Epson Stylus Photo R2400 - flashing red lights on two top buttons?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ncmphoto
  • Start date Start date
N

ncmphoto

A cart ran out of ink. I changed it and made sure it was seated correctly. Usually the red light goes off and the head begins its cleaning/flushing cycle. This time nothing happened and the red "empty cart" light stayed on. The Epson Utility I had open on my Mac didn't help as it signaled that it had a communication problem with the printer.

I tried:

-turning off the printer and waiting a bit then turning it on again: the two top buttons flashed red continually. No other response.

-unplugging the USB cable, turning on the printer holding down the two buttons that should generate a report - no report, just the same two top buttons flashing red.

-looking in the manual, which is no help. The only top button flashing itemregards a paper jam which wasn't the case here. Paper is in tray but no jam. I wasn't printing when the problem occurred. There is no entry on when the top *two* buttons flash at the same time.

I am trying to find out what this means. I live in France and there is effectively no tech support. No email support and the phone support automatically - and immediately - says all lines busy...without a wait line. Which means it is probably a fake number, not actually set up for support, but just to shut up complaints. The web site instructs to contact an authorized repair service. It is unlikely they would do any phone support as they want youto bring in the printer and pay for them fixing it. I did email US supportbut they just emailed back without an answer saying to contact their advanced phone support, which probably wouldn't answer my question since I am not in the US or Canada.

I have had Epson printers for many years and this is the first time I have come across this problem. I would first of all simply like to know what theprinter is trying to tell me with its two flashing buttons.

Anyone have a clue? I would be eternally grateful.

thanks,

ncm

Mac G4 MDD Dual 1.25GHz/2Gb RAM
OSX 10.5.8
Epson Stylus Photo R2400/connected via USB cable
 
A cart ran out of ink. I changed it and made sure it was seated correctly.
Usually the red light goes off and the head begins its cleaning/flushing cycle.
This time nothing happened and the red "empty cart" light stayed on. The Epson
Utility I had open on my Mac didn't help as it signaled that it had a
communication problem with the printer.

This error is reporting that the waste ink pads are full. There is a utility
that can reset the counter on some Epson printers but it does not work on this
printer (SSC utility).
Unfortunately I know of no way to overcome this other than by using a service
agent. You may ask one what they will charge. They will have access to a method
of resetting the counter and they would be able to replace the pads.
Good luck
Tony
Click to expand...


The Pads are not meant to be replaced as they are part of the printers
construction, Epson state the printer is at the end of its life, but
you can fit a Plastic little drain bottle in the place were the wasted
ink comes out.
 
The Pads are not meant to be replaced as they are part of the printers
construction, Epson state the printer is at the end of its life, but
you can fit a Plastic little drain bottle in the place were the wasted
ink comes out.
Click to expand...

You still have to reset the ink waste counter.

As mentioned that the ssg resetter for the R2880 is not mentioned in the
printer listings.

You may like to go onto the forum and see if anyone there has an answer.
Shame to throw away a printer.

http://www.ssclg.com/cgi-bin/netboard/netboard.cgi?fid=268&cid=267&fct=gotoforum


There are service manual listings on the net but can't find a free one :(

or lookup http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php and see if
anyone here has an answer - ask a question even!
 
You still have to reset the ink waste counter.
Click to expand...

I have one or two Epson service programs that I think cover a range of
models and it has a Reset pad option, but might just be for the early A4
models.


But I think there is a Key mode that does this..
 
What rubbish. Here is some history for you:
Epson service agents have been replacing waste ink pads in Epson printers for
years. This is one of the printers that they do so. Other printer specialists
do so also.
See http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/InkPadsForm.jsp?ref=r014001222
where Epson themselves explicitly agree that the pads can be replaced in their
printers.
I have changed the ink pads in many different models of Epson printers and
other makes.

