Epson ET-2720 Error Message After Following Repair Video: Missing Paper Feed Encoder Disc (PF Scale Disc)

Question:
I watched your YouTube video and followed the steps shown there, but I am still getting the same error message on my Epson ET-2720. I attached a picture of the printer because I am not sure what else I should check. I think the printer may be missing a clear plastic cover, but I am not certain. Could you help me identify what is missing and what needs to be fixed?

Answer:

Based on your photo and your description, your Epson ET-2720 is missing the PF scale disc, which is also commonly called the paper feed encoder disc. This part is essential to the printer's paper feed system. It is not just a cosmetic cover or a protective plastic piece. The disc is used by the printer to monitor and control paper movement with precision.

When this PF scale disc is missing, dirty, damaged, cracked, or installed incorrectly, the printer may generate an error because it can no longer accurately detect paper feed movement. That often leads to symptoms such as repeated error messages, failure to initialize properly, paper feed problems, or mechanical timing issues. In many Epson printers, the sensor reads markings on this disc to determine how far and how fast the paper feed mechanism is rotating. If the disc is absent, the sensor has nothing to read, so the printer may stop operation and report a fault.

So yes, the issue is not a missing clear plastic cover. The missing part is the PF scale disc, and that would very likely explain why the error remains even after following the repair video.

You can get the replacement part here: Paper Feed Encoder Disc for Epson ET-2720 (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/paper-feed-encoder-disc-for-epson-expression-premium-xp-7100-ecotank-et-2720?_pos=5&_sid=68eab218d&_ss=r)

When installing the replacement, make sure of the following:

1. The disc is mounted fully and seated correctly on the shaft. If it is loose or not aligned, the sensor may still fail to read it correctly.

2. The disc should be clean and free from fingerprints, grease, or ink contamination. Even a small smudge can interfere with sensor readings.

3. Check the nearby encoder sensor area for dust, broken plastic, or anything blocking the sensor path.

4. Make sure no other paper feed components were displaced during prior disassembly. A missing or misaligned PF scale disc can happen together with gear timing or feed assembly issues.

5. After installation, power the printer off completely, wait a little, and then restart it so the printer can reinitialize.

If your printer is still showing the same error after the new PF scale disc is installed, then the next likely areas to inspect would be the paper feed sensor, the paper feed gear train, or possible damage to the mounting point where the disc sits. In some cases, the printer can also have a sensor issue rather than only a missing disc. But from what you described and from the image, the missing PF scale disc is the primary problem that needs to be addressed first.

If the printer is reporting a specific error code on the screen, that code can help narrow things down further. In general, Epson paper feed and mechanical synchronization faults can appear when the printer detects abnormal movement or cannot read the paper feed encoder properly. If you see a numeric code along with the message, that would provide more detail about whether the fault is strictly paper-feed-related or part of a broader mechanical issue.

Printer problems can be complicated because they are very hands-on by nature. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, repair guidance, or step-by-step support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we are able to receive your printer. We can service either a complete printer or individual parts, and the service page explains how to proceed. That said, we understand our repair rates may not be the lowest option, so we strongly encourage self-help research first. A good place to start is YouTube, including our BCH Technologies YouTube homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). You can use the search icon next to "About" on the right side of the menu bar to look for videos on your specific issue. We receive many questions every day asking whether we have a video on a certain topic, and with so many videos created over the last nine years, using YouTube's search feature is usually the fastest approach. It may also suggest useful videos from other channels that can help.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting BCH Technologies. We truly appreciate your patience, your trust, and your support of our content.