Epson Error 000043 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
Error 000043 on your Epson EcoTank printer is frustrating because it locks you out of printing until the error clears, even if there is no actual jam present. This error code tells you that a sensor has detected obstruction in the paper path, carriage area, or output tray, but sometimes the jam has already been removed and the sensor needs to be reset.
The good news is that most users can resolve this themselves by carefully checking the paper path and performing a power reset. If you have already tried the basic fixes or prefer professional guidance, a remote support technician can walk you through advanced diagnostics or clear the error code for forty nine dollars.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power off and unplug the printer completely. Turn off your Epson EcoTank using the power button, then unplug it from the electrical outlet. Wait for at least thirty seconds to allow the printer's memory to fully clear. This simple reset resolves the error code in roughly thirty percent of cases because the sensor sometimes triggers a false positive that needs to be reset.
- Open all access covers and inspect the paper path. Open the top cover, rear access panel, and output tray area on your EcoTank model. Use a flashlight to look inside the entire paper path for torn pieces of paper, cardboard fragments, or any foreign objects. Even small paper scraps jammed under rollers can trigger error 000043, so inspect the area where paper feeds in and where it exits.
- Gently remove any paper or debris you find. If you see any torn paper or objects, gently pull them out in the direction of the paper path to avoid damaging internal rollers. Never use metal tools or force to extract items, as this can scratch precision parts. If paper is tightly wrapped around a roller, you may need to gently rotate the roller by hand while pulling the paper out slowly.
- Check the paper tray sensors for dust or blockage. Look at the small plastic tabs and sensors on the sides of the paper tray and inside the printer near the feed area. These sensors detect when paper is present and can trigger false jam errors if they are covered in dust or ink residue. Clean these sensors gently with a dry, lint-free cloth and ensure nothing is blocking them.
- Ensure all covers are properly seated and latched. Close the top cover, rear access panel, and output tray area fully until you hear them click into place. A cover that is not fully closed can trigger the jam sensor continuously. Press down firmly on all covers to confirm they are seated properly.
- Plug the printer back in and power it on. Reconnect the power cable and press the power button to turn on your EcoTank. Watch the startup process and see if the error code appears again. If the printer starts normally without error 000043, the jam has been cleared and you can resume printing.
- Run a test print and verify normal operation. Load plain white paper into the tray and attempt to print a test page from your computer. If the print completes successfully without any error messages, the issue is resolved. If error 000043 returns immediately, the sensor may be faulty and require professional service.
- Contact remote support if the error persists. If you have completed all steps and error 000043 continues to appear, a remote technician can connect to your computer to run diagnostics and attempt to clear the error code remotely for forty nine dollars. They can also help determine whether the sensor needs replacement or whether the printer requires in-person service.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does error 000043 keep coming back after I remove the paper jam?
The jam sensor may be stuck in the triggered position or covered with dust and ink particles that prevent it from resetting. After removing visible paper, clean the sensor area with a dry, lint-free cloth and perform a full power cycle by unplugging for at least one minute. If the error returns immediately upon startup, the sensor itself may be faulty and require replacement by a technician.
Can I print if error 000043 is showing on the display?
No, your Epson EcoTank will not allow printing while error 000043 is active. The printer is designed to prevent printing during a suspected jam to protect internal components from damage. You must clear the error code before the printer will accept any print jobs from your computer.
Is error 000043 the same as a paper jam on other Epson models?
Error 000043 is specific to Epson EcoTank printers and indicates a jam or obstruction detected by the paper path sensors. Other Epson printer models use different error codes for jam conditions, so always refer to your specific model's user manual. The troubleshooting steps are similar across EcoTank models, but menu names and access panel locations may vary slightly.
What should I do if I cannot find any paper jam but the error code persists?
First, ensure you have cleaned the jam sensors with a dry cloth and performed a full power cycle lasting at least one minute. If the error returns without visible paper, the sensor may be malfunctioning or the printer may need a firmware reset. You can try unplugging the printer for five minutes and performing a complete power-on sequence, or contact a remote technician for forty nine dollars to diagnose the sensor issue.