To the Original Poster, try the link above which hopefully will allow you to
obtain the reset software from Epson, note that whilst Epson strongly suggests
replacing the pads it is actually true that if this is the first time you have
had this error you can safely reset the printer without pad replacement since
the pads are quite generous in size. Next time you will have to replace the
pads. If it is something you would be keen to do yourself I suggest you
purchase a service manual on-line and be prepared for a somewhat messy
procedure. You can use any absorbent felt and cut it to size, there are several
pads in the printer, not just one.

Rob kindly provided two useful links you may wish to try.
See also
http://www.pcreview.co.uk/forums/change-waste-ink-pad-epson-r1800-t3773024.html
where it makes the suggestion that the SSC utility does actually work on this
printer, I suspect however that it only works if you do the reset before you
get the error. Despite what Mr. Williams erroneously says, this is not end of
printer life but a warning to have the pads replaced and have the printer reset.

If you are able to get the printer reset you can certainly see if it still
prints OK, probably it will and in the future you may have to replace the pads.
To throw away a printer of this quality would be silly. As Rob has mentioned
fitting a bottle will do nothing unless the printer is reset but see the post
by Arthur Entlich (a very helpful and knowledgeable person that I have known
on-line for some years) at the second link I provided where he points to some
links about installing a bottle.
Good luck and beware those that know much less than they think.
Tony
Click to expand...
I have a pdf copy of the R1800/2400 factory service manual. Post a
reply, and I'll put it somewhere for download if required. R1800 and
2400 are essentially the same printer, with different outer case and
firmware.
To reset the waste ink pad counter, I believe that this may work:
http://www.wasteink.co.uk/epson-ipr-reset/ , or if not, then google for
IPR for European model.
 
What rubbish. Here is some history for you:
Epson service agents have been replacing waste ink pads in Epson printers for
years. This is one of the printers that they do so. Other printer specialists
do so also.
See http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/InkPadsForm.jsp?ref=r014001222
where Epson themselves explicitly agree that the pads can be replaced in their
printers.
I have changed the ink pads in many different models of Epson printers and
other makes.

To the Original Poster, try the link above which hopefully will allow you to
obtain the reset software from Epson, note that whilst Epson strongly suggests
replacing the pads it is actually true that if this is the first time you have
had this error you can safely reset the printer without pad replacement since
the pads are quite generous in size. Next time you will have to replace the
pads. If it is something you would be keen to do yourself I suggest you
purchase a service manual on-line and be prepared for a somewhat messy
procedure. You can use any absorbent felt and cut it to size, there are several
pads in the printer, not just one.
Click to expand...

Tony

I actually have the 7900 printer now and in the waste tank, use paper
hand towel which works quite successfully, have a chip re setter, my
mate who has the 7600 printer just uses a pack of tissues, felt is not
necessary.

Adding to the manual I previously used the R1800 and was able to
download the service manual off the web, this had all the error codes
and reset sequences (for R1800 at least) Wondering if this has the same
reset as the R2880 version.

If you look at the ssg site they say you can't reset the R800 printer
(R800 being the A4 version). But the manual says otherwise.
 
What rubbish. Here is some history for you:
Epson service agents have been replacing waste ink pads in Epson printers for
years. This is one of the printers that they do so. Other printer specialists
do so also.
See http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/InkPadsForm.jsp?ref=r014001222
where Epson themselves explicitly agree that the pads can be replaced in their
printers.
I have changed the ink pads in many different models of Epson printers and
other makes.

To the Original Poster, try the link above which hopefully will allow you to
obtain the reset software from Epson, note that whilst Epson strongly suggests
replacing the pads it is actually true that if this is the first time you have
had this error you can safely reset the printer without pad replacement since
the pads are quite generous in size. Next time you will have to replace the
pads. If it is something you would be keen to do yourself I suggest you
purchase a service manual on-line and be prepared for a somewhat messy
procedure. You can use any absorbent felt and cut it to size, there are several
pads in the printer, not just one.

