Epson Stylus C46 servicing

cwoodham

I wonder if anyone can help. I have an Epson Stylus C46 printer but a couple of days ago when trying to print I got a message (Cant remember the exact wording) that a part needs replacing and to take it to a dealer for servicing. The red and green lights were flashing. If I switch it off and on again the lights still flash but when I try and print it goes through the motions of loading the printer spooler then nothing happens. The error message doesnt reappear so I cant check the exact wording. I checked the electronic manual, but wasn't able to spot anything about this under troubleshooting. I bought it online so taking it back to the dealer is impossible. Its about two years old so warranty is out.

I've checked the USB connections and there fine; inkjet cartridges are also okay. Tried rebooting, also leaving the printer off for a day but still nothing.

Anyone come across a similar problem? Is there anything I can try to get it working again, or is this just built in obsolesce and maybe I'm better off just dumping it and getting another printer. I am using Windows XP.

Thanks to anyone who has any suggestions.

Dave_s_6

Hi, It sounds like the waste inks pads are full....when the heads are cleaned it deposits its waste ink onto 2 felt pads on the inside of the printer, I think the epson service utility will fool the printer into thinking they are not full, I removed the top cover off my old epson c40 and removed the pads, washed them out and dried them, put them back in and used the above utility to reset the counter, it worked for me, other than this, its either a costly service by an epson service centre or a cheaper alternative would be getting a new printer, hope this helps.

the epson service utility can be found at:

http://www.ssclg.com/epsone.shtml

regards

Dave

Fraserca

Great answer Dave. Can I add though that this advice applies more or less throughout the Epson C range and may well apply to other Epson printers too.

I should add that I ignored this advice about draining and drying the reservoir once - having simply reset the ink waste counter - and had a customer tip up the ' repaired' printer as she left the shop .....

Fortunately a £15 pound replacement pair of jeans was all it cost rather than a £1000 living room carpet .. Oh the folly of the early days ...

Dave_s_6

Hi Fraserca,

Yes your right, I does apply to (most!) of the Epson range, I just read the updated printer list on the site!, your right. i thought about doing the same that you done but guessed sooner or later it would overflow !, so I removed the pads and cleaned....BTW glad it wasn't your carpet that got ink on !!!!!

regards

Dave

Rod_Lipscomb

Followed your instructions, once I worked out how to get the top off. Removed 4 layers of pads, bottom 2 were really wet. Washed them out under running tap, in washing machine at 1400 RPM, refitted to printer, top back on. Down loaded and installed utility, reset counters, turned printer off and back on and no flashing lights. Prints fine.