How to Fix Epson EcoTank Scanner Error E02: 100016 — Diagnosing Cable vs. Hardware Failure

Customer Question

I’m getting an E02: 100016 scanner error on my Epson EcoTank printer. I followed the suggested fix from your YouTube video, removed the small scanner cable, cleaned it, and reconnected it, but the error persists. What should I try next?

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Answer

What Does Epson EcoTank Error E02: 100016 Mean?

The E02: 100016 error on Epson EcoTank printers specifically indicates a scanner failure. While this sometimes results from a loose or corroded scanner cable (as shown in the video), persistent errors even after cleaning and reconnecting the cable suggest a deeper issue—most likely a hardware component failure within the scanner assembly itself.

If Cleaning the Cable Didn't Work... Here's What Could Be Wrong

Since you've already performed the cable reset/cleaning and the error remains, the next likely cause is:

Scanner Lamp Failure

• The E02 error can be triggered when the scanner lamp (usually a white LED bar or cold cathode tube) fails to light up.

• If the lamp is completely dead or only flickers, the sensor cannot register any image, resulting in the error.

• Some users have noted hearing the scanner bar moving but seeing no illumination—this is a strong sign the lamp has failed.

Burned Out Motor or Stepper Driver

• If the scanner head does not move at all (no motor sound or movement under the glass), then the problem could be:

  • A burned-out motor driver circuit on the logic board, or

  • A failed scanner motor altogether.

Internal Board Damage

• It’s also possible that the scanner controller IC (part of the mainboard) has failed due to a voltage spike or wear. This is rare, but not unheard of, especially if your unit experienced a power surge or long-term use.

How to Test Further (If You're Comfortable)

If you’re confident with disassembly and electronics, here are a few suggestions for further testing:

1. Open the Scanner Lid and Observe

   • Power the printer on.

   • Watch for illumination under the glass and movement of the scanner head.

   • If neither occurs, the lamp or its driver board is likely dead.

2. Multimeter Test

   • If you have access to a multimeter, you can test continuity in the flat scanner cable and verify whether voltage reaches the lamp assembly.

   • A zero reading could confirm a blown lamp or a broken circuit.

3. Swap Parts (If Available)

   • If you have access to a similar model (or a donor unit), you might swap the scanner assembly or lamp board to confirm the diagnosis before ordering replacements.

Your Next Steps

If the scanner lamp is dead, unfortunately, it is not something software or firmware can fix. You'll either need to:

• Replace the entire scanner assembly, or

• Use the printer in print-only mode (if available and supported by your model's firmware).

Some Epson EcoTank models will still function for printing even if the scanner is disabled, while others will remain locked until the error is cleared.

Final Note

Dealing with scanner hardware issues can be incredibly frustrating and often requires hands-on diagnostics. For that reason, we're not able to offer remote technical support for these types of failures. However, we do provide in-person printer repair services through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can schedule a drop-off. Our services cover both entire printer repairs and component-level diagnostics. That said, we fully support DIY repairers and recommend checking out our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search tool located next to the "About" tab to find videos tailored to scanner issues and disassembly. YouTube’s algorithm may also guide you to additional creators with similar repair content.

Thanks again for reaching out and for continuing to support the BCH Technologies community. We hope you’re able to restore your Epson printer soon—and we’re here if you need us along the way!