Epson Printer Error 0xa5 — Carriage Position Error

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 0xa5 means the printer cannot determine the print head carriage position. This is most often caused by a dirty or damaged encoder strip — the thin transparent film the printer uses to track where the carriage is. Cleaning the encoder strip with a lint-free cloth is the first fix to try.

Affected Models

Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Epson EcoTank ET-4850
Epson WorkForce WF-2960
Epson Expression Home XP-4200
Epson Expression Photo XP-8700

Common Causes

The encoder strip is dirty with ink mist or dust, preventing the sensor from reading position marks
The encoder strip has been kinked, torn, or has developed a crack
The carriage position sensor itself is faulty and giving incorrect readings
The carriage is not returning to its home position because of an obstruction
A firmware glitch caused the position data to be lost during a print cycle

How to Fix It

Turn off and unplug the printer. Open the top cover.

Always work with the printer unplugged to avoid unexpected carriage movement.
Locate the encoder strip — a thin transparent or light-coloured plastic film running horizontally across the printer, just behind the carriage rail.

It is about 1 cm wide and runs the full width of the printer.
Gently wipe the encoder strip from end to end using a dry lint-free cloth.

Do not use alcohol or water on the encoder strip. Do not press hard — just a light pass to remove ink mist.
Check the strip for any kinks, tears, or cracks. If it is physically damaged it needs replacing.

A damaged encoder strip cannot be repaired — it must be replaced with a part specific to your printer model.
Plug the printer back in and power it on. Allow the carriage to complete its startup sweep.

If the startup completes without 0xa5, print a test page to confirm the fix.

When to Call a Professional

If cleaning the encoder strip does not clear 0xa5 and the carriage moves freely, the position sensor or the encoder strip needs replacing. A repair technician can replace these parts for $40 to $80. For budget Epson models under $100 original price, replacement may be more economical.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the encoder strip in my Epson printer?

Open the top cover and look behind the print head carriage. You will see a thin horizontal film stretched across the width of the printer. On most Epson PIXMA-style printers it runs about 5 mm behind the carriage rail.

Can I order a replacement encoder strip myself?

Yes — encoder strips are available online. Search for your exact Epson model number followed by 'encoder strip' or 'timing strip'. Installing it requires removing the carriage, which is a moderate DIY repair.

Is 0xa5 the same fault as 0xa3?

They are related — both involve the carriage system. 0xa3 is specifically a carriage motor fault, while 0xa5 is a position sensor or encoder fault. Sometimes both codes appear on the same printer because a dirty encoder trips both sensors.