Epson ET-3760 Error 000031: Causes, Meaning, and Step-by-Step Fixes for Carriage & "False Paper Jam" Problems

Question:

My Epson ET-3760 has an 000031 error. What does it mean, and how do I fix it?

Answer: 

On the Epson ET-3760, error code 000031 is very common, and it usually indicates a "false paper jam" or carriage movement fault, not a real sheet of paper stuck in the printer. In plain terms: during the startup self-check, the printer expects the printhead carriage (the part that slides left/right) to move smoothly and report correct position feedback. If it can't move correctly-or the printer can't read its position correctly-it throws 000031 to protect itself.

Below are the most likely causes and what you can do to address them.

What typically triggers Epson ET-3760 error 000031?

1) Carriage can't move freely (mechanical resistance)

Even a small amount of extra drag can make the startup check fail. Common sources of resistance include:

• Dried ink or debris on the carriage rail (the shiny metal bar the carriage slides on)

• Ink buildup around the capping station / pump area (the "parking" area where the head seals when idle)

• A cable snag or binding (carriage ribbon cables catching or rubbing)

• Foreign objects (paper scraps, labels, staples, kids' bits-anything that fell inside)

2) CR encoder strip contamination (position-reading problem)

Behind the carriage there's a clear plastic strip (the CR encoder strip) with very fine markings. The printer reads these markings to know where the carriage is. If the strip is:

• smudged with ink mist,

• greasy,

• dusty,

• or scratched,

...the sensor can't read it reliably, and the printer may report 000031 even if the carriage moves.

3) Drag or failure in the pump/capping station assembly

If the capping station is sticky, ink-swollen, or packed with sludge, it can physically drag the carriage or prevent proper release at startup. This is especially common in printers that:

• sat unused,

• were moved roughly,

• had heavy cleaning cycles,

• or had ink overflow near the parking area.

4) Electrical/sensor/board issues (less common, more serious)

If everything is clean and the carriage moves perfectly, 000031 can still happen due to:

• a carriage motor issue,

• a CR encoder sensor problem,

• a damaged cable/connector,

• or a mainboard motor driver fault.

These are less common than mechanical/dirty-encoder causes, but they do happen-especially after liquid contamination or a power event.

Step-by-step: what to try first (safe checks and cleaning)

Step 1: Power down safely and do a manual carriage "feel test"

1. Turn the printer off.

2. Unplug the power cable from the wall (important).

3. Open the top cover.

4. Gently try to move the carriage left and right.

What you're checking:

• The carriage should glide with very light force, smoothly, without sticking, grinding, or "tight spots."

If it binds or sticks: that's a strong sign the printer is correctly throwing 000031 because movement isn't normal.

Step 2: Clean the carriage rail (lightly)

• Use a lint-free cloth (or foam swab) with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol.

• Wipe the metal rail the carriage rides on.

• Don't drench it-just a light wipe to remove grime/ink residue.

Then slide the carriage back and forth again to confirm it feels smoother.

Step 3: Clean the CR encoder strip carefully (very important)

The encoder strip is delicate. Do not pull it tight, bend it, or scrape it.

• Locate the clear plastic strip behind the carriage.

• Use a lint-free wipe very lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol.

• Support the strip gently with minimal pressure and wipe along it carefully.

Goal: remove haze, ink mist, and fingerprints so the sensor can read it.

Step 4: Inspect the capping station / parking area for ink buildup

Move the carriage to the left so you can see the right-side "parking" station.

• Look for thick ink sludge, sticky residue, or anything that could rub the carriage.

• If you see heavy buildup, that's a common reason 000031 returns immediately after power-up.

Light cleaning can help, but be cautious: this area has springs, seals, and parts that can be damaged if forced.

Step 5: Check for obvious cable binding or obstructions

• Look for any ribbon cables snagging or catching.

• Remove any visible paper scraps or debris.

• Ensure nothing is blocking the carriage path.

If the error still happens after cleaning

If:

• the carriage moves smoothly,

• the encoder strip is clean,

• there's no obvious drag at the capping station,

...and error 000031 persists, the issue may be electrical or sensor feedback related (carriage motor, encoder sensor, mainboard driver, or cable/connector damage). At that point, it often becomes component-level diagnosis rather than guessing parts-because swapping random parts can get expensive fast and doesn't always solve the underlying fault.

Addressing printer issues can be complicated because many of the problems are hands-on and mechanical in nature. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to strong demand, we run on a first-come, first-served basis, and it can take a few weeks before we're able to schedule your drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either a full printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. That said, we recognize our rates aren't the lowest, so we strongly recommend self-help through online research first. A great place to start is YouTube-especially our channel homepage: BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). To find the most relevant video quickly, use the search icon near the "About" section on the right side of the menu bar. I receive many messages asking which video covers a specific topic, and with years of uploads, it's difficult to remember every single one-YouTube's search is the fastest route, and it may also recommend helpful videos from other creators.

Thanks again for reaching out, and thank you for supporting BCH Technologies. I truly appreciate it, and I hope this points you in the right direction for resolving Epson ET-3760 error 000031.