Rob kindly provided two useful links you may wish to try.
See also
http://www.pcreview.co.uk/forums/change-waste-ink-pad-epson-r1800-t3773024.html
where it makes the suggestion that the SSC utility does actually work on this
printer, I suspect however that it only works if you do the reset before you
get the error. Despite what Mr. Williams erroneously says, this is not end of
printer life but a warning to have the pads replaced and have the printer reset.

If you are able to get the printer reset you can certainly see if it still
prints OK, probably it will and in the future you may have to replace the pads.
To throw away a printer of this quality would be silly. As Rob has mentioned
fitting a bottle will do nothing unless the printer is reset but see the post
by Arthur Entlich (a very helpful and knowledgeable person that I have known
on-line for some years) at the second link I provided where he points to some
links about installing a bottle.
Good luck and beware those that know much less than they think.
Tony
Click to expand...



What a load of Utter CRAP.
 
You posted this-
"The Pads are not meant to be replaced as they are part of the printers
construction, Epson state the printer is at the end of its life, but
you can fit a Plastic little drain bottle in the place were the wasted
ink comes out."
My post states (backed by statements from Epson and elsewhere) that the pads
can be replaced, and installing a bottle is not enough, you have to reset the
counter.
Then you posted -
"I have one or two Epson service programs that I think cover a range of
models and it has a Reset pad option, but might just be for the early A4
models. But I think there is a Key mode that does this."
Conflicts with your previous post. And now you are saying my posts are crap!
Check the links in my post! Do the research.

Once more you are posting bad advice, don't you care that people who want help
are being confused by you? Is it deliberate or are you simply delusioned?
Shame on you for posting without the experience or research that is necessary
assuming that you actually give a damn. Clearly your knowledge of printers is
limited so don't give advice until you have done the research.
You seem to be bitter, what a pity; but please keep it to yourself, others
don't deserve to be tainted with it.
Tony
Click to expand...

Ive reset one of mine about 3 times. Hate to think what non CISS ink
would have cost - I just rinsed the spongey stuff out in the bathtub,
watching 100's of dollars of ink go down the drain. Let them dry,
slapped them back in.

its not only the waste that it counts, the sponge under the borderless
print area needs cleaning as well.
 
You posted this-
"The Pads are not meant to be replaced as they are part of the printers
construction, Epson state the printer is at the end of its life, but
you can fit a Plastic little drain bottle in the place were the wasted
ink comes out."
My post states (backed by statements from Epson and elsewhere) that the pads
can be replaced, and installing a bottle is not enough, you have to reset the
counter.
Then you posted -
"I have one or two Epson service programs that I think cover a range of
models and it has a Reset pad option, but might just be for the early A4
models. But I think there is a Key mode that does this."
Conflicts with your previous post. And now you are saying my posts are crap!
Check the links in my post! Do the research.

Once more you are posting bad advice, don't you care that people who want help
are being confused by you? Is it deliberate or are you simply delusioned?
Shame on you for posting without the experience or research that is necessary
assuming that you actually give a damn. Clearly your knowledge of printers is
limited so don't give advice until you have done the research.
You seem to be bitter, what a pity; but please keep it to yourself, others
don't deserve to be tainted with it.
Tony
Click to expand...



What a utter Idiot you are but out as you do not know a thing..



I have been in computers printers and many other thing before you began
to even Think..
 
Ive reset one of mine about 3 times. Hate to think what non CISS ink
would have cost - I just rinsed the spongey stuff out in the bathtub,
watching 100's of dollars of ink go down the drain. Let them dry,
slapped them back in.

its not only the waste that it counts, the sponge under the borderless
print area needs cleaning as well.
Click to expand...


You cant as they Rot out, same as the ones under the print head.
 
