Epson Printer Makes Loud Noise and Displays “0x0A DC Error (CR)”: Troubleshooting and Fixes

Question:
Why does my Epson printer make a loud noise after powering on, and then stop moving the ink carriage? The carriage moves to the center briefly, then returns to the right, followed by a grinding noise. The ink carriage may be hitting or stuck on something. Support mentioned it could be a height issue or a malfunction of the waste ink pump. The fatal error codes include:

• Manual cleaning counter

• 160 Power cleaning counter

• 12 Timer cleaning counter

• 3 Total print pass counter

• 910009 Total print page counter

• 12011 Last printer fatal error code

• Multiple instances of: 0x0A DC Error (CR). Load positioning control over-speed error.
  Is this similar to the issue shown in your video? What can we do to fix it?

Answer:

Understanding the Problem

From your description, the issue is likely a mechanical blockage or malfunction with the waste ink pump and printhead capping station, which is causing a 0x0A DC Error (CR) — a load positioning control over-speed error. This means the printer attempted to move the carriage, but the resistance was higher than expected, causing it to overshoot or jam.

The carriage behavior you describe (briefly moving then hitting a stop point, followed by loud noises) is consistent with a printhead lock mechanism or capping station getting stuck in the raised position, physically obstructing the carriage's movement.

Error Code Meaning

• 0x0A DC Error (CR): "Load positioning control over-speed error" is the core issue here. It implies the carriage movement is resisted or obstructed, likely due to mechanical interference.

• The other counters (cleaning cycles, total print pass, fatal error code history) help technicians understand the printer’s wear and history, but they are not necessarily the cause—they are just context.

Step-by-Step Fix

One practical solution you can try:

1. Locate the waste ink pump shaft – On many Epson models, the shaft for the pump has a small hole or notch you can access from the right side (where the pump sits).

2. Insert a flathead screwdriver into this notch. Gently turn counterclockwise about 2–3 complete rotations. This manually resets or "unlocks" the capping station, allowing it to drop down from its raised position.

3. Power the printer on again – Once the pump is freed, the printhead should no longer be physically obstructed and can complete its start-up routine properly.

4. Optional (Advanced): If you are comfortable, open the left or right panel and visually inspect the height of the ink cart lock above the pump. Some models allow manual adjustment, but this varies.

If the manual turning doesn’t resolve the issue, the waste ink pump may malfunction, such as a failed motor or hardened ink build-up causing mechanical resistance. In this case, the pump unit may need to be cleaned or replaced.

Similarities with Our Video

Yes, one of our technical walkthroughs discusses this type of error and behavior. While every model differs, many Epson units follow the same mechanical design patterns. You can search our YouTube channel homepage using the magnifying glass icon near the “About” tab. Type in “0x0A error” or “printhead jam” to find the relevant walkthrough videos.

Additional Support

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It may take a few weeks to get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you. Thanks again for reaching out. We’re always happy to help and hope this solution brings your daughter’s printer back to life soon! Let us know how it goes, and we’ll do our best to support you further.