How to Fix Epson WF-2630 “0x60” Printer Error: Causes, Solutions, and When to Seek Help

Question:
I have an Epson WF-2630 that was due for a printhead cleaning. I used cleaning fluid in the cartridge ports and installed new cartridges. But once I powered it back on, I got a “0x60” error on the display and the printer became completely unresponsive. The screen is locked and displays: “Printer Error 0x60, Turn Power Off and On Again. Visit Epson Documentation.” I’ve read about fixes that assume I can interact with the screen, but I can’t. I also saw something about doing a factory reset using the power cord and buttons, though I haven’t tried removing the printhead to reach the PW sensor, as I’m worried I might damage something. The printer was working fine before—just clogged heads. Any ideas on what I can try before I give up on it?

Answer:
What the 0x60 Error Means

The 0x60 error typically indicates a Carriage Home Position Error, often interpreted as:

• CR (Carriage Return) motor failure

• CR encoder strip issues (dirty or damaged)

• Carriage movement obstruction (foreign objects or resistance)

• Ink system overload

• Printhead over-travel or jamming

• PW (Paper Width) sensor contamination or damage

• FFC (Flat Flexible Cable) disconnection

In simpler terms, the printer is trying to initialize or move the carriage but is encountering an obstruction or system fault that prevents it from doing so.

What Might Have Gone Wrong

Since you applied cleaning fluid into the cartridge ports, there’s a chance the liquid may have seeped into sensitive components underneath—like the PW sensor, which detects carriage position and motion. Even a small amount of fluid or vapor can cause erroneous sensor readings or short circuits.

Given that the screen is entirely locked, it’s also possible that:

• The printer's firmware has entered a panic/error lock mode.

• Electrical damage occurred (from fluid contact or improper shutdown).

• The CR encoder strip may have shifted or been contaminated with fluid.

Recommended Troubleshooting Steps

Before you consider the dreaded “boat anchor” option, try these steps carefully:

1. Hard Reset via Power Cord and Stop Button:

   • Unplug the printer completely.

   • Hold down the Stop/Reset button while plugging the power cord back in.

   • Then press and hold the Power button as well.

   • Continue holding both buttons for at least 10 seconds.

   • If the screen responds or changes, follow any on-screen prompts.
     Note: This trick sometimes forces the printer to attempt a soft factory reset.

2. Check the Carriage Movement Manually:

   • With the printer unplugged, open the top cover.

   • Gently try sliding the carriage left and right.

   • Resistance may indicate physical obstruction or dried ink buildup.

   • Look for any spilled fluid, paper debris, or misaligned components.

3. Inspect the CR Encoder Strip:

   • This is a thin transparent strip running behind the carriage assembly.

   • If it's smudged or has fluid spots, carefully clean it with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.

   • Avoid touching it with bare fingers—finger oils can cause tracking errors.

4. Remove Excess Moisture:

   • Leave the printer open in a dry, well-ventilated area for 24–48 hours.

   • This helps evaporate any cleaning fluid that may have spread into electronics.

5. PW Sensor Access:

   • Unfortunately, the PW sensor isn’t easily accessible from the bottom.

   • Removing the printhead is risky and could cause more damage if not done correctly.

   • If you feel confident, consult service manuals or watch teardown videos to understand what’s involved first.

When All Else Fails

If none of these steps restore functionality, it’s likely the issue is electrical or mechanical damage beyond simple fixes.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. For this reason, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service at our local diagnostic facility [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Please note that we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and due to high demand, there may be a few weeks’ wait to drop off your printer. We provide repairs either for the full printer or for individual parts, and we’ll guide you through the process clearly. However, we understand that our rates may not suit all budgets. Therefore, we highly recommend self-help by researching online. Begin by checking our YouTube homepage [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Use the search icon next to the “About” tab to find specific topics. With hundreds of videos over the years, that tool is your best bet for locating targeted help. YouTube may also suggest videos from other creators that are just as helpful.

Thanks again for trusting us and sharing your printer concerns. We're always here to support the community with helpful content and guidance whenever possible.