Epson Printer Error Code 0xFB — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 0xFB on an Epson printer indicates a fatal error in the ink delivery system. The printer detected a critical fault it cannot recover from automatically. This is typically related to the ink pump, waste ink system, or a sensor failure.

Affected Models

Epson EcoTank ET-4760
Epson EcoTank ET-3760
Epson WorkForce WF-7710
Epson Expression XP-830
Epson WorkForce WF-2850

Common Causes

The waste ink pad is completely full and the printer has shut down to prevent overflow
The ink pump motor has stalled or failed, unable to circulate ink through the system
A clog in the ink delivery tubes is creating pressure that triggered a safety shutdown
An ink sensor is faulty and is incorrectly reporting a critical system state
Firmware corruption is causing the printer to misread a normal ink system state as fatal

How to Fix It

Turn the printer off, unplug it, and wait 5 minutes before restarting.

For minor software-triggered 0xFB errors, a full power cycle occasionally clears the fault.
Check Epson's website for your printer model to see if error 0xFB is associated with the waste ink pad counter.

Many Epson printers shut down with a fatal error code when the waste ink pad counter hits its maximum — this is resettable.
Download Epson's Adjustment Program tool for your specific printer model to check and reset the waste ink pad counter.

Search for 'Epson Adjustment Program' and your printer model. This tool is model-specific and widely available on Epson service community sites.
After resetting the counter, order a replacement waste ink pad kit for your printer model and install it.

Resetting the counter without replacing the physical pad means waste ink can overflow — always replace the physical pad too.
If resetting the waste ink pad counter does not clear error 0xFB, contact Epson support for further diagnosis.

If the ink pump motor has failed, this is a more involved repair that requires a trained technician.

When to Call a Professional

For EcoTank models, error 0xFB often means the waste ink pad needs professional replacement and the counter needs resetting. Epson service centers have the tools to do this properly. Repair costs are typically $40 to $80 — much less than buying a new printer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the waste ink pad and why does it fill up?

The waste ink pad is a sponge inside the printer that absorbs excess ink from automatic cleaning cycles. Every time the printer cleans the print head nozzles, a small amount of ink is flushed into this pad. Over years of use, the pad fills up — it is a designed consumable with a limited lifespan.

Is resetting the waste ink pad counter safe?

Yes, as long as you also physically replace or clean the pad. Resetting the counter while the pad is still full risks the pad overflowing, which can leak ink onto the printer's circuit board. Always do both: reset the counter AND replace the pad.

How long does a waste ink pad last?

It depends heavily on usage. A printer that runs many cleaning cycles (or prints lots of borderless photos) fills the pad faster. Typically, waste ink pads last 3 to 7 years with normal home use before needing replacement.