Epson Error 0x97 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
The Epson error code 0x97 is one of the more serious diagnostic alerts your WorkForce printer can display because it points directly to a problem with the printer's main logic board or internal circuitry. This is not a paper jam, toner issue, or simple software glitch—it means your printer has detected a hardware malfunction that prevents normal operation.
While this error can feel alarming, many users resolve it without replacing expensive components. The steps below walk you through legitimate troubleshooting that technicians use in the field, starting with the simplest resets and moving toward component-level diagnostics. Some fixes take five minutes; others require opening the printer or contacting service. Either way, you will know exactly what you are dealing with.
How to fix it — step by step
- Perform a complete power cycle. Turn off the printer using the power button on the front panel. Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet and wait for exactly two minutes—this allows the motherboard capacitors to fully discharge. Plug the printer back in, power it on, and watch for the error code on the display or in your print queue.
- Clear the printer's memory and settings. On your WorkForce, press the Menu button and navigate to Settings or Tools. Look for an option labeled Restore Default Settings, Reset Printer, or Factory Reset. Select this option and confirm. This action clears temporary data and fault flags from the motherboard without erasing your network configuration on most models.
- Check for and install firmware updates. Visit the official Epson support website on your computer and search for your specific WorkForce model number. Download the latest firmware file to your machine. Connect the printer to your computer via USB cable, open the Epson printer utility, and locate the firmware update option. Follow the on-screen prompts to upload the new firmware—do not turn off the printer during this process.
- Inspect the printer's internal connections. Turn off and unplug the printer. Remove the printer's access panels according to your model's manual—typically this means removing the paper tray and side covers. Look for any loose cables connecting the motherboard to the print head carriage, scanner assembly, or power supply. Gently reseat any cables by disconnecting and reconnecting them firmly, ensuring they click into place.
- Test the power supply connector. While the printer remains open and unplugged, locate the large connector where the internal power supply plugs into the motherboard. This connector usually has a locking clip. Gently unlock it, examine the pins for corrosion or debris, and reinsert it firmly until the clip locks. Reconnect the printer's external power cable and attempt startup.
- Run the printer's internal diagnostics. Power on the printer and access the diagnostic menu by holding down the Menu and OK buttons simultaneously for three seconds. Scroll to Device Information or System Diagnostics and run a full hardware test. Note any errors reported—they may point to a specific failed component like the print head sensor or carriage motor.
- Request remote diagnostic support. If you reach this point and the error remains, contact an authorized Epson service center or a qualified independent repair technician. Many offer remote diagnostics for approximately forty-nine dollars, during which a technician can connect to your printer's diagnostic port and identify whether the motherboard needs repair or replacement.
- Plan for component replacement if necessary. If diagnostics confirm motherboard failure, a full replacement typically costs between one hundred and two hundred dollars depending on your WorkForce model. For older printers, this expense may exceed the cost of a new unit. Weigh repair costs against the printer's age and your replacement budget before authorizing service.
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Frequently asked questions
Is error 0x97 the same on all Epson WorkForce models?
Error 0x97 is consistent across WorkForce series printers and always indicates a motherboard or internal hardware fault. However, the underlying cause varies—some models may have a failed print head sensor, others a faulty carriage motor driver. The troubleshooting steps apply universally, but the final diagnosis may differ slightly by model.
Can I fix error 0x97 by replacing the toner or ink cartridge?
No. Error 0x97 is a hardware diagnostic code, not a consumables issue. Replacing cartridges will not resolve it. This error means the printer's internal circuits have detected a fault, typically in the power distribution system, motherboard, or motor control circuits.
Will error 0x97 go away on its own if I wait or leave the printer plugged in?
Unlikely. A motherboard fault does not resolve itself over time. However, temporary glitches can occasionally trigger this error; a full power cycle and firmware update may clear it. If the error returns immediately after restart, the problem is persistent and requires professional diagnosis or repair.
What should I do if I see error 0x97 during printing or scanning?
Stop the current print or scan job immediately by pressing the Stop button on the printer's control panel or canceling the job from your computer. Perform a power cycle as described in the first step. Error 0x97 appearing mid-task indicates the motherboard lost communication with a peripheral component—this is more urgent than a code appearing at startup and warrants professional service sooner.