Why Is My Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Saying “Out of Paper” Even When It’s Loaded?

Question:
I reassembled the printer after fixing a Wi-Fi connectivity issue on my Epson EcoTank ET-2850 by following a helpful YouTube video. However, it now says “out of paper” even though it is loaded. The printer pulls the paper partway in and then stops, giving a message to confirm paper size. I already confirmed the size. Could I have damaged something when removing the board to repair the Wi-Fi issue?

Answer:
Thank you so much for reaching out to us. First, let us sincerely apologize for the delay in responding. We completely understand how frustrating printer problems can be, especially when you're in the middle of something important. At BCH Technologies, we treat every inquiry with careful attention because we know how urgent and stressful these situations are.

We also want to express our gratitude for your ongoing engagement and support, especially with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your feedback helps shape our tutorials and improve the resources we create for users like you.

Why the "Out of Paper" Error Happens After a Wi-Fi Repair

Let’s get into the issue. Based on your description, it’s unlikely that the Wi-Fi board caused the error. However, since you mentioned disassembling the printer, the issue may be mechanical and related to a paper detection sensor that was disturbed during the process.

Epson EcoTank printers like the ET-2850 use a mechanical paper presence detection system, usually at the rear feed tray. If you look at the rear paper feed area, you’ll find a long plastic stick with a roller or wheel—the paper sensor actuator. It’s responsible for detecting when paper is inserted.

Here’s how it works:

• When paper is inserted correctly, it pushes this sensor stick inwards.

• The printer then assumes paper is present and proceeds with printing.

• If this stick isn’t pushed in far enough—due to misalignment, dust, or assembly errors—the printer thinks there's no paper and throws a false "out of paper" error.

In your case, if the sensor mechanism wasn’t appropriately reset during reassembly, or if something is blocking the actuator, it won’t register paper correctly. Even though the printer might begin to pull paper, it could stop mid-way and prompt messages like:

• “Paper out.”

• “Confirm paper size.”

This behavior is consistent with the ET-2850’s logic, which relies heavily on that physical feedback mechanism. Also, the "Confirm paper size" message typically appears as a secondary error if the initial paper detection doesn't succeed.

What You Can Try

Here are a few steps to troubleshoot:

1. Visually inspect the actuator stick at the rear feed for unrestricted movement. Ensure it isn’t stuck or catching on anything.

2. Manually push the actuator gently inward with your finger to simulate paper insertion. This can help test whether the sensor itself is functional.

3. Reload paper after doing the above, and listen for the mechanical click indicating proper engagement.

4. If prompted, press OK to continue printing, as sometimes the printer needs confirmation after detecting paper post-error.

5. If you had to move any cabling or ribbon wires around the paper feed area while removing the board, double-check them. They might be pinched or unplugged.

Remember that this is not directly related to the Wi-Fi board but rather a side effect of reassembly that may have slightly misaligned the paper feed mechanism.

Note on In-Person Support and Resources

Printer repairs can be tricky and very hands-on, limiting remote diagnostics. We don’t provide remote repair services. However, we offer in-person evaluations at our local diagnostic center, which you can learn more about on our repair service page (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take several weeks for us to work on your printer.

Our services are structured to fix an entire unit or specific printer components. However, we understand that our pricing might not be suitable for everyone. If you're exploring a DIY fix, we recommend starting with our YouTube channel’s search bar (you’ll find the magnifying glass icon on the right side under the "About" tab). We’ve uploaded hundreds of videos over the years, and it’s the most effective way to locate a video that fits your issue. YouTube may also suggest helpful videos from other creators.

Thanks again for reaching out, and we genuinely appreciate your patience and support. We hope this helps you resolve the issue and get your ET-2850 back up and running!