On 7/07/2012 7:08 p.m., Tony wrote:
> Frank Williams wrote:
>> On Fri, 06 Jul 2012 16:36:04 -0500, Tony wrote:
>>
>>> ncmphoto wrote:
>>> A cart ran out of ink. I changed it and made sure it was seated correctly.
>>> Usually the red light goes off and the head begins its cleaning/flushing
>>> cycle.
>>> This time nothing happened and the red "empty cart" light stayed on. The
>>> Epson
>>> Utility I had open on my Mac didn't help as it signaled that it had a
>>> communication problem with the printer.
>>>>
>>>> I tried:
>>>>
>>>> -turning off the printer and waiting a bit then turning it on again: the two
>>>> top buttons flashed red continually. No other response.
>>>>
>>>> -unplugging the USB cable, turning on the printer holding down the two
>>>> buttons
>>>> that should generate a report - no report, just the same two top buttons
>>>> flashing red.
>>>>
>>>> -looking in the manual, which is no help. The only top button flashing item
>>>> regards a paper jam which wasn't the case here. Paper is in tray but no jam.
>>>> I
>>>> wasn't printing when the problem occurred. There is no entry on when the top
>>>> *two* buttons flash at the same time.
>>>>
>>>> I am trying to find out what this means. I live in France and there is
>>>> effectively no tech support. No email support and the phone support
>>>> automatically - and immediately - says all lines busy...without a wait line.
>>>> Which means it is probably a fake number, not actually set up for support,
>>>> but
>>>> just to shut up complaints. The web site instructs to contact an authorized
>>>> repair service. It is unlikely they would do any phone support as they want
>>>> you
>>>> to bring in the printer and pay for them fixing it. I did email US support
>>>> but
>>>> they just emailed back without an answer saying to contact their advanced
>>>> phone
>>>> support, which probably wouldn't answer my question since I am not in the US
>>>> or
>>>> Canada.
>>>>
>>>> I have had Epson printers for many years and this is the first time I have
>>>> come across this problem. I would first of all simply like to know what the
>>>> printer is trying to tell me with its two flashing buttons.
>>>>
>>>> Anyone have a clue? I would be eternally grateful.
>>>>
>>>> thanks,
>>>>
>>>> ncm
>>>>
>>>> Mac G4 MDD Dual 1.25GHz/2Gb RAM
>>>> OSX 10.5.8
>>>> Epson Stylus Photo R2400/connected via USB cable
>>>
>>> This error is reporting that the waste ink pads are full. There is a utility
>>> that can reset the counter on some Epson printers but it does not work on
>>> this
>>> printer (SSC utility).
>>> Unfortunately I know of no way to overcome this other than by using a service
>>> agent. You may ask one what they will charge. They will have access to a
>>> method
>>> of resetting the counter and they would be able to replace the pads.
>>> Good luck
>>> Tony
>>
>>
>> The Pads are not meant to be replaced as they are part of the printers
>> construction, Epson state the printer is at the end of its life, but
>> you can fit a Plastic little drain bottle in the place were the wasted
>> ink comes out.
>
> What rubbish. Here is some history for you:
> Epson service agents have been replacing waste ink pads in Epson printers for
> years. This is one of the printers that they do so. Other printer specialists
> do so also.
> See http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/InkPadsForm.jsp?ref=r014001222
> where Epson themselves explicitly agree that the pads can be replaced in their
> printers.
> I have changed the ink pads in many different models of Epson printers and
> other makes.
>
> To the Original Poster, try the link above which hopefully will allow you to
> obtain the reset software from Epson, note that whilst Epson strongly suggests
> replacing the pads it is actually true that if this is the first time you have
> had this error you can safely reset the printer without pad replacement since
> the pads are quite generous in size. Next time you will have to replace the
> pads. If it is something you would be keen to do yourself I suggest you
> purchase a service manual on-line and be prepared for a somewhat messy
> procedure. You can use any absorbent felt and cut it to size, there are several
> pads in the printer, not just one.
>
> Rob kindly provided two useful links you may wish to try.
> See also
> http://www.pcreview.co.uk/forums/change-waste-ink-pad-epson-r1800-t3773024.html
> where it makes the suggestion that the SSC utility does actually work on this
> printer, I suspect however that it only works if you do the reset before you
> get the error. Despite what Mr. Williams erroneously says, this is not end of
> printer life but a warning to have the pads replaced and have the printer reset.
>
> If you are able to get the printer reset you can certainly see if it still
> prints OK, probably it will and in the future you may have to replace the pads.
> To throw away a printer of this quality would be silly. As Rob has mentioned
> fitting a bottle will do nothing unless the printer is reset but see the post
> by Arthur Entlich (a very helpful and knowledgeable person that I have known
> on-line for some years) at the second link I provided where he points to some
> links about installing a bottle.
> Good luck and beware those that know much less than they think.
> Tony
>
I have a pdf copy of the R1800/2400 factory service manual. Post a
reply, and I'll put it somewhere for download if required. R1800 and
2400 are essentially the same printer, with different outer case and
firmware.
To reset the waste ink pad counter, I believe that this may work:
http://www.wasteink.co.uk/epson-ipr-reset/ , or if not, then google for
IPR for European model.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Me. Please do upload the printer factory service manual as I would find that most useful in general. The consumer manual is most unhelpful as regards what those blinking light combos mean.

