My Epson Stylus C84 will not print. The two red lights are flashing alternately (one is the light that tells you to install new ink cartridge, and the other tells you to install more paper).

I do not need new cartridges or new paper, and the cartridge button will not move the ink cartridges.

I have tried turning off the machine, unplugging it, and restarting it, and even re-booting my computer, but the lights just keep flashing!

Any suggestions - other than go out an buy a new printer!

Have you tried the epson interactive help?

Thanks for the tip - I have visited the Epson interactive help - eveyrthing that was suggested did not work

Alternate flashing lights often indicate a paper jam. This is just an observation of printers in general, not specifically your Stylus C84, but it's worth giving it a thorough check inside if you haven't already.

Thanks for the observation. There is definitely no paper or any objects in the machine. It may be that one of the cartridges is not seated correctly, but I cannot move the cartridge carriage - I have tried pressing and holding the ink button, but this does not work, and I would not be able to move the carriage unless I forced it, which would probably break it. Any other suggestions?

Thanks for your interest

My printer has just done the same.

My computer has a message that says "Parts inside your printer are at the end of their service life. See your printer documentation."

I am sticking it in the bin and getting a new one - the quickest and cheapest option!

I have the same problem, anyone with asolution in the meanwhile ???

Lejo

What has happened is that you printer has a preset number of pages it will print before it decides it needs to be serviced by epson. This is regardless of whether or not your printer is printing fine or not.

You can download a piece of software from Epson called the SCC service utility that will override this, it will also override your ink level and pretty much any other irritating feature epson has integrated. Be advise use this responsibly, if you run your printer with an empty cartridge you will damage the printer.


This little gem, however, is only available for PC computer. You would have to find a PC computer, download the utility to it, and then run the utility on your printer...

This is a problem found in all inkjet printers. There is a place under the printer with a sponge to soak up the excess ink. Over time it gets filled. Replacing it is a difficult and messy job. Having it serviced cost more than a new printer.

Among other things, it will reset the counters in your printer. The message indicates that the excess ink pads in the rear of the printer are probably saturated. They can be cleaned but be sure to wear old clothes and rubber gloves.