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

What Does This Error Mean?

Error code 0xFC on your Epson printer signals a fatal internal system error. This code typically indicates the printer has reached the end of its service life for a specific component — most commonly the ink waste pad. The waste pad absorbs excess ink during printing and cleaning cycles. When it is full, the printer locks up and displays a critical error to prevent ink overflow.

Affected Models

Epson EcoTank ET series
Epson Expression XP series
Epson WorkForce WF series
Epson L series
Most Epson inkjet printers

Common Causes

The ink waste pad (also called the waste ink absorber) is full and needs replacement or resetting
The printer's internal counter tracking waste ink usage has hit its maximum value
A combination of high print volume and frequent head cleaning cycles has saturated the waste pad
A mainboard fault is triggering a false 0xFC code
The printer's firmware has a bug causing premature 0xFC errors on some models

How to Fix It

Turn the printer off and unplug it. Wait 60 seconds before plugging it back in and powering on.

A hard reset will not permanently fix 0xFC caused by a full waste pad, but it may allow you to print a few more pages temporarily.
Identify your exact Epson model number (printed on the front or back of the printer). Search Epson's website for the 'Waste Ink Pad Counter Reset' procedure for your model.

Some models allow users to reset the counter themselves using Epson's free support tools.
Download Epson's Adjustment Program for your model if available. Use it to reset the waste ink pad counter.

The Adjustment Program is sometimes called 'WIC Reset Utility' by third parties. Only use official Epson tools or reputable sources.
If you reset the counter, inspect or replace the physical waste ink pad. The pad is usually a foam material inside the printer body.

Resetting the counter without replacing the pad means ink may eventually overflow out of the printer — causing a mess and potential damage.
If the counter reset does not apply to your model or you are not comfortable with the repair, take the printer to an Epson service center.

Epson service centers can replace the waste pad and reset the counter professionally.

When to Call a Professional

Fixing 0xFC properly requires either replacing the waste ink pad or resetting the internal counter using Epson's service tool (Adjustment Program). The Adjustment Program is a paid utility and the procedure is model-specific. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, Epson service or a certified repair shop can do it for $50–$120.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

During every cleaning cycle and borderless print, your Epson printer flushes small amounts of ink through the printhead. That ink is absorbed by a sponge-like pad inside the printer called the waste ink pad. Over thousands of prints and cleaning cycles, the pad eventually becomes saturated. Epson designs the printer to lock up before the pad overflows to prevent ink from leaking out.

Is it safe to reset the waste ink counter without replacing the pad?

Technically yes — but only if the pad is not yet overflowing. If you reset the counter on a nearly-full pad and continue heavy printing, ink will eventually leak out of the printer. For the safest long-term fix, reset the counter AND replace the physical pad.

How many pages can I print before the waste pad fills up?

It varies enormously by model and usage habits. A printer used mostly for documents with infrequent cleaning cycles can last 10,000+ pages. A printer used for photos with frequent cleaning cycles may fill the pad in 3,000–5,000 pages. Borderless printing uses significantly more ink and speeds up the pad filling.