Question:
My Epson ET-2803 is reporting a paper jam after cleaning the printhead. It completely powered off, and now it won’t turn back on. What could be causing this, and how do I fix it?
Answer:
Based on your description, it sounds like your printer experienced a hardware issue during or after the printhead cleaning process. Here’s what may have happened and some potential fixes:
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Power Surge or Short Circuit: The most common reason a printer powers off unexpectedly and fails to turn back on is a short circuit or power surge. This can happen if excess moisture or ink seeped into the internal components while cleaning the printhead. If ink makes contact with the mainboard or power supply, it can cause a safety shutdown to protect the system.
To troubleshoot, start by disconnecting the printer from power completely. Unplug it and let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the internal power supply to reset. After that, plug it back in and see if it powers on.
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Paper Jam Sensor Issue: A faulty or dirty paper jam sensor can sometimes cause the printer to misread a jam and shut down. If you can access the paper feed area safely, inspect for any pieces of paper or foreign debris stuck near the rollers or sensors. Even tiny fragments of paper can trigger the error.
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Mainboard Damage: If the printer still does not power on after performing the reset, there is a chance the mainboard was affected. Ink spills during cleaning can sometimes lead to short circuits on the mainboard, preventing the printer from powering up. Unfortunately, this would require either a replacement or repair of the mainboard.
Addressing printer issues like these can be complex, as they often require hands-on diagnosis. While we cannot provide remote troubleshooting for every case, we do offer in-person evaluation and repair services at our facility: BCH Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Repairs are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, and due to high demand, it may take some time for us to evaluate your printer.
If you’d like to try some DIY solutions, I recommend checking out our YouTube channel (BCH Technologies YouTube [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]). Use the search bar near the “About” tab to look for related videos on power issues, mainboard repairs, or troubleshooting Epson printers. With over nine years of content, there’s a good chance you’ll find step-by-step guidance to help resolve the problem.