printer

Introduction

Epson inkjet printers are relatively easy to repair and troubleshoot. Follow these steps to identify the problem and troubleshoot your Epson inkjet printer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Check the obvious. Is it on? Is it plugged in? Are the cables plugged in all the way? Ensure that you have the printer plugged into a working outlet and that the LED light comes on when you press the power button.
2

Step Two

Check the status. For LCD screens, this is pretty clear. A connected printer reads "Ready," "Connected" or "Online." Other printers will usually have a solid green light when functioning properly. Refer to the manual if you receive an error message.
3

Step Three

Perform a test print. Most Epson printers have a self-test function. Refer to your manual for instructions on how to do this. Usually, it is just a matter of depressing one button while pushing power.
4

Step Four

Check the ink. Most newer models will tell you if the ink is low, but try running a color test to double check. You can usually pinpoint the faulty cartridge with this test and then either replace or clean it.
5

Step Five

Clean the printer. Use the printera??s self-cleaning feature usually found under the drivera??s "Utilities" or the printera??s "Properties" section. Click a??Clean Print Heads.a?? Or get a dry, lint free cloth and gently wipe down any accessible parts.
6

Step Six

Check the paper tray. Is it empty or is a sheet jammed? Look at the paper tray and be sure it is lined up correctly for loading.
7

Step Seven

Clear paper jams. Be careful during this operation. Refer to the manual for special instructions and always power down your printer and unplug it first. Use tweezers and be gentlea??dona??t use force. Clear out even the tiniest bits of paper you find.
8

Step Eight

Check to see if the print queue is backed up. On your computer, go to "Control Panel" and then "Printers" and right click your printera??s icon. Select a??Purge Print Documents.a?? Try printing again.
9

Step Nine

Make sure drivers are installed correctly. Try reinstalling the drivers from the disk or updating the drivers from the manufacturera??s website.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • The manufacturer knows best. Visit Epsona??s technical support page and read through the manual to find solutions for common problems.
  • If your printer does not have a self-test, you can usually print a test page from the printera??s properties menu.
  • Most printers have both black and colored ink cartridges. Chances are you wona??t need to replace both at the same time, so determine which one needs replacing and keep extras of the others on hand.
  • Running lots of tests and cleaning the heads can waste a lot of ink.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Epson printer
  • Manual
Tools: |