Epson ColorWorks C4000 troubleshooting: errors, jams, print quality

CauseThe paper source or detection method in the driver does not match the loaded media.

Fix

1. Open the media definition you print with in the driver: Printing preferences › General › Media Definition.
2. Check Media Source: Internal (Roll) for a roll inside the printer, Rear Feed (Fanfold) for fanfold.
3. Check Media Form and Media Detection: gap for die-cut labels, black mark only if the liner has black marks, none for continuous media.
4. Reload the paper and press Pause.

Our C4000 media settings guide explains each option.

CauseThe printer could not measure the labels.

Fix

1. Check that the detection method, gap or black mark, matches the labels.
2. Check the gap. The C4000 supports gaps of 2–6 mm.
3. Remove the paper and load it again with the guides against the edges.
4. If the error returns, the sensor cannot handle this media. Use other labels.

CauseLabels peeled off inside, or adhesive built up on the cutter.

Fix

1. Roll paper: open the front cover, remove the jammed paper, pull the leading edge out, close the cover and press Pause.
2. Fanfold: open the front cover and cut off the jammed paper, open the rear cover and remove the rest, close both covers and press Pause.
3. Remove any labels or adhesive left inside the printer.
4. If jams repeat, switch off, unplug and wipe adhesive off the cutter's fixed blade, on the front cover side, with a cotton swab lightly dampened with alcohol. Do not touch the blade.
5. Check that the shutters match the label width.

A worn auto cutter can be replaced by the user:

Video: Epson

CauseClogged nozzles. After the printer has been moved, inks can also mix in the head.

Fix

1. Print a nozzle check: Menu › Maintenance › Print Head Nozzle Check, then Print. Turn black mark detection off for the pattern, even on black mark media.
2. If lines are missing, run Menu › Maintenance › Print Head Cleaning and print the pattern again.
3. Only if normal cleaning does not help, run Menu › Maintenance › Power Cleaning. It uses more ink.

Do not switch off or open a cover during cleaning. "Cannot start cleaning because ink is low." means you must replace the low cartridge first.

CauseOpen shutters outside the media, wrong coating type or badly loaded paper.

Fix

1. Set the shutters for the media width, following the label inside the printer.
2. Set Media Coating Type in the driver to the material you load, for example Glossy Paper for gloss labels.
3. Reload the paper with the printable side up.
4. If the platen is dirty, switch off, unplug and wipe it with the non-woven cloth supplied with a new maintenance box. Use no water or alcohol there.

CauseThe paper guides are not set to the media width, or the roll is nearly finished.

Fix

1. Slide the roll paper guides and the paper ejection guides against the media, centred, and lock them.
2. Press Feed once before printing, and replace a roll that is nearly used up.
3. Check that the label size in the media definition matches your labels.

CauseA cartridge or the maintenance box is nearly at its end, empty, not seated correctly or not suitable for this printer.

Fix

1. A warning mark on an ink bar means replace soon; a cross means replace now.
2. "Cannot recognize the ink cartridge.": select Next, take the cartridge out and insert it again until it clicks. Replace it if the message returns.
3. "These ink cartridges are not compatible.": the CW-C4000e takes SJIC42P cartridges, with the black matching the printer's gloss or matte black ink.
4. "The Maintenance Box is at the end of its service life. You need to replace it.": fit a new SJMB4000 maintenance box behind the maintenance box cover, close the cover and press Pause.

Epson rates cartridges for 6 months after installation.

CauseMissing or blocked driver, a stuck job or an unstable network.

Fix

1. Check that the C4000 is listed in Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners. If not, install the driver as in our C4000 setup guide.
2. On Windows 11 24H2 or later, check that Windows protected print mode is off, because it removes manufacturer drivers.
3. If a job was cancelled on the PC but the printer still shows "Printing", press the cancel button on the printer and select All label formats.
4. Network: print a report from Menu › General Settings › Network Settings › Connection Check. If the screen shows "The connection between your network and the printer is unstable.", turn off IEEE 802.3az in Web Config under Network Settings › Wired LAN.

CauseAn internal error, sometimes caused by jammed paper or a foreign object near the paper exit.

Fix

1. Switch the printer off with the power button.
2. Remove any jammed paper or objects near the exit.
3. Switch the printer on again.
4. If the error returns, write down the code and contact us.