Troubleshooting Paper Feed Issues on Epson EcoTank 4700: A Complete Guide

Question:
I reset my Epson EcoTank 4700 and cleaned the filled maintenance box, but I can't use the printer yet. Initially, it said I had a paper jam, which I figured was fixed. Now it says, Paper remains inside. Load the A4 paper size (I used regular paper in the USA) in the rear paper feed slot to clear the paper. The printer pulls in some paper, then stops and continues showing the same message. My warranty was up on Aug. 3, 2022, and here it is on Aug. 25, 2022. Do you have any suggestions for fixing this?

Answer:
Your "Paper remains inside" issue is common, probably due to a missing piece of paper, dirt, or sticky rollers. There are some troubleshooting steps we can walk through, and this should help you with the issues:

Look for Hidden Paper or Debris
A minute piece of paper or dust can activate a paper jam error. To begin, power down the printer and unplug it. No paper feed causes a paper jam, so take out all documents in the rear feed slot and take a flashlight to closely check the paper path, rollers, and where the sensors are. If you see any tiny bits of paper or dust, carefully remove them with tweezers or a soft cloth. Try not to ruin the rollers.

Clean the Rollers
Dirty rollers also affect paper similarly by causing it to slip or not move. Moisten a lint-free cloth with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) and rotate the rollers as you wipe them with the fabric. This helps get rid of any dust or dirt buildup. Allow the rollers to dry completely before turning the printer back on.

Force a Paper Ejection
Sometimes, the paper path is not completely clean, causing the printer to stop feeding the paper. Load a sheet of A4 paper or standard Letter-sized Paper, which is the size you usually use, and push it gently as the printer tries to grab it. If the paper slowly advances and then halts, pull the paper out with soft pressure to verify that no obstructions still exist in the paper path.

Check Paper Size Settings
Ensure that the print settings are correct. For example, this error occurs if your printer believes it should print on A4 (210 x 297 mm) paper when you use Letter size (8.5 x 11 inches). Suppose you are asked to select between "Letter" in your printer settings. Ensure the paper type specified on the printer's control panel matches the paper you put in the tray.

Inspect for Mechanical Issues
Paper passes through the rear cover opening; check the paper feed mechanism. Check for any types of misalignment or anything that might be restricting the rollers. You may need to manually realign some parts if the feed mechanism has been disrupted after a previous paper jam.

Perform a Hard Reset
You've already done a reset, so this is worth a shot. Disconnect the printer and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, replug it and do a hard reset by long-pressing both the power and cancel buttons (press and hold both buttons simultaneously for 5 - 10 seconds). When the devices have reset, reload the paper and check if the issue persists.

Paper Autonomous Removal (When Applicable)
If everything else seems in order, remove the back panel or feed area and look at the paper path. Inspect the entire path for any small obstructions, dust, or debris that may interfere with the sensors. A soft brush or some compressed air may dislodge any dust or paper particles that may be out of sight.

Since your warranty ran out only a few weeks ago, I recommend calling Epson's customer service and telling them what happened. They might help repair it or give you a reduced price on these services even though the standard warranty may have expired. If these do not help, please don't hesitate to reach out again. I'd be glad to walk you through some more advanced diagnostics.

Printer issues can be lost, as they tend to be more hands-on-oriented. So, we cannot offer remote troubleshooting or printer repair support. That said, we do provide on-location evaluation and repair services through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service), and based on demand, we work on a first-come, first-served basis; therefore, please be aware of the wait time for evaluation/repair would be a few weeks as we are currently backlogged. We have structured our services such that we either fix the entire printer or, if it is needed to fix a specific component of it, explain it thoroughly. And just to set some expectations, while we don't have the cheapest rates, it's best to try out the internet for DIY help. Please start by visiting our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), where we have created dozens of troubleshooting videos over the years. You can instantly get the information you want using the YouTube search function. In addition, YouTube might suggest videos from other channels that could help you.