Epson ET2400 indicating paper jam, but there isn't one

BNDAZ

Getting Fingers Dirty
Joined
Nov 2, 2010
Messages
49
Reaction score
8
Points
24
ET2400 had been sitting new in a box in storage as a back-up for several years(it was given to use by someone who bought it, but circumstances dictated they didn't need it). My Canon TS 6020 finally died after YEARS of solid use, so I put this into service on (First Time Printing 06/09/2025) according to the nozzle check page which indicates 135 B/W pages and 25 Color pages printed . It was registered in June when put in service But serial number indicated there is no warranty (obviously no receipt either as it was given to us)
ISSUE:
I was printing a 22-page document last night when it simply stopped printing midway through a page at page 10.
Symptoms:
power light flashing, both green lights flashing, both orange lights flashing.
I removed the remaining paper from the paper feeder and look into it with a flashlight. It was clear, and I could not see the end of the page that had partially fed when it stopped.
I powered down the unit.
I opened the front cover, lifted the scanner bed and was able to simply and gently pull out the stuck sheet. I closed the scanner bed, closed the front cover door.
I powered the unit back on, and it reset to "normal"
I cleared the print spooler of anything, restart the PC (Windows 10) and proceeded to print a 1/2-page word doc as a test. It printed the page and as soon it was done, the flashing lights began again, same as previously described.
I powered the unit down and restarted, all clear, started print again (different document) and this time it printed half the sheet and stopped. Same lights.
Power down and restart resets, but the cycle is to print half a page and stop.
I unplugged it, held the power button down for 15 seconds and powered it back up this am, same issue.
I am guessing this thing is just garbage and is toast, but wonder if there is anything else I can do. I did read in a couple places something about a "page feed calibration" and to check the Epson documentation, but I think that was just generic information.
Appreciate any insight.
 

thebestcpu

Fan of Printing
Joined
Dec 8, 2024
Messages
153
Reaction score
89
Points
60
Printer Model
Epson SC P900
I am no expert and this list is from the internet. You have done a number of these steps yet I thought it was worth sharing. It is followed by a list of location of the sensors in the printer that might help you look in all the possible loations.

Epson ET-2400 – Paper Jam Indication Sources (Even When No Jam is
Visible)

On the Epson ET-2400, a “paper jam” error can be triggered even when
there’s no obvious jammed sheet. Here are the most common sources of a
false or hidden jam indication:

1. Obstructed or Misfed Paper Path

- Small scraps: A tiny torn corner, label backing, or curled piece of
paper may be stuck deep inside the rollers or exit area.
- Back of the printer: Some ET models have a rear access cover—open it
and shine a flashlight through the paper path.
- Under the scanner bed: Occasionally paper can fold and lodge near
the feed rollers under the scanner assembly.

2. Sensor Blockage or Misalignment

- The printer uses optical sensors to detect paper movement.
- Dust, pet hair, or dried ink can block these sensors, making the
printer think paper is stuck.
- Cleaning with a soft brush or compressed air can often fix it.

3. Incorrectly Loaded Paper

- If the stack is skewed, too thick, or exceeds the tray’s guide
marks, the rollers can’t feed properly, and the machine signals a
jam.
- Make sure guides are snug but not tight against the paper edges.

4. Roller Issues

- Worn or dirty feed rollers can cause a misfeed that triggers the jam
error even if no paper is visible.
- Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or rubbing
alcohol to clean the rollers.

5. Firmware / Software Error

- Occasionally, the printer registers a false jam after a canceled
print or power interruption.
- Fix: turn the printer off, unplug it for a few minutes, then power
it back up.
- Running a firmware update can also resolve repeated false jam
errors.

6. Foreign Objects

- Staples, paper clips, or even a stray sticky note can fall into the
tray path and trigger the jam sensor.

Next Steps: 1. Remove all paper.
2. Open every accessible door and inspect with a flashlight.
3. Check rollers and clean them.
4. Power cycle the printer after reseating everything.
5. If the error persists, run a firmware update from Epson’s site.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Epson ET-2400 – Paper Jam Sensor Locations

The “paper jam” sensors in Epson EcoTank printers like the ET-2400 are
small optical interrupter sensors along the paper path. They detect
whether paper blocks their light beam at the correct time during
feeding. If timing is off, or the sensor is blocked/dirty, the printer
may report a jam.

Sensor Locations:

1. Paper Feed Entry Sensor

- Location: Just past the rear feed rollers where paper first enters.
- Purpose: Confirms that paper was picked up when the rollers spin.
- Causes of false jam: Dust, pet hair, or bent paper corner blocking
the beam.

2. Registration / Mid-Path Sensor

- Location: Underneath the scanner bed, about halfway along the paper
path.
- Purpose: Checks that paper continues feeding smoothly and reaches
the print zone on time.
- Causes of false jam: Skewed paper, delay, or ink mist buildup on
sensor.

3. Print Zone / Carriage Area Sensor

- Location: Near where the paper passes under the printhead.
- Purpose: Detects that paper is present during printing.
- Causes of false jam: Buildup of fibers, ink overspray, or foreign
objects.

4. Paper Exit Sensor

- Location: At the paper output rollers (front of the printer where
sheets come out).
- Purpose: Confirms that the trailing edge of the sheet exits the
printer.
- Causes of false jam: If paper leaves too slowly, is curled, or the
sensor flag sticks.

5. Carriage Position Sensors (Indirectly)

- Location: At the ends of the printhead carriage rail.
- Purpose: These do not detect paper, but if the carriage fails to
move properly, firmware may interpret it as a jam.
- Causes of false jam: Obstructions, dried ink buildup, or belt
alignment issues.

Maintenance Tips: - Use a flashlight to locate the black U-shaped
sensors or thin plastic flags that swing when paper passes. - Clean
gently with compressed air or a soft brush (avoid liquid directly on
sensors). - Pay extra attention to the entry and exit sensors, as they
most often trigger false jam errors.
 
Top