Epson Printer Error Code E-07 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Epson error E-07 is a hardware or mechanical error on all-in-one Epson printers. It usually indicates a problem with the scanner unit, the carriage mechanism, or a component that could not initialize at startup. A power reset resolves this in many cases.

Affected Models

Epson EcoTank ET-4800
Epson EcoTank ET-4850
Epson WorkForce WF-2960
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3820
Epson Expression Premium XP-6100

Common Causes

The scanner lid is open or not fully closed during printer startup
The print head carriage could not reach its home position during the startup self-test
A foreign object or paper fragment is blocking the carriage from moving
The printer's power supply delivered inconsistent voltage during startup
The scanner bar or carriage motor has a fault that prevents initialization

How to Fix It

Make sure the scanner lid is fully closed. If it is open even slightly, close it firmly and try again.

Many Epson all-in-one printers will not initialize if the scanner lid is detected as open during startup.
Turn the printer off and unplug it from the wall outlet. Wait 2 full minutes, then plug back in and turn on.

A full power drain resets all hardware states and allows the initialization sequence to run fresh.
Open the cartridge access door while the printer is off and check the carriage path for any obstruction. Look for paper scraps, debris, or foreign objects.

Gently move the carriage left and right by hand. It should slide smoothly with no grinding or catching.
Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet — not a power strip or extension cord. Some power strips do not deliver consistent voltage, which can cause hardware initialization failures.

Once you confirm the printer initializes correctly with a direct wall connection, you can switch to a quality surge protector.
Update the printer firmware if the error is new and appeared without any physical change. Visit epson.com/support, enter your printer model, and check for firmware updates.

Firmware bugs can sometimes cause hardware error codes that a firmware update resolves.

When to Call a Professional

Error E-07 is often caused by a simple obstruction or the scanner lid being open — and is easily fixed. If the error persists after power cycling and clearing any obstructions, the scanner motor or carriage may have a hardware fault. Contact Epson Support at epson.com/support or take the printer to a repair shop for diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would leaving the scanner lid open cause an error?

When an Epson all-in-one starts up, it runs a hardware check that includes the scanner unit. If the scanner lid is open, the check may fail because the scanner cannot complete its calibration routine. Closing the lid before turning the printer on ensures the scanner initializes correctly.

The carriage is not stuck but I still get E-07. What next?

If there is no obstruction and the carriage moves freely, the issue may be with the motor or sensor that moves the carriage. Try the power reset again — unplug for 5 minutes rather than 2 to allow a full electronics discharge. If the error persists after multiple power resets, the scanner or carriage motor may have a hardware fault.

Can I still scan if only the printing is affected?

With error E-07, the printer typically stops all functions — both printing and scanning — until the error is cleared. You cannot use the scanner independently while this error is active. Once the error is resolved, all functions including scanning will be restored.