Epson printer reporting Service Required error

Updated: 01/24/2018 by Computer Hope
Inkjet printer ink cartridges

Epson's printers' ink cartridges have a sensor that allows the printer to know when they should be replaced or when the printer needs to be cleaned. Sometimes, errors pop-up from improper installation or software issues and other times users install third-party ink cartridge (usually to save money) that cause an error message. The second problem happens because the printer does not know how to "read" the different cartridge. Sometimes, you can bypass this message by following one of the steps below; resulting in a functional printer.

Override Sensors to use third-party cartridge

  1. Open the Control Panel.
  2. Under Hardware and Sound, click View devices and printers.
  3. Look for a button named Speed and Progress; double-click it.
  4. Check the box that disables the Epson Status Monitor and you'll be able to install the third-party cartridge without an error message.
Note

Disabling the Epson Status Monitor means you'll need to keep an eye on your ink levels.

Use printer buttons to reset

For more general errors, users may reset their printer by pressing and holding the Stop, Maintenance, and Power buttons all at the same time.

Other Epson models, such as the RX620, require you press and hold the Stop, B&W, and Power buttons simultaneously.

Use third-party SSC service utility

You can also install SSC Service Utility, a third-party program that adjusts many settings including the sensor that generates the error message. It supports the following models.

C47, C48, C67, C68, C87, C88, CX3700, CX3800, CX3810, CX4100, CX4200, CX4500, CX4600, CX4700, CX4800, CX3650, CX6300, CX6400, CX6500, CX6600, CX3650, CX3700, CX5100, CX5300, CX7800, D68, D88, DX3800, DX3850, PictureMate, PM-970C, PM-A700, PM-G720, R220, R230, R320, R1800, R2400, RX420, RX425, RX620, RX430, RX500, RX510, RX520, RX600, RX610, RX700

Will these steps harm my printer?

As long as the cartridge fits and is properly seated, your printer is not in danger of being damaged. The worst that could happen is the quality of your printed pages may be diminished some due to imbalanced (some colors depleted) ink levels.