Epson L4260 "Paper Out in Rear Paper Feeder" Error - Causes, Error Codes, and Practical Fixes

Question

My Epson L4260 keeps showing the error message "Paper out in rear paper feeder. Confirm the size and load paper." The paper usually jams halfway through feeding, and then the error appears. Is this a fixable issue, and what could be causing it?

Answer

What This Error Means

The Epson L4260 error "Paper out in rear paper feeder. Confirm the size and load paper" is a paper feed detection error. Even though the message says "paper out," it often appears when the printer expects the paper to move but doesn't detect it correctly. Since your paper is jamming halfway, the issue is almost always mechanical rather than software-related.

This error is commonly associated with:

• Paper Feed Sensor (PE Sensor) not being triggered

• Pickup roller slippage

• Obstructions in the paper path

• Incorrect paper size detection

• Rear feeder separation pad wear

Most Common Causes and Fixes

1. Worn or Dirty Pickup Rollers

Over time, the rubber pickup rollers lose grip or become coated with paper dust and ink mist. When this happens, the printer may grab the paper initially but fail to feed it fully, causing a mid-feed jam and triggering the error.

What to try:

• Power off and unplug the printer.

• Remove the rear feeder paper.

• Clean the pickup rollers using lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.

• Let them dry completely before testing again.

If cleaning doesn't help, the rollers may need replacement.

2. Misaligned or Damaged Paper Feed Sensor

The L4260 uses an internal paper sensor (often a small plastic flag and optical sensor) to detect whether paper has passed a certain point. If the sensor is stuck, broken, or blocked by debris, the printer will think no paper is present-even when it is.

Symptoms that point to this issue:

• Paper feeds partway, then stops

• Error appears consistently at the same point

• Happens even with different paper types

This typically requires partial disassembly to inspect or replace the sensor.

3. Rear Feeder Separation Pad Wear

The separation pad works with the pickup roller to ensure only one sheet feeds at a time. If it's worn smooth, paper may skew, hesitate, or jam mid-feed.

What to check:

• Try feeding one sheet at a time

• Test with brand-new, clean paper

• Avoid curled or humid paper

If the issue improves with single sheets, the separation pad is likely worn.

4. Paper Size or Media Setting Mismatch

If the printer driver is set to a different paper size than what's physically loaded, the printer may stop feeding when timing doesn't match expectations.

Make sure:

• Paper size in the driver matches the actual paper

• Media type is correct (Plain Paper, not Photo Paper, etc.)

• Paper guides are snug but not tight

5. Internal Obstructions

Small scraps of paper, adhesive labels, or debris inside the feed path can cause partial feeding and sudden stops.

Inspect carefully:

• Rear feeder path

• Duplex unit (if accessible)

• Area behind the rollers using a flashlight

Is This Fixable?

Yes-this issue is very fixable in most cases. However, the exact solution depends on whether the problem is simple (dirty rollers) or mechanical (sensor or pad failure). Unfortunately, when the paper feed sensor or internal components are involved, hands-on inspection is unavoidable.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Because of this, 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 at BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before you're able to drop off your printer.

Our services are designed to repair either an entire printer or specific components, with clear instructions on how the process works. That said, we fully understand that our repair rates may not be the most economical option. Because of this, we strongly encourage self-help through online research whenever possible. A great place to start is our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to the "About" section on the right-hand side to look for videos related to paper feed issues, pickup rollers, or Epson error messages.

I receive dozens of questions every day asking whether a specific video exists for a particular issue. After creating videos for more than nine years, it's difficult to remember every topic covered, so using YouTube's built-in search is the fastest and most efficient method. YouTube may also recommend helpful videos from other creators that could guide you through your repair.

Thank you again for contacting us and for your continued support. We truly appreciate you taking the time to reach out, and we wish you the best of luck in resolving your Epson L4260 paper feed issue.