cheers,

ncm
 
Thanks Tony and all the others who were kind enough to respond. It turns out that it wasn't the ink pads after all (thank goodness). It was a glitch in the ink cart insertion that caused the flashing lights. I first emailed Epson US tech assist (French Epson has no email or phone (for out of warranty) tech assistance and they got back to me with no solution but saying to call their technical assistance number. So I did. They booted me upstairs when I mentioned the printer model. Finally got someone who had me try movingthe head (which moved - and I don't know why I hadn't tried that on my own, says she, kicking herself around the block) unplug the power cord while the printer was on, move the head over to where I could flip the lid and reach the carts, remove and reseat the new cart and make sure all the others were solid, plug the printer back in and...voilà! It immediately busied itself going through the normal ink charging procedure. No more blinking lights, problem solved. Duh.

I know I seated the cart correctly the first time. After all I've been doing this for something like 15 years with Epson printers. But obviously something happened to mess things up this time around. Anyhow the printer works again and I am greatly relieved.

Thanks again to all, and sorry not to have responded before but I got an urgent work request and have been busy with that.

n
 
Sorry Frank, I now see that "me" is posted for all, not just you (sheepish grin). I am new to this forum and Google forums in general. Didn't mean to post all that quoted text either.
 
ncmphoto said:
Thanks Tony and all the others who were kind enough to respond. It turns out that it wasn't the ink pads after all (thank goodness). It was a glitch in the ink cart insertion that caused the flashing lights. I first emailed Epson US tech assist (French Epson has no email or phone (for out of warranty) tech assistance and they got back to me with no solution but saying to call their technical assistance number. So I did. They booted me upstairs when I mentioned the printer model. Finally got someone who had me try movingthe head (which moved - and I don't know why I hadn't tried that on my own, says she, kicking herself around the block) unplug the power cord while the printer was on, move the head over to where I could flip the lid and reach the carts, remove and reseat the new cart and make sure all the others were solid, plug the printer back in and...voilà! It immediately busied itself going through the normal ink charging procedure. No more blinking lights, problem solved. Duh.

I know I seated the cart correctly the first time. After all I've been doing this for something like 15 years with Epson printers. But obviously something happened to mess things up this time around. Anyhow the printer works again and I am greatly relieved.

Thanks again to all, and sorry not to have responded before but I got an urgent work request and have been busy with that.

n
Click to expand...
Hi. I have the same problem but can't find out how to remove the ink head.
Could you please be more detailed about the way they helped you remove the head.
Thanks
 
A cart ran out of ink. I changed it and made sure it was seated
correctly. Usually the red light goes off and the head begins its
cleaning/flushing cycle. This time nothing happened and the red "empty
cart" light stayed on. The Epson Utility I had open on my Mac didn't
help as it signaled that it had a communication problem with the
printer.

Mac G4 MDD Dual 1.25GHz/2Gb RAM
OSX 10.5.8
Epson Stylus Photo R2400/connected via USB cable
Click to expand...


Did anyone offer http://www.epson.com/cgi-
bin/Storesupport/InkPadsForm.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes

That link should work. It's an Epson page titled "Epson Ink Pads Reset
Utility." They might only offer Windows versions.

If that link is already somewhere in this thread, I apologize for the
repeat--too much chaff in here to bother to read it all.

--meander the net
 
I'm having the same problem (2 red flashing lights and the power button is off) and I will have to attempt (again) to reset the pad counter.
 
I have a pdf copy of the R1800/2400 factory service manual. Post a

reply, and I'll put it somewhere for download if required. R1800 and

2400 are essentially the same printer, with different outer case and

firmware.

To reset the waste ink pad counter, I believe that this may work:

http://www.wasteink.co.uk/epson-ipr-reset/ , or if not, then google for

IPR for European model.
Click to expand...

If you still have a PDF copy of the Service Manual for the R1800, I sure would like to have one. Send it as an attachment to (e-mail address removed) or (e-mail address removed)
 
A cart ran out of ink. I changed it and made sure it was seated correctly.. Usually the red light goes off and the head begins its cleaning/flushing cycle. This time nothing happened and the red "empty cart" light stayed on.The Epson Utility I had open on my Mac didn't help as it signaled that it had a communication problem with the printer.



I tried:



-turning off the printer and waiting a bit then turning it on again: the two top buttons flashed red continually. No other response.



-unplugging the USB cable, turning on the printer holding down the two buttons that should generate a report - no report, just the same two top buttons flashing red.



-looking in the manual, which is no help. The only top button flashing item regards a paper jam which wasn't the case here. Paper is in tray but no jam. I wasn't printing when the problem occurred. There is no entry on whenthe top *two* buttons flash at the same time.



I am trying to find out what this means. I live in France and there is effectively no tech support. No email support and the phone support automatically - and immediately - says all lines busy...without a wait line. Which means it is probably a fake number, not actually set up for support, but just to shut up complaints. The web site instructs to contact an authorized repair service. It is unlikely they would do any phone support as they want you to bring in the printer and pay for them fixing it. I did email US support but they just emailed back without an answer saying to contact their advanced phone support, which probably wouldn't answer my question since I am not in the US or Canada.



I have had Epson printers for many years and this is the first time I have come across this problem. I would first of all simply like to know what the printer is trying to tell me with its two flashing buttons.



Anyone have a clue? I would be eternally grateful.



thanks,



ncm



Mac G4 MDD Dual 1.25GHz/2Gb RAM

OSX 10.5.8

Epson Stylus Photo R2400/connected via USB cable
Click to expand...

Hi

I have an Epson Stylus Photo R2400 - had it for a number of years - its an excellent printer - however about a week ago - with no warning .... the toptwo lights on the display (ie the top two buttons on the right handside ofthe printer ) started flashing green - and the printer would not respond in anyway - I tried just switching it off and on again - but still the two lights flashed and no response.I then researched the problem on the web (before I read this advice!) and decided it maybe that the pads were full of ink and I paid (circa 8 dollars) for a sub routine over the net from a US company to reset the counter to zero - accepting this would not change anything regarding the pads but it would fool the printer into thinking that all was well! However this didn't work and the company advised that there must be another problem. I was almost at the point of buying a new printer when I read the advice on this site - which was switch printer on (lights were flashing as before) - unplug the printer from the mains (ie dont switch off at switch) - pull over the printer cartridge carriage and take out all the printer cartridges and I rub down the connections to make sure there was nothing on them causing a problem - and press them firmly back into place - and then ..... after making sure the printer carriage lid is shut replug the printer in - and yes it works again as new - so many thanks - and hope this works for others who have the same problem.

Thanks again

Dave C
 
Hi I've had the same problem of two flashing lights on Epson R2880. I reset the counter one of which was 100% full and that fixed it.But now the lights are back on again, i found a way of still printing by pulling down the CD-Tray before i restarted the printer and printer was ok again untill i turned off and back on. So what happens when the cd tray is opened, any help would be greatfull.

Mal
 
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