Help with an Epson 1290 problem.

I tried to print a photograph tonight. The printer took in the paper and
whilst the head went backwards and forwards, after a few minutes I noticed
no ink was coming out - the printer was set on black ink only.

I used control panel to stop the print job and tried to print a nozzle check
pattern. I got a few motor noises from the printer and an error alert
"general error"; which told me to turn it off, remove foreign objects and
turn it on again a few minutes later.

I then got a few stuttering movements of the print heads and nothing more.
Now if I turn it off, wait a few minutes and turn it on I get a second or so
of motor noise and then the red LED comes on. Nothing further happens no
matter what button I press. There are no foreign objects in the printer.

Anyone had this and know what it is? (the printer was bought new 2 years ago
and has light home use).

John

You may have two distinct problems. The one causing the LED flashing is
probably a fatal error. It usually sounds worse than it is. It usually
means that there is either a foreign object like a paper clip or paper
scrap in the way of the head carriage path, sometimes it means the
bushings have pulled out of place from the head carriage (they slide
over the guide bar as the head carriage moves. If they did pull out,
just gently reseat them. More likely, the oil lubricant has dried up and
there is too much friction on the head movement. To clean, use a
lintfree rag or paper towel and saturate it with isopropyl alcohol
(Rubbing alcohol) and wipe down the guide bar (all the way around) that
the head carriage runs on. Then, once clean and dry, using a
lightweight oil, like sewing machine oil or 3in1, spread 2-3 drops on
the guide bar. Also, add a drop to either side of the head carriage at
the bushing where it meets the guide bar.

The second issue is no ink from the black cartridge. This probably is
either a low or empty cartridge or a head clog. If it is a head clog,
send for my cleaning manual (via email). It's free and you will not be
spammed by me. It explains how to clean the heads safely using common
household products.

Ask for it at:

e-printerhelp(at)mvps(dot)org
(at) = @
(dot) = .

Art

Eatmorepies wrote:

> I tried to print a photograph tonight. The printer took in the paper and
> whilst the head went backwards and forwards, after a few minutes I noticed
> no ink was coming out - the printer was set on black ink only.
>
> I used control panel to stop the print job and tried to print a nozzle check
> pattern. I got a few motor noises from the printer and an error alert
> "general error"; which told me to turn it off, remove foreign objects and
> turn it on again a few minutes later.
>
> I then got a few stuttering movements of the print heads and nothing more.
> Now if I turn it off, wait a few minutes and turn it on I get a second or so
> of motor noise and then the red LED comes on. Nothing further happens no
> matter what button I press. There are no foreign objects in the printer.
>
> Anyone had this and know what it is? (the printer was bought new 2 years ago
> and has light home use).
>
> John
>
>