How to Diagnose and Fix a Flashing Green Power Light and Red Paper Light on Your Epson Printer

Question:

I encountered an issue with my printer where both the green power light and the red paper light are flashing. I believe this is the same error that occurred before, which was resolved after cleaning the timing belt. I tried wiping the belt to check for ink but didn't find any. How can I resolve this issue without having to replace the printhead?

Answer:

Thank you for reaching out to us at BCH Technologies. We sincerely apologize for not getting back to you sooner. We understand that printer issues can be urgent, and we want to ensure you receive a detailed and well-thought-out response. Your engagement and support, especially on our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies], are greatly appreciated. Your feedback helps us continue improving and providing technical expertise.

Now, let’s go through some troubleshooting steps to identify and resolve the problem.

Using the Adjustment Program for Error Diagnosis

To accurately determine the issue with your printer, we recommend using Epson's Adjustment Program, which is a diagnostic tool designed for checking error codes. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Open the Adjustment Program and select your printer’s USB port from the dropdown menu.
2. Click on “Particular Adjustment”, then scroll down and select “Printer Information Check”.
3. Click “Check”, and the most recent error code will be displayed at the top.

Once you have the error code, you can look up its meaning by searching "BCH Epson Error" on Google. This will lead you to our Epson Triple Secret Error Codes [https://bchtechnologies.com] page, which explains various error messages.

Understanding the Flashing Lights

If both the green power light and red paper light are flashing, it often indicates an issue related to the paper feed system or timing belt contamination. Based on your description, it seems that the issue was previously resolved by cleaning the timing belt. While you have already wiped it down, make sure to inspect the encoder strip and belt thoroughly for ink smudges or dust buildup, as even a small amount can interfere with proper functioning.

Additionally, ensure that:

• The paper path is clear and no obstructions are blocking the sensors.
• The timing belt and encoder strip are properly aligned and free of ink residue.
• The printhead moves smoothly along the rail without resistance.

What If Only the Red Paper Light Is Flashing?

If only the red paper light is flashing, the issue could be related to a stuck print job in the print queue. Here’s how you can fix that:

1. Open your RIP software or printer queue on your computer.
2. Look for any pending print jobs and delete them.
3. Restart both your computer and printer to clear any lingering communication errors.

If the paper feed button is unresponsive, it may indicate a mainboard issue, requiring further diagnosis or possible replacement.

For a quick video walkthrough of the Adjustment Program process, check out our YouTube guide [https://youtube.com/shorts/FPZzpyYuZLE].

Further Assistance

Addressing printer issues can be complex due to their hands-on nature. Unfortunately, we’re unable to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or direct support for printer repairs. However, we do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service] at our local diagnostic facility. Due to high demand, repairs operate on a first-come, first-served basis and may take a few weeks before your printer can be assessed.

Our services focus on repairing either the entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. We acknowledge that our rates may not be the most budget-friendly, so we highly encourage self-help through online research. A great starting point is our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies], where you can use the search function (found next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar) to locate relevant videos. Given our extensive library of content over the past nine years, searching this way is often the most efficient method. Additionally, YouTube's algorithm may suggest useful videos from other channels to assist you further.

We truly appreciate your support and engagement with BCH Technologies. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out. Thanks again, and best of luck with your printer troubleshooting!