Epson Stylus Pro 4800 Error Code 00010004: CR Motor Encoder Check Error and Troubleshooting Guide

Question

I need help with an Epson Stylus Pro 4800 that keeps showing error code 00010004. I have already replaced the sensor, cable, encoder strip, and CR motor. The F1, F2, and F3 fuses are reading good, but the printer still shows the same error. What else should I check?

Answer

For the Epson Stylus Pro 4800, error code 00010004 is generally described as a CR Motor Encoder Check Error. "CR" stands for carriage return, which refers to the carriage system that moves the printhead assembly left and right across the printer.

This error means that during startup or during carriage movement, the printer expected to receive encoder pulse signals at certain intervals, but it did not receive them correctly. In simpler terms, the printer is trying to move the carriage, but the mainboard is not getting the correct feedback telling it where the carriage is or how it is moving.

The related error family for this model can include codes such as:

00000101, 00010000, 00010001, 00010002, 00010003, 00010004, 00010005, 00010006, 00010007, 00010008, 00010009, 0001000A, 0001000C, 0001000F, 00010010, 00010012, 00010013, 0001001B, 0001001D, 0001001E, 00010020, 00010022, 00010023, 00010025, 00010026, 00010028, 00010029, 0001002A, 0001002B, 0001002D, 0001002F, 00010030, 00010031, 00010032, 00010033, 00010034, 00010035, 00010036, 00010037, 00010038, 00010039, 0001003A, 0001003B, 0001003C, 0001003D, 00020000, 00020002, 00020003, 00020009, 0002000A, 0002000B, 0003xxxx, 0Dxxxxxx, 0Exxxxxx, 100000E0, 10000100, 10000180, 100001A0, 100001C0, 100005C0, and 10000xxx.

For your specific case, the important code is:

Error Code: 00010004
Description: CR Motor Encoder Check Error

This can be caused by several things:

The first thing to check is the CR encoder strip, also called the CR scale. Even if the strip is new, make sure it is installed correctly, seated properly, and passing through the encoder sensor slot in the right position. If the strip is not aligned with the sensor, the printer will not read the carriage position correctly. Also check that the strip is not twisted, bowed, scratched, oily, cloudy, or contaminated with paper dust or ink mist. A tiny amount of contamination can cause the encoder sensor to miss pulses.

Next, check the CR encoder sensor and its FFC cable. Since you already replaced the sensor and cable, the next concern is whether the cable is fully inserted, inserted in the correct direction, and locked into the connector properly. Many FFC cables have exposed contacts on only one side, so if the cable is reversed, the connection may look physically correct but still not work electrically. Also inspect the connector on the board side. A damaged connector latch, bent contact, oxidized pin, or cracked solder joint can cause the same problem even when the cable itself is new.

You should also check the CR motor connector. The service information for this error mentions a disconnected connector for the CR motor, broken CR motor wiring, inverted CR motor wiring, or a shorted CR motor. Since you already replaced the CR motor, verify that the motor wiring is pinned correctly. If the replacement motor came from another machine or had a different connector repair, make sure the wire order matches the original. If the motor wires are swapped or the phases are not correct, the motor may try to move incorrectly, vibrate, lock, or move in a way that does not match the encoder feedback.

Another possible issue is inverted A and B encoder pulse wiring. The encoder sensor usually produces pulse signals that the printer uses to determine movement and direction. If the A and B signals are reversed, the printer may detect movement incorrectly. This can make the printer believe the carriage is moving in the wrong direction or not moving properly, which can trigger 00010004. This is especially worth checking if any cable, sensor, connector, or board wiring was repaired or replaced.

Also inspect the carriage path mechanically. The printer may report an encoder error even if the electronics are good, simply because the carriage cannot move smoothly. With the printer off, move the carriage by hand if it is safe to do so. It should move smoothly without binding, grinding, or catching. Check the carriage rail, belt, pulley, carriage lock, cap station, wiper area, paper debris, dried ink buildup, or anything that could physically stop or slow the carriage. If the carriage hesitates during startup, the encoder pulse timing can become irregular and the printer may stop with this error.

The CR timing belt tension is also important. If the belt is too loose, the motor can turn while the carriage lags behind or moves unevenly. If the belt is too tight, the motor may be overloaded. Either condition can produce bad encoder timing. The official remedy list includes performing the CR Timing Belt Tension Adjustment, so this should not be skipped.

Since you mentioned that F1, F2, and F3 fuses are reading good, that is helpful, but it does not completely eliminate the mainboard. The listed causes include a broken power supply fuse for the motor driver on the mainboard, but the mainboard can fail in other ways too. A fuse can test good while the motor driver circuit, encoder input circuit, connector, or supporting components are damaged. If the encoder sensor is new, the cable is new, the strip is new, the motor is new, and all wiring orientation is confirmed, the next suspect becomes the C593 MAIN Board.

The official remedy path for 00010004 generally follows this order:

1. Check whether the CR scale / encoder strip is installed.

2. Check the CR scale for dirt, paper dust, ink mist, scratches, or damage.

3. Check the connection of the CR encoder sensor connector.

4. Check the connection of the CR motor connector.

5. Perform the CR timing belt tension adjustment.

6. Replace the CR encoder sensor.

7. Replace the CR motor assembly.

8. Replace the C593 MAIN Board.

Because you have already replaced the sensor, cable, strip, and CR motor, I would focus on four remaining areas before condemning the board:

First, confirm the encoder strip orientation and alignment. Make sure the strip runs inside the sensor slot and is not installed backward, twisted, or slightly out of position.

Second, confirm the FFC cable orientation and connector condition. Look closely at both ends of the cable and the board connector. Do not assume the new cable is working just because it is new.

Third, confirm the CR motor wiring order. A replacement motor with reversed wiring can still create the same error.

Fourth, check for mechanical drag in the carriage system. A tight belt, sticky carriage rail, obstruction at the cap station, or damaged pulley can make the electronics appear faulty.

If all of those checks pass, then the most likely remaining cause is the mainboard, especially the part of the board responsible for reading the encoder sensor or driving the CR motor. On this model, that would point toward the C593 MAIN Board.

One important note: replacing parts one by one can get expensive quickly. For this error, it is often better to slow down and test the signal path as a system: encoder strip, encoder sensor, sensor cable, connector, mainboard input, CR motor, motor connector, motor driver, belt tension, and carriage movement. The printer needs all of these pieces to work together. If any one part is misaligned, reversed, loose, dirty, or partially damaged, the printer may continue showing 00010004 even after several new parts have been installed.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair because many of these problems require hands-on inspection, testing, and adjustment. Because of that, we are not able to provide remote troubleshooting, repair suggestions, or direct support for printer repairs beyond general guidance. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility, BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may take a few weeks before we can schedule your printer for drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we understand that our rates may not be the most economical option for every situation. For that reason, we strongly recommend using self-help resources through online research. A good place to start is YouTube, including our homepage at BCH Technologies on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to look for videos on specific topics. I receive dozens of questions every day asking for videos on very specific repairs, and after creating videos for over nine years, it is difficult to remember every single one. YouTube's search function is usually the fastest way to find the most relevant video, and it may also suggest helpful repair videos from other channels.

Thank you again for reaching out and for supporting our channel. I know this type of error can be frustrating, especially after replacing several parts, but with 00010004, the next best step is to verify the encoder signal path, wiring orientation, carriage movement, belt tension, and finally the mainboard.