Epson ET-8550 Paper Pickup Failure: Causes and Solutions

Question:
My Epson EcoTank ET-8550 keeps showing a “no paper in cassette” error, even though the cassette has paper loaded. The printer makes a noise like it’s trying to pick up paper, but it never succeeds. I’ve had two people—who don’t specialize in Epson repairs—look at it, but they couldn’t figure it out and said the printer might be dead. On the rare occasions it does feed paper, the printer works flawlessly. I don’t want to throw away a $700 printer just because it can’t feed paper. Do you have any suggestions on what could be wrong or what I should check that others might have missed? I’ve watched your videos online, but I’m not sure what I’m looking at.

Answer:

1. Pickup Roller Wear or Failure

Inside the paper cassette feeding path, there is a rubber pickup roller that grips and advances the top sheet of paper. Over time, the roller’s surface can wear down, harden, or become contaminated with dust or paper fiber, reducing friction. If the roller can’t grip the paper correctly, the printer will repeatedly try but fail to feed.

• Fix: Inspect the roller for smooth or shiny spots. Cleaning it with a lint-free cloth dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol may restore grip temporarily. If the rubber is cracked or hardened, the roller should be replaced.

2. Spring or Tension Mechanism Problems

A small tension spring or mechanism ensures the pickup roller makes firm contact with the paper. If that spring is broken, missing, or misaligned, the roller won’t push firmly enough to move the sheet into the printer.

• Fix: Disassembly is usually required to inspect, repair, or replace the spring. This is a delicate job best handled by a technician familiar with Epson feed mechanisms.

3. Paper End (PE) Sensor Malfunction

The Paper End sensor (sometimes also called the paper presence sensor) detects whether paper is loaded. If the printer is dirty, blocked, or faulty, it might incorrectly assume the tray is empty, even when paper is present.

• Fix: Check for debris or dust near the sensor area. Cleaning with compressed air or a soft brush can help. A failed sensor will need replacement.

4. Workaround Using the Rear Feed Tray

While the cassette is convenient, the ET-8550 also has a rear feed option. If the cassette mechanism is faulty, you can set up the rear tray as your primary feed:

• Erect the back tray.

• In your computer’s print settings, select the rear feed or back tray as the default paper source.
  Keep in mind that you won’t be able to perform certain printer maintenance functions, such as a nozzle check, using the rear tray—but it will work for standard printing tasks.

Addressing printer issues can be complex because of the hands-on nature of diagnosing and repairing these problems. We’re unable to provide remote troubleshooting or repair services. However, we do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, service is on a first-come, first-served basis and may take a few weeks before we can start on your printer after drop-off. We handle both full printer repairs and part-specific repairs, with clear guidance on how to proceed. That said, our rates might not be the most budget-friendly, so we encourage trying self-help resources first. A good starting point is searching our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) for videos on your specific issue using the search icon beside the "About" section. With over nine years of content, even we sometimes need to search for our videos, and YouTube may also suggest relevant videos from other channels.

Thank you again for reaching out and for your patience and support. We hope this guidance helps you either resolve the paper feed problem or find a workaround that keeps your printer in service.