How to Perform a Self-Test on an Epson Photo Inkjet Printer

When you perform a self-test on an Epson Photo Inkjet Printer you get useful feedback for troubleshooting your printer. Every model is a bit different, but here are a few common methods for performing a self-test on an Epson Photo Inkjet Printer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Epson Photo Inkjet Printer

1. Read your manual. Before you try any of the methods below, consult your manual to see if there are directions for a self-test.

2. Check out the Epson technical support site. This is the next place you should if you've lost your manual. Visit the Epson Web site, choose your country and then click "Drivers and Support."

3. Turn your printer off, but have it plugged in and loaded with paper.

4. Hold the "Load/Eject" button as you press the "Power" button. When the light begins to flash, release the "Load/Eject" button. This method works for Epson 1160 and 1270.

5. Press "Load/Eject" and "Power" at the same time. This method is works for Epson Stylus Color Pro series, 400, 600, 800, and 1250 and the Stylus Color II series and Stylus 1500.

6. Press "Cleaning" and "Power" at the same time. After the first page, press "Load/Eject" for the second page. This works for the Stylus Color 200. This also works for the 500, but there is no second page.

7. Press "LF/FF" and "Power" at the same time. This works for Stylus Color 3000.

Tips & Warnings

• There are also tests you can run from the drivers. Open up "Printer Properties" from the "Control Panel" and click on the "Maintenance" tab.
• Your self-test page should let you know what you should do. If there are errors in the self-test (usually white lines) run a cleaning cycle. If it looks fine but you still have trouble printing regularly, try reinstalling the drivers.
• You can find up to date drivers from the Epson Web site. The drivers that come with your printer sometimes need patching.
• Not all printers have a self-test function.