Epson L1800 Printer Flashing Paper Light and Dull Prints: Causes and Fixes

Question:
I recently purchased an Epson L1800 printer and have been using it for about a month. My prints have suddenly become dull, so I performed a printhead cleaning. After that, the paper light on the control panel began flashing, and now it won't stop. I tried cleaning the sensors as shown in some YouTube videos, but the problem persists. How can I fix this issue and restore my printer to normal operation?

Answer:

1. Dull Prints After One Month of Use

Dull print quality can stem from several causes:

• Clogged nozzles: Even after cleaning cycles, partial blockages may remain in the printhead nozzles. Running a nozzle check pattern can help determine if all colors are firing correctly.

• Ink supply issues: If air has entered the ink lines, or if the ink tanks are running low, it can lead to inconsistent ink flow and faded prints.

• Non-genuine or incompatible ink: If you're not using Epson original or properly matched third-party inks, print quality can suffer.

2. Flashing Paper Light (Paper Sensor or Feed Error)

On Epson printers like the L1800, a flashing paper light usually indicates a paper jam, paper feed sensor error, or sensor misalignment. Since you already tried cleaning the sensors, here are additional checks:

• Check for small paper scraps: Even tiny pieces of paper stuck near the rollers or feed path can trigger the sensor.

• Clean the paper feed roller: If the roller is dusty or ink-stained, the printer may think paper isn't being fed properly. A lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol can be used.

• Inspect the paper sensor: The optical paper sensor (usually near the feed area) might still be blocked by dried ink, debris, or residue. Use a flashlight to ensure it is completely clear.

• Firmware reset: In rare cases, the printer may need to be reset after cleaning. Try turning it off, unplugging it for several minutes, and powering back on.

3. Other Considerations

• If the flashing continues even after thorough inspection and cleaning, the sensor may have failed electronically rather than just being dirty. This could require replacement.

• Dull prints combined with a sensor error may also point to an issue with the mainboard if both problems started together. If the printhead cleaning was aggressive or the printer experienced an electrical spike, it's possible some circuits were stressed.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated process due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Because of this, we aren't able to provide remote troubleshooting or step-by-step repairs. However, we do offer in-person evaluation and repair services through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Please note that we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can check your printer. Our services cover full printer repairs or part-specific fixes, with clear instructions once your unit is accepted. That said, we understand that our service rates aren't the cheapest. For this reason, we encourage self-help by researching online, beginning with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to the "About" section on our channel page to quickly find videos related to your issue. Since we've created content over the past nine years, this is the fastest way to locate a tutorial, and you may also discover other helpful videos from different creators.

Thank you again for your patience and for trusting us with your question. We truly appreciate your support and hope you're able to get your Epson L1800 back up and running smoothly.