Epson's product status messages list the maintenance and error codes with the fix for each, and the printer problems page mentions the maintenance box: it stores surplus ink flushed from the system during print head cleaning, and when you see a message you follow the on-screen instructions to replace it. For EcoTank models the ink pads matter: E-11 says an ink pad needs replacing, contact Epson, and non-printing features such as scanning remain available;
The checks in more detail
E-12 is the borderless pad, with borderless printing unavailable but bordered printing still possible; W-11 and W-14 say a pad is nearing the end of its service life, contact Epson, and you can continue by pressing the start button. Epson's note explains the ink pads collect, distribute and contain the ink not used on printed pages, that at end of life satisfactory print quality may not be maintained,
that exchange of the product or pad replacement within the standard warranty is covered, and that out of warranty an Epson authorized service provider can replace the pads; the waste ink pads are not user replaceable. Other codes: E-01 a printer error, turn off and on and check for a jam; E-02 a scanner error; W-01 a paper jam. Read the code on the LCD, follow its instruction and contact Epson if it says so.
Photograph the LCD message and note the time. The exact code shortens a support call, and a written list of what you tried avoids repeating steps. If the message clears after a power cycle and returns, the cause is real and the pad, ink or part needs attention. If the message appears after a long idle period or a move, power cycle once before deciding, since some messages are stale and clear on restart.
Differential
Likely causes of “Epson printers shows a maintenance box, drum, fuser, waste toner or service message”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
An ink pad at end of life
What separates it The screen shows E-11 or E-12 because an ink pad is at the end of its life
How to confirm Contact Epson, since the ink pads need to be replaced by a service provider
- 2
A pad nearing end of life
What separates it The screen shows W-11 or W-14 because a pad is nearing the end of its life
How to confirm Press start to continue, and then contact Epson about the pad
- 3
A printer error
What separates it The screen shows E-01 because the printer has an error
How to confirm Turn off and on, check for a jam
- 4
A scanner error
What separates it The screen shows E-02 because the scanner has an error
How to confirm Turn the printer off and on, and check whether the code clears
- 5
A full maintenance box
What separates it A message shows on models with a maintenance box because the box is full
How to confirm Replace the maintenance box with a new one, if your model has one
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The model of the printer that you have
- Whether the printer is still under warranty
- Whether printing or scanning still works
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedRead the code
ReversibleRead the code on the screen, and note exactly what it says, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Find its meaning
ReversibleFind its meaning, in the list of status messages on Epson's support site, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Follow the instruction
ReversibleFollow the instruction, and turn the printer off and on if it tells you to.
Check for jams
ReversibleCheck for jams, if the code is E-01, by looking inside the printer, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Continue if allowed
ReversibleContinue if the printer allows it, which it usually does for W codes, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Contact Epson
ReversibleContact Epson for E codes, since these need a repair or a service, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check the warranty
ReversibleCheck the warranty, since pad replacement can be covered by it, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- EcoTank
- EcoTank models have built-in ink pads.
- Maintenance box
- Some WorkForce Pro models use a replaceable maintenance box instead.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models EcoTank ET-2800, EcoTank ET-2850, EcoTank ET-3850, EcoTank Photo ET-8550, Expression Premium XP-7100, P700, WorkForce Pro WF-4830, WorkForce Pro WF-7840.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If E-11 or E-12 shows, contact Epson for a pad service or exchange
- !If E-01 returns after a power cycle and no jam, contact Epson
- !If under warranty, ask about pad replacement or exchange
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
E, W and I codes, ink pads and Recovery Mode.
Errors, Power Cleaning, Event Manager and maintenance box.
Head Cleaning, nozzle check and Power Cleaning.
Refilling and resetting ink levels.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Can I keep printing with W-11?+
Yes, you can keep printing with W-11, if you press start to continue.
Are the pads user replaceable?+
No, the pads are not user replaceable, on EcoTank models.
Is pad replacement covered by warranty?+
Within the standard warranty, yes, pad replacement is covered, according to Epson.
Who replaces them out of warranty?+
An Epson authorized service provider replaces them, when the warranty has ended.