WASTE PAD OVERFLOW ERROR - Epson Printer

As the error says the waste ink pads are at a point where Epson have estimated they need to be changed... However you do have a couple of options.

1. You can take it to a service centre and get them to reset the waste counter and change the pads (check that they will/have actually done this though as many just reset and leave the pads to overflow!).

2. Reset the waste counter and change the pads yourself (if the printer has replaceable pads - as many of the newest printers do) or fit an external waste ink tank like a Printer Potty.

Can't be any more specific than that though as you've not indicated which printer model you have.

waste ink pad counter overflow

When turned on, the printer initializes the cartridge, and perform inkcharge. So there is some ink discharged to waste ink pad. The printer calculates the amount of waste ink, and when the waste inkreaches a certain amount, which approached the waste absorptioncapacity pad, then the printer will stop printing command. Intendedto waste ink does not overflow from the waste pad. To be able to re-use the printer must be reset waste ink counter., and replace thewaste pad. Or it could also extend the exhaust hose to outsidebottle.

The waste ink is in a pad that covers the whole bottom of the printer, underneath the print engine. You need a shop to remove all covers and the printer and replace the pads. Once changed they have diagnostic access to reset the ink counter. You can find instructions to reset the counter but soon ink will overflow and ruin the printer and possibly furniture.

Is the waste pad full ?
If the waste pad is actually full and ink is about to overflow, then you need to install a waste container. You can see the waste pad by opening the access panel on the back of the printer.
1)Press and hold “Stop”, “Maintenance”, and “Power” buttons for about 10 seconds. A message will come on the screen saying counter is reset and to turn the printer off. The R200 and others don’t have a screen so just wait until the 10 seconds is up.
2)Turn the printer off, unplug the power cord. Wait about 1 minute and power the printer back up. The counter will be reset. That’s all there is to the reset procedure.

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/ron_9356d26241d4cbf7

First off, this is a VERY messy job. It likely requires full disassembly to chassis of the printer. The waste ink pad likely spans the entire foot print of the printer and is many pads thick, at least it does on other similar models. When we clean these, at a Cartridge World store, we rinse the pads, which are special dense felt material and then centrifuge the water and ink out, which can take multiple cycles. Low end ink printers generally do have have service manual readily available to aid in disassembly so you are on your own.

It is doable but be aware of what came from where and in which order.

Here are the instruction for how to reset the counter. Warning: Resetting the counter without cleaning the pads WILL result in waste ink overflowing out of your printer and onto whatever the printer is on, eventually.

http://www.printerclinic.info/2008/08/reset-waste-ink-absorber-error-waste.html

If all the Led's/Light's are blinking/flashing on an Epson Printer, that indicates "Maintenance Request Error". The maintenance request error is actually a "Waste Ink Pad Overflow Error". Normally your remedy is to replace the Waste Ink Pads with a new ones and then reset the INTERNAL WASTE INK PAD COUNTER...The need to replace the waste ink pads is measured by the amount of ink uses, which is determined based on the number of Head Drive Pulses, accumulated in the waste ink counter. When the total quantity of ink deposited onto the waste ink pads, during cleaning and flushing, reaches the set limit, the printer generates a maintenance request error and stops printing. If you just reset the counter and don't replace the pads, then your printers old pads will eventually overflow and normally start leaking ink out the bottom of your printer.I know this information is not much help, but at least you will know what your ERROR is.

I just had this same problem, and came here to figure out what to do about it. Turns out I had the CD/DVD tray in the out position, so all I had to do was flip the switch to stow it and the flashing lights stopped. Maybe it will work for you as well.

A Service Error where you get a message telling you that "Parts inside your printer at the end of their service life, contact your dealer for replacement", or "Parts inside your printer require maintenance or replacement, call your service company", is normally a Maintenance Request Error. The maintenance request error is actually a Waste Ink Ink Pad Error and usually your remedy is to replace the Waste Ink Pad/Pads with a new one/ones and then reset the Internal Waste Ink Pad Counter. If you just reset the counter and don't replace the pads, then your printers old pads will eventually overflow and normally start leaking ink out the bottom of your printer.Some people actually wash the ink out of the old pads, by holding them under running cold water. Then they simply dry them out and reinstall them back into their printer. The choice on what to actually do, is yours to make. I would at least recommend getting that Waste Ink Counter reset procedure and performing it first, to make sure your printer will then work.

Try this reset app

http://inkjetprinterhelp.us/sscserve.exe

If both lights are flashing, it means the Waste Ink Pads in your printer are saturated with ink and the waste ink "protection" counter has exceeded its limit. The Waste Ink Pads should be replaced as soon as possible. You can overcome this problem temporarily by using the SSC utility - download from

http://www.ssclg.com/epsone.shtml

and use it to reset the Protection Counter. This will stop the lights flashing and restore normal operation.

However, remember that eventually ink will overflow from the waste ink area and make a dreadful mess, so you must change the waste ink pads before this happens. This requires the disassembly of the printer. This is quite straightforward once you know what to do.

If you decide to have a go at replacing the ink pads yourself, post a new comment, and I will provide further help.