How to Fix Epson WF-3720 Error Codes E-10 and E-11 (Ink Pad Service Life Warning)

Customer Question

I’m using an Epson WF-3720 and encountering error codes E-10 and E-11, which say the ink pad is at the end of its service life. Does this mean I need to replace the maintenance box?

Answer

What Do Error Codes E-10 and E-11 Mean?

These two errors are related to the printer's waste ink management system:

• E-10 generally means “A printer’s ink pad is at the end of its service life.”

• E-11 may appear alongside E-10 in certain models or firmware versions, and also refers to “Ink pad counter overflow.”

These messages are triggered when your printer believes that the internal waste ink pad (or its equivalent) has absorbed the maximum amount of ink it can safely handle over time. Essentially, the printer is trying to prevent ink from spilling inside the chassis.

Do You Need a Maintenance Box?

It depends on your specific WF-3720 model and regional firmware configuration:

1. Models with Replaceable Maintenance Box:

   • Some versions of the WF-3720 come with a detachable maintenance box, which collects waste ink from printhead cleaning cycles. This box contains a chip that tracks its usage.

   • If your printer has this feature, replacing the box with a new one is usually all that's needed. Epson sells compatible replacements, and some third-party options are available.

   • You may also need to reset the maintenance box chip using a chip resetter tool.

2. Models with Internal Ink Pads (No Maintenance Box):

   • Other WF-3720 printers—especially those sold in different regions—come with internal ink pads rather than a removable box.

   • In this case, you’ll need to use a software utility like the WIC Reset Tool (Waste Ink Counter Reset) to reset the internal counter.

   • After reset, it’s advisable to physically clean or replace the pads, or redirect the waste ink tube into an external container (an advanced modification).

So, to answer your question: yes, a maintenance box may be involved—but not always. Whether you need to replace or reset something depends on the hardware design and firmware of your unit.

Next Steps & Caution

• You can check if your printer has a maintenance box by opening the rear or side access panel.

• If you’re unsure about the configuration, consider searching your model number along with “maintenance box” on Epson’s official site.

• If you opt to use the WIC Reset Utility, purchase a valid reset key from a reputable vendor. Be cautious of malware or scam versions online.

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.

Thank you again for your question and support. We truly appreciate your engagement and look forward to helping you with future printer issues.