How to Fix Epson Error 034004 (E-01) When the Printhead Is Stuck on the Left Side

Question:
I recently set up my new Epson EcoTank ET-15000 printer and encountered error 034004 saying there's a paper jam. However, I know there isn't one because I haven't even started printing yet. The issue occurred right after I installed the ink: the printhead moved all the way to the left, made a loud bang, and then got stuck there. Now it won't return to the right side. I can't even get to the ink charging stage. I've watched several of your videos, but nothing seems to help. What can I do to fix this problem?
(Watch the related video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdhchDFnbLM&lc=Ugy61qF0WKfyPBnIMHB4AaABAg)

Answer:

Now, about your Epson ET-15000 showing error 034004 (E-01) - this error often appears when the printer detects resistance or obstruction during printhead movement, even if there's no visible paper jam. Since your printhead hit the left side and stopped abruptly, it's likely that the printer's carriage lock mechanism or sensor alignment was disrupted during initialization. Let's go step-by-step through how to address it.

1. Understand What Error 034004 (E-01) Means

Epson's Error 034004, also known as E-01, typically indicates a "Carriage Movement Error" or "Paper Jam Detected" when the printer fails its startup self-test.
Common causes include:

• The printhead carriage is stuck on one side.

• The carriage lock (used for shipping protection) hasn't fully released.

• A sensor misalignment or obstruction is preventing the carriage from returning home.

• The printer's encoder strip or sensor is dirty or out of position.

Since your printhead banged to the left and stopped, the lock is likely engaged, or the motor detected mechanical resistance.

2. Manually Unlock the Printhead

Before anything else, unplug the printer completely. Never try to move the printhead while it's powered, as the motor resists manual force and could get damaged.

• Open the printer's top lid to access the carriage.

• Gently push the printhead slightly to the right. You may feel resistance.

• Locate the paper feed rod (a long, silver or gray roller) running behind the carriage.

• With one hand stabilizing the printer, turn the rod counterclockwise a few times. This motion mechanically releases the carriage lock gear, which often gets jammed after that "bang" sound.

• Once the lock releases, the printhead should slide freely from left to right.

If it still doesn't move, check along the rail and underneath the printhead for any small pieces of packing material, foam, or plastic tabs that might have been missed during unboxing. Epson sometimes hides transport locks deep within the carriage assembly.

3. Check the Carriage Path and Encoder Strip

Once the printhead moves freely:

• Inspect the encoder strip - a thin, transparent plastic strip running behind the printhead with fine horizontal markings. If it's dirty, bent, or disconnected, the printer can't detect the printhead's position, causing the 034004 error.

  • Wipe it gently with a lint-free cloth dampened in isopropyl alcohol (90%+).

  • Avoid pulling on it or touching it with fingers.

• Clean the encoder sensor - a small black reader under the printhead carriage. Ink mist or dust buildup here can also trigger a false jam error.

4. Check the Timing Belt and Motor Gear

The "bang" sound you described may have caused the timing belt (the black ribbed belt connected to the carriage motor) to skip or loosen.

• Visually inspect the belt for tears, frays, or uneven tension.

• Ensure it sits correctly on both the carriage motor gear and the printhead assembly track.

• If the belt jumped a tooth, the carriage may misalign and stop abruptly during startup.

5. Restart the Printer

After confirming everything moves smoothly:

1. Plug the printer back in.

2. Power it on without inserting paper.

3. Wait for the carriage to move across the rail.

   • If it resets successfully, you can proceed with the ink charging process.

   • If it still shows Error 034004 (E-01), it's likely that the carriage position sensor or mainboard has faulted and will need professional inspection.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer in-person evaluation and repair services through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Because of high demand, our service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and it might take a few weeks before we can examine your printer. We handle both full repairs and individual part replacements, with clear instructions on how to proceed.

That said, many customers find success resolving issues through self-help research. We recommend visiting our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and using the search icon near the "About" section to find tutorials on Epson ET-series printhead jams, carriage lock releases, and error code 034004 fixes. We've covered hundreds of repair scenarios over nine years, and YouTube's search function is the quickest way to locate the video you need.

Thank you again for your patience and for supporting BCH Technologies. Your engagement helps us continue creating valuable guides and videos for the printer repair community.