How to Fix Phantom Paper Jam Errors on Epson EcoTank ET-2988 Printers: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Customer Question (Rewritten for Clarity):
I have a new Epson EcoTank ET-2988. I’ve only used it for two short print jobs (less than 10 pages), but now it’s showing a paper jam error. I’ve followed all the steps to check for a jam, and there’s no visible paper stuck anywhere. How can I get my printer to start working again?

Answer:
Understanding the Phantom Paper Jam Error

Your Epson ET-2988 is likely experiencing what is commonly referred to as a “phantom paper jam.” This happens when the printer reports a paper jam even though there’s no visible paper blockage. It’s more common than it should be, especially in newer models or units that haven’t been used much.

Here’s a breakdown of what might be going wrong and how to fix it:

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Double-Check for Any Paper Scraps

Start by carefully examining the entire paper path:

• Remove the paper tray and check for tiny scraps of paper near the rear feed rollers.

• Open the printer’s scanner unit and inspect under the printhead carriage path.

• Use a flashlight and possibly tweezers to inspect for small pieces of torn paper or dust buildup, which can confuse the sensors.

2. Reset the Sensor Logic

Sometimes, a simple sensor reset can clear the error. Try this:

• Turn off the printer.

• Open the scanner lid and then close it.

• Turn the printer back on while opening and closing the scanner lid a couple more times during startup.

• This action occasionally helps realign or reset the paper detection sensors.

3. Clean the Sensors

Several sensors inside the printer might be falsely detecting paper:

• Page Width (PW) Sensor: Measures the width of the paper. If misaligned or dirty, it can misreport paper jams.

• Page Feed (PF) Sensor: Detects movement of the paper through the rollers.

• Carriage Return (CR) Sensor: Monitors the position and motion of the printhead.

These sensors are usually optical, so even a thin film of dust or debris can interfere. Carefully clean around these areas using a dry lint-free cloth or compressed air (avoid using liquids).

4. Try a Test Feed Without Paper

With the printer powered on:

• Remove all paper.

• Attempt a manual feed or cleaning cycle via the printer settings.

• See if the printer throws the jam error again when nothing is being fed. If not, try reloading a small stack of paper and attempting a print.

Additional Resources

We’ve written a comprehensive guide to this issue, including illustrations and step-by-step procedures you might find helpful:
Check out our article: How to Fix Paper Jam Errors and Phantom Paper Jams on Epson Printers (https://bchtechnologies.com/blogs/blog/solving-epson-paper-feed-problems-how-to-fix-paper-jam-errors-and-phantom-paper-jams)

If the issue persists, please feel free to send us more information about your setup, and we’ll do our best to assist you further.

Important Note on Printer Repair Support
Printer troubleshooting is inherently hands-on, and as such, we cannot offer direct remote support or repair consultations. However, BCH Technologies provides an in-person diagnostic and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). This service operates on a first-come, first-served basis due to high demand, and scheduling a drop-off may take several weeks.

Our repair services include complete printer diagnostics or part-specific evaluations, depending on your needs. However, since our rates may not be the most budget-friendly, we encourage customers to try DIY repairs first. Start with video resources—head over to our YouTube homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and use the search icon next to the “About” tab to find helpful videos. YouTube may also suggest relevant content from other creators that could be just as useful.

Thanks again for reaching out. We appreciate your trust in BCH Technologies and look forward to helping you maximize the benefits of your Epson printer.