Epson ET-2650 Makes a Loud Banging Noise and Shows "Paper Out or Incorrect Loading" - Causes and Fixes

Question:
I have an Epson ET-2650 printer that makes a loud banging sound whenever the printhead moves, possibly hitting the left side of the printer. What could be causing this problem, and how can I fix it?

Answer:

The loud banging or knocking sound in your Epson ET-2650, especially when the printhead seems to strike the left wall, is a relatively common mechanical issue that often indicates a carriage positioning or encoder-related malfunction. Let's go through the possible causes and how you can fix them.

1. Dirty or Damaged Encoder Strip

The encoder strip is a thin, transparent plastic band that runs horizontally behind the printhead carriage. It helps the printer determine the exact position of the printhead using optical sensors.
If this strip is dirty, smudged, or scratched, the printer may misread the head's location, causing it to slam into the side repeatedly.

Fix:

• Turn off and unplug the printer.

• Open the top cover and locate the clear strip behind the printhead carriage.

• Using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol, gently clean the strip from end to end.

• Let it dry completely before powering the printer back on.

Be very careful not to remove or stretch the strip-it is extremely sensitive and essential for head alignment.

2. Broken or Misaligned Shaft LD (Left Drive Shaft)

If cleaning the encoder doesn't help, the issue could be related to the Shaft LD, also known as the left drive shaft or support rod. This component holds the carriage in proper alignment and ensures smooth travel from side to side.
A damaged or partially dislodged shaft can cause the printhead to jam or hit the wall, triggering errors like "Paper Out" or "Incorrect Paper Loading", even when paper is properly inserted.

Fix:

• Inspect the left side of the carriage path for bent or displaced metal rods.

• If you notice any wobble, looseness, or breakage, the shaft may need replacement.

• Epson's part number for the Shaft LD can vary by model, but it is similar to what's demonstrated in our video on the Epson ET-2750 Paper Out or Incorrect Loading issue (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkj1-tOecTU&lc=UgyluHU__f9Dkr31FFp4AaABAg). The repair procedure shown there applies closely to the ET-2650 as well.

• If you're comfortable working inside your printer, you can replace the shaft yourself, but if not, professional service is recommended.

3. Carriage Drive Belt Issues

Another possible cause is a loose or damaged carriage belt. The belt is the black, toothed strap that moves the printhead assembly. Over time, it can stretch, lose tension, or develop missing teeth, leading to loud slapping or knocking noises.

Fix:

• Inspect the belt for cracks, fraying, or looseness.

• If it looks worn or slack, it will need replacement. Re-tensioning the belt requires partial disassembly, so handle with care or seek service assistance.

4. Obstruction in the Carriage Path

Sometimes, bits of dried ink, paper debris, or foreign objects (like torn labels) can obstruct the carriage's travel, causing it to crash into the wall or make banging sounds.

Fix:

• Unplug the printer and manually slide the printhead gently across the carriage rail.

• If you feel resistance, inspect both ends and the underside for debris or dried ink. Clean thoroughly before restarting.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting or repair support. However, we do offer in-person diagnostic and repair services at our BCH Technologies local repair facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, our services operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it might take a few weeks before we can assess your printer. We repair both full printers and individual parts, depending on the issue. While our rates may not be the lowest, we always encourage self-repair for those comfortable with it. You can start by checking tutorials on the BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) - use the search icon next to "About" to find videos relevant to your specific model and issue.

Thank you once again for contacting us and for your continued trust in BCH Technologies. Your active engagement helps us share reliable, experience-based solutions with the global printer repair community.