Epson ET-8550 Says "Paper Jam" with No Paper Inside? Here's What to Check

Question: My Epson ET-8550 is displaying a “paper jam” error even though there’s no paper stuck inside. I’ve done extensive research and watched numerous videos, but still can’t resolve the issue. I've used this printer for sublimation for four years without issues—until now. What could be wrong?

Answer:

What Causes a False "Paper Jam" Error on the ET-8550?

The Epson ET-8550 can trigger a paper jam error even when no paper is present. This typically happens when one of the printer's internal sensors is misreading a condition, or when the carriage movement is impeded or perceived to be abnormal. Based on the video you sent, there are a few likely culprits and areas to investigate.

1. CR Encoder Strip and Sensor Issues

You mentioned this started happening when the printer tries to resume after an error. From what we could see in your video, there may be black streaks or smudges on the clear CR (carriage return) encoder strip—the thin, transparent belt behind the printhead carriage.

The CR sensor reads this encoder strip to determine the carriage’s position. If the strip is dirty, smudged, scratched, or obstructed (even by reflections or oil), it can cause the printer to lose track of where the carriage is, leading to a false paper jam error.

What to do:

• Power off the printer.

• Gently clean the encoder strip with a lint-free cloth and a bit of isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher).

• Be sure to clean both the front and back of the strip.

• Let it dry thoroughly before turning the printer back on.

2. Paper Width Sensor (Page Width Sensor)

This sensor detects the presence and size of paper. If it malfunctions or becomes misaligned, the printer may assume that paper is inserted incorrectly or not moving as expected, again resulting in a jam error.

Check for:

• Obstructions, lint, or ink buildup around the sensor.

• If using sublimation ink, extra caution is needed as residue can accumulate faster.

• Use canned air to gently blow out debris, or wipe the area with a swab if accessible.

3. Paper Feed and Ejection Sensors

These sensors detect paper as it enters and exits the print path. Sometimes, a small torn scrap of paper—or even a misalignment—can trigger a false jam.

Inspect the:

• Rear feed slot

• Inside feed rollers

• Output tray and path

• Bottom panel and duplexer area (if applicable)

You may not always see leftover paper, but a failed sensor or misread roller movement can lead the printer to think paper is stuck.

4. Mechanical Movement and Belt Tension

The carriage belt tension can also affect how the printer interprets movement. If the printhead starts moving but the tension is off or the belt slips even slightly, the printer might believe something is blocking its motion, again, blaming a phantom paper jam.

Inspect:

• Carriage belt for cracks, wear, or slack.

• CR motor for jittering or irregular movement.

• Lubricate the carriage bar with light silicone lubricant if it feels dry or sticky.

5. Firmware Glitch or Overload

Finally, because you've had the printer for four years and are running sublimation inks (which often aren't supported officially), the system memory could be holding onto fault codes or incorrect movement calibration.

Try a full power cycle reset:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Unplug it for at least 5 minutes.

3. While off, open and close the main access panel several times to drain residual power.

4. Plug it back in and restart.

If All Else Fails…

If these fixes don’t resolve the phantom “paper jam,” your next step may be to replace the CR sensor or inspect deeper into the control board for faulty sensor input readings. We’ve had cases where dried ink or static buildup in sublimation setups disrupted sensor feedback loops.

Dealing with printer problems like these can be tricky and often require physical access to the machine. That’s why we’re unfortunately unable to provide remote diagnostics or individual repair support. However, we offer an in-person evaluation and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) at our diagnostic facility. Please note that due to high demand, repairs are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks to get your printer in the queue. Our repair structure allows you to choose between full printer servicing or part-specific repairs. That said, we recognize our services may not be the most cost-effective solution for all situations—so we always encourage users to explore online resources first.

To continue troubleshooting, we recommend searching for tutorials and walkthroughs on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon located near the “About” tab to look for keywords like “ET-8550 jam,” “CR sensor,” or “encoder cleaning.” Given our large library of content built over the last nine years, this is often the fastest way to find specific help—not just from us but from other helpful creators as well.

Thanks again for your message. We’re rooting for your success in getting your ET-8550 back on track—and we’re honored to be part of your repair journey!