How to Fix Blinking Paper Feed Light on Epson L1800 When No Paper Jam Exist

Question: My Epson L1800 turns on and shows a blinking red paper feed light. I’ve already cleaned everything, and the printer has no paper. It usually blinks if the tray is empty, but this time it starts flashing as soon as the printer powers on. How do I fix this?

Answer:

Understanding the Real Cause of the Paper Feed Light

When the paper light is steady, it can indicate a job stuck in the print queue. In that case, clearing pending print jobs or disconnecting the USB cable and restarting might help.

However, you specifically mentioned that the light is flashing immediately at power-on, and only the paper feed light. This points to the printer mistakenly detecting a paper jam—even when there isn’t one.

This scenario usually involves issues with:

• PF Sensor (Paper Feed Sensor)

• PE Sensor (Paper End Sensor)

• CR Encoder Strip or Disk (Carriage Return Encoder)

These components are responsible for tracking paper movement and printhead position. If they malfunction, the printer may falsely believe that a jam has occurred.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

1. Clean and Inspect the CR Encoder Strip

• Symptoms: Printhead jerks, stutters, or stops. Paper jam error appears without actual jam.

• Actions:

  • Turn off and unplug the printer.

  • Open the top cover and find the clear plastic strip running behind the printhead carriage.

  • Clean gently using a lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol.

  • Inspect for scratches, ink stains, or looseness. Reseat if dislodged.

2. Check the PF Sensor (Paper Feed Sensor)

• Symptoms: Paper starts feeding then halts, or sensor doesn’t detect paper passing through.

• Actions:

  • Access through the back cover or duplexer area.

  • Rotate the feed roller manually and listen for clicks or motion from the sensor.

  • Clean the area with compressed air to remove dust or fibers.

3. Test the PE Sensor (Paper End Sensor)

• Symptoms: Printer thinks paper is always or never present.

• Actions:

  • PE sensor is usually located near the paper entry.

  • Use a small slip of paper to trip the sensor.

  • Look for any stuck mechanical levers, ink buildup, or optical blockages.

4. Reset Power and Clear Firmware Flags

• Disconnect the printer from power completely for at least 5 minutes.

• Try resetting the printer using the Epson Adjustment Program or WIC utility. These can sometimes clear false hardware errors or lingering firmware flags.

5. Physically Reinspect the Paper Path

Even small fragments can trigger false jam signals.

• Use a flashlight to check:

  • Under the printhead carriage

  • Around the rear feed rollers

  • Inside the paper eject tray

  • Be thorough—label backings or glossy stickers can hide easily.

When to Replace Parts

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue:

• Replace the Encoder Strip if it's visibly scratched or if the printhead doesn't respond correctly.

• Replace the PF or PE sensors if their output doesn’t change when actuated (use a multimeter if available).

• These parts are usually available from specialty online stores and can be replaced with basic tools and care.

Printer problems like this can be tough to diagnose remotely due to the hands-on nature of inspection and repair. For that reason, we do not offer remote troubleshooting or component-level support. However, we do provide professional in-person diagnostic and repair services through our local repair center (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Please note that due to our high volume of service requests, appointments are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can evaluate your printer. We handle full printer repairs or part-specific replacements, and we provide detailed next steps depending on the situation. While our service is not always the most cost-effective option, we encourage DIY solutions where possible. For that, please explore our library of video tutorials on the BCH YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search function (next to the "About" tab) to look for your specific issue. With over nine years of content, it’s the best way to find targeted support, and YouTube’s suggestions may even lead you to other helpful videos from the community.

Thanks again for reaching out and being part of our tech-savvy printer community. We hope this gives you a clear path forward to resolving the blinking light issue on your Epson L1800.