Epson “0x9A” — carriage/internal error

Joe B.

Reviewed for technical accuracy

Specialities: Epson WF/XP/ET EcoTank, inkjet mechanics, carriage systems, firmware, Windows/macOS printing

Fix Epson 0x9A — carriage jam/internal error, clean encoder strip, check home sensor, timing belt & purge unit

Technician

Hi! Let’s clear the Epson 0x9A error. It’s a carriage/internal error — the printer can’t move the printhead smoothly to the home position or can’t read the encoder strip. We’ll inspect for paper scraps, clean the strip, check the CR motor and timing belt, and reset the firmware state.
Which model do you have (WF-3xxx/7xxx, XP Home series, ET EcoTank)? Did this start after a paper jam or moving the printer?

Customer

ET-2720 EcoTank. It jammed on glossy paper and now shows 0x9A. The carriage stalls near the right side and makes a grinding sound.

Technician

That helps. On EcoTank/WorkForce, 0x9A is typically caused by: 1) debris in the carriage path, 2) a dirty or oily encoder strip the sensor can’t read, 3) a sticky service station/purge unit on the right that traps the carriage, or 4) weak lubrication on the carriage rail. We’ll go step-by-step so you don’t damage the head or spill ink.

Customer

Okay. I can open the lid and move the carriage a little by hand when it’s off. What should I check first?

Technician

Step 1 — Power reset & clear hidden jams
1) With the printer ON, unplug power. Wait 60s and hold the Power button 15s to discharge.
2) Remove paper from the rear feed and output tray. Using a flashlight, inspect the carriage path and both paper paths for scraps, labels, or curled photo paper. Pull debris in the paper feed direction, never backward.
3) Gently move the carriage left and right; it should slide smoothly. Resistance near the right service station usually means dried ink around the capping/wiper area — we’ll address that after the encoder.

Customer

I found a thin strip of paper near the right side and removed it. Error still shows after restart.

Technician

Step 2 — Clean the encoder strip (critical for 0x9A)
The clear plastic strip behind the carriage has fine vertical markings the sensor reads. If it’s greasy or has ink mist, the printer throws carriage/internal error.
• With the printer OFF, pinch the strip gently with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl (avoid dripping).
• Wipe along the strip in small sections from left to right, supporting it so it doesn’t pop off its posts.
• Dry with a fresh section of cloth. Do not scratch or twist the strip. Power on and test.

Customer

After cleaning the strip it moves further but still clicks on the right and stops with 0x9A.

Technician

Good progress — now address the right side.
Step 3 — Free the service station (purge/cap unit)
• With power off, slide the carriage left. Shine a light into the service station on the right. Use swabs to remove dried ink around the rubber cap and wiper blade.
• Put a tiny drop of light machine oil on the carriage rail (metal shaft). Move the carriage end-to-end to spread it — this helps the CR motor overcome stiction.
• Inspect the black timing belt for missing teeth or fraying and check that the home position sensor flag in the carriage isn’t bent.
Power on. If the carriage homes and the printer is quiet, we’ll do a test print.

Customer

It now initializes but sometimes still errors. Is there a reset or firmware step I should do?

Technician

Yes.
Step 4 — Firmware & internal reset
• Update the printer firmware via Epson Software Updater (Windows/macOS). Firmware improves carriage calibration on several ET/XP/WF models.
• Run a hardware reset: unplug for 1–2 minutes, hold Power 15s, reconnect directly to a wall outlet. On some models a Settings → Restore Default Settings → All Settings helps clear sensor faults.
• After restart, print a Nozzle Check. If it completes, 0x9A is resolved.

Customer

The nozzle check prints! If 0x9A comes back later, what else could cause it?

Technician

Intermittent 0x9A after cleaning usually means: worn CR motor, stretched timing belt, a cracked carriage sensor, or a sticky pump/purge unit. Those are replaceable parts, and we can price them vs. the printer’s value. If you ever see “ink pad at end of service life”, that’s a different maintenance counter — not