How to Fix Epson Stylus Photo 1400 Feeding Issues with A3 Paper (But Not Letter Size)

Question:

My Epson Stylus Photo 1400 fails to feed A3-size paper all the way through without properly aligning it for printing. Sometimes it grabs the paper correctly, but most of the time it doesn't. There’s no issue when using US letter-size paper. How can I troubleshoot this?

Answer:

Understanding the Paper Feed Problem on A3 Sheets

This feeding problem is relatively common with the Epson Stylus Photo 1400, and it also affects similar models such as the Epson 1430, 1390, and L1800. These printers use a mechanical system to separate and grab paper, and the larger A3 size introduces specific challenges.

Here’s a breakdown of what's likely happening:

Why US Letter Works, But A3 Struggles

• Letter-size paper is narrower and shorter than A3, making it easier for the feed rollers to grip the paper evenly. The mechanical stress on the feeder is lower, so the printer handles it well.

• A3 paper, being larger and heavier, requires a more consistent and balanced grip from the feeding mechanism. If there's any uneven wear or misalignment, it can slip or misfeed.

The Likely Culprits

There are two key components involved in paper feeding:

1. Paper Separator: This is the white plastic piece with “teeth” that sits over the paper stack. Its job is to prevent multiple sheets from entering at once.

2. Paper Grabber (Pickup Roller): This is the large D-shaped rubber wheel that makes first contact with the top paper and pulls it into the machine.

With time and usage:

• The rubber on the pickup roller can become smooth, dirty, or even hardened, reducing traction.

• The separator teeth can also accumulate dust or lose tension, which affects their ability to apply pressure to the paper stack.

Troubleshooting & Fix Suggestions

Here are the steps you can take to address this issue:

1. Stack Multiple A3 Sheets: Try loading 3–5 A3 sheets in the tray instead of just one. The added weight and pressure help push the top sheet slightly forward, improving the rubber roller's grip.

2. Clean the Paper Roller:

   • Open the printer cover and locate the large D-shaped pickup roller.

   • Use a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water or isopropyl alcohol to clean the roller.

   • Manually rotate it to clean the full surface. This restores traction and can significantly improve paper pickup.

3. Check and Clean Separator Teeth:

   • Inspect the white separator teeth for dust or ink buildup.

   • Use a dry brush or compressed air to clean them out.

   • Ensure they are not bent or misaligned.

4. Use Thicker Paper Temporarily:

   • If the printer still struggles, try slightly heavier-weight A3 paper for better traction as a test.

5. Watch a Video Guide:

   • We have a detailed visual walkthrough here: Watch our YouTube troubleshooting video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mHXXV2tP1o&lc=Ugxla8lZOSF8uCt4NGp4AaABAg)

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to 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. So, it might take a few weeks before we can get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either 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 to us. We appreciate your continued support, and we hope this guidance helps you restore smooth operation to your Epson printer!