Xerox Error 062-790 — What It Means & How to Fix It
By Ryan Green · Updated August 2026 · Independent guide · PrinterCare USA LLC (not affiliated with any printer manufacturer)
The Xerox error 062-790 is frustrating because it prevents scanning and copying while leaving your printer otherwise functional. This error specifically means the scanner lamp failed to warm up or the carriage mechanism is not responding to calibration commands during startup.
The good news is that many users fix this themselves with basic troubleshooting in under fifteen minutes. If those steps do not work, you are looking at either a lamp replacement (usually thirty to sixty dollars in parts) or a service call. We will walk you through exactly what to try first.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle the printer completely. Turn off your Xerox printer using the power button and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Wait for exactly two minutes to allow capacitors to discharge fully. Plug the printer back in and turn it on, then listen for the scanner carriage to move and the lamp to warm up.
- Open the scanner cover and inspect for obstructions. Lift the scanner lid or access panel on your Xerox model and look at the carriage assembly that runs left to right. Remove any dust, paper fragments, or debris you see using a dry lint-free cloth. Gently move the carriage by hand to ensure it slides smoothly without grinding sounds or resistance.
- Check the lamp connection and seating. Locate the scanner lamp assembly inside the scanner area (consult your specific model's manual for exact location). Disconnect the lamp connector by gently pulling the plug straight out, then reconnect it firmly until you hear or feel a click. Do not force the connector as it could break the contact pins.
- Clean the scanner glass and mirror. Wipe the glass surface underneath the scanner lid with a soft cloth slightly dampened with distilled water. Use a lens cleaning cloth to gently wipe the mirror surfaces along the carriage path. Any dust or paper residue here can fool the optical sensors and trigger the 062-790 error.
- Run the scanner self-test from the control panel. Access the Maintenance or Diagnostics menu on your printer's touchscreen or control panel. Select Scanner Self-Test or Calibration and allow the process to complete fully, which usually takes three to five minutes. Note any error codes that appear and whether the carriage moves smoothly during the test.
- Check and reseat the scanner power supply connector. Turn off the printer and open the access panels to locate the scanner power supply connection near the lamp assembly. Disconnect the power connector and reconnect it firmly. This secondary power feed is separate from the main printer power and can loosen with vibration over time.
- Replace the scanner lamp assembly if available. If error 062-790 persists after the above steps, the lamp itself has likely burned out or failed. Order the correct replacement lamp module for your specific Xerox model and follow the manual instructions to swap it. Most lamps cost between forty and eighty dollars depending on model.
- Contact professional service or request remote support. If none of these steps resolve the error, the carriage motor or control board may have failed. Consider scheduling a service technician visit or purchasing remote diagnostic support for forty-nine dollars to identify the exact failed component. Remote support can often walk you through additional hardware resets specific to your machine.
Still stuck? A technician can fix it remotely today.
Independent remote support — you watch every step, and you pay the flat $49 only after your printer is working. $0 if we can't fix it.
Frequently asked questions
Does error 062-790 mean my printer is broken permanently?
No, this error is usually fixable with basic maintenance or component replacement. The scanner lamp is a consumable part with a lifespan of thirty thousand to fifty thousand scans, so replacement is a normal maintenance task. Only about ten percent of 062-790 cases require motherboard-level repair.
Can I use my Xerox printer for copying and printing while this error is active?
No, the 062-790 error locks out both copying and scanning functions since they both require the scanner lamp to be operational. Printing from a computer may still work depending on your model, but you should resolve this error quickly to restore full functionality.
How much does it cost to replace the scanner lamp?
Replacement scanner lamps for Xerox machines typically cost between forty dollars and eighty dollars depending on your exact model. Installation usually takes five to ten minutes if you follow the manual. OEM lamps are recommended over aftermarket alternatives to ensure reliability.
What if the error code comes back after I replace the lamp?
If 062-790 returns after lamp replacement, the carriage motor or the lamp sensor circuit board may be defective. At this point, professional diagnostic service is recommended since you are likely looking at internal electronics failure. Remote support technicians can often identify the specific failed part remotely before you schedule an in-person service visit.