Epson ET-2720 Error 100016: Scanner Error Causes and Fixes

Question

I watched your video about fixing Epson scanner error 100016 and tried every step shown, but my Epson ET-2720 still is not working. What other issues could cause error 100016 on this model, and what else can I check?

Answer

For the Epson ET-2720, error 100016 is generally a scanner-related error. Even though the machine is usually described as a printer, the scanner unit is tied into the printer's startup sequence. If the scanner system cannot initialize correctly, the printer may stop with an error before it allows normal printing, copying, or scanning.

This error can be caused by several different issues. The most common ones involve the scanner carriage, scanner motor, scanner belt, scanner cable, scanner lock position, dirty or blocked scanner movement path, or a failure on the scanner control circuit.

One of the first things to check is whether the scanner carriage can move freely. When the printer starts, the scanner carriage usually moves slightly as part of the initialization process. If it is stuck, jammed, or unable to locate its home position, the printer may trigger error 100016. Open the scanner lid and look carefully through the glass area. Check whether anything is physically blocking the scanner bar underneath the glass. Sometimes a small piece of debris, a broken plastic tab, or even internal misalignment can prevent the scanner from traveling correctly.

You should also check whether the scanner carriage is stuck at one side. If the carriage is not returning to the home position, the printer may think the scanner failed. Do not force it hard, because the scanner belt or rail can be damaged. However, if the unit is already open for repair, you can inspect whether the scanner rail is dry, dirty, or obstructed.

Another possible cause is the scanner motor or scanner drive belt. The scanner bar is moved by a small motor and belt system. If the belt slips, breaks, comes loose, or if the motor fails, the scanner cannot complete its startup movement. The printer may then show error 100016. In some cases, you may hear a clicking, grinding, or repeated movement sound when the printer turns on. That can point toward a mechanical scanner movement problem.

The scanner ribbon cable or flat flexible cable is also a major suspect. Inside the ET-2720, the scanner unit connects to the main board through one or more cables. If a cable is loose, damaged, oxidized, folded too sharply, or not seated correctly, the scanner may not communicate with the printer. This can also cause error 100016. If the printer has been opened before, or if the scanner lid has been lifted repeatedly during repair, the cable connection may have been disturbed. Reseating the scanner cable can sometimes solve the issue, but it must be done carefully because these cables and connectors are fragile.

Another thing to consider is whether the scanner lock or shipping lock is engaged, if your model or unit has one. Some Epson scanners have a lock mechanism to protect the scanner during transport. If the scanner is locked, the carriage cannot move, and the printer may produce a scanner error. Not every ET-2720 setup will have the same visible lock design, but it is still worth checking the scanner area and user manual.

You should also inspect the scanner glass area for signs of impact or warping. If the printer was dropped, shipped roughly, or stored with weight on top of it, the scanner frame may be slightly bent. Even a small amount of frame distortion can keep the scanner bar from moving smoothly. This kind of issue can be difficult to see from the outside, but it is common after shipping damage or accidental pressure on the scanner bed.

A firmware or power reset may help in rare cases, but if you have already followed the steps in the video and the error still comes back, the problem is likely hardware-related. You can still try turning the printer off, unplugging it from the wall for several minutes, plugging it directly into a wall outlet instead of a power strip, and restarting it. However, if error 100016 returns immediately, the scanner is probably failing its initialization test.

It is also possible that the scanner itself is functional, but the main board is not reading the scanner correctly. This is less common than a stuck scanner carriage or cable issue, but it can happen. If the scanner motor, scanner cable, and scanner movement all appear normal, the problem may be on the logic board or scanner control circuit. At that point, diagnosis becomes more advanced because parts may need to be tested or swapped.

For an Epson ET-2720 with error 100016, I would check the following areas in this order:

1. Make sure nothing is physically blocking the scanner carriage.

2. Check whether the scanner bar moves during startup.

3. Listen for grinding, clicking, or repeated movement sounds.

4. Inspect the scanner belt and scanner rail if the unit is opened.

5. Reseat and inspect the scanner ribbon cable.

6. Check for a scanner lock, shipping lock, or jammed scanner mechanism.

7. Look for frame damage, cracks, or signs that the scanner bed is warped.

8. Consider scanner motor, scanner sensor, scanner assembly, or main board failure if the error remains.

Since the short answer is that 100016 is a scanner error, the most likely cause is still in the scanner assembly rather than the ink system, printhead, waste ink system, or paper feed area. Even if the printer side seems fine, the ET-2720 may not operate until the scanner passes its startup check.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because many of these problems require hands-on inspection. For that reason, we are not able to provide remote troubleshooting, individualized repair suggestions, or step-by-step remote support for printer repairs. However, we do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Because demand is high, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may take a few weeks before we can accept your printer for drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either a complete printer or specific parts, with instructions provided on how to proceed. We also understand that our repair rates may not be the most economical option for every situation. For that reason, we strongly recommend using self-help resources and online research whenever possible. A good place to start is YouTube, including our homepage at BCH Technologies YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to search for specific topics. I receive dozens of questions every day asking which video covers a particular problem. Since we have created videos over the past nine years, it is difficult to remember every single one, so YouTube's search function is usually the fastest way to locate the most relevant video. YouTube may also suggest helpful videos from other repair channels.

Thanks again for reaching out and for watching our video. I hope this gives you a clearer idea of what else can cause Epson ET-2720 error 100016 and what areas to inspect next.