Fix Epson Error E-10: Ink Pad End of Life
critical Severity: critical
If your Epson printer is displaying error E-10, do not worry – this is a known issue with a proven fix. This error typically indicates ink pad end of life that can usually be resolved without a service call. Follow the steps below to clear this error.
What Causes Epson Error E-10?
This error can be triggered by one or more of the following issues:
- Waste ink pad has reached maximum absorption capacity
- Printer has performed many cleaning cycles over its lifetime
- Normal end-of-life for the maintenance box or waste pads
How to Fix Epson Error E-10
Follow these steps in order. After each step, check whether the error has cleared before proceeding to the next one.
- Step 1: Check if your model uses a replaceable Maintenance Box — if so, replace it
- Step 2: For models without a user-replaceable Maintenance Box, contact Epson support for service
- Step 3: The Epson Ink Pad Reset Utility may reset the counter on some models
- Step 4: If resetting the counter, place absorbent material under the printer to catch potential overflow
- Step 5: Schedule professional service to replace the waste ink pads
- Step 6: Reduce frequency of head cleaning to extend pad life on a replacement
Affected Epson Printer Models
The following Epson printer models are known to display error E-10:
- Epson EcoTank ET-2850
- Epson EcoTank ET-4850
- Epson EcoTank ET-16650
- Epson EcoTank ET-2800
- Epson EcoTank ET-5850
Related Epson Error Codes
If you are troubleshooting error E-10, these related error codes may also be relevant:
- E-01 – General Printer Error
- W-12 – WiFi Connection Error
- 000031 – Scanner Unit Open
- 0x97 – Internal Circuit Board Error
- W-01 – Paper Jam
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epson error E-10?
Error E-10 indicates the waste ink pads have reached their end of service life. These pads absorb excess ink from cleaning cycles and cannot absorb more.
Can I replace the waste ink pad myself?
On newer Epson models with a Maintenance Box (like EcoTank ET-16650), you can replace it yourself. On older models with internal pads, the replacement is more involved and may require professional service or disassembly.
Error still not resolved?
If the steps above did not fix the error, the issue may require professional service. Contact the manufacturer support line or visit an authorized service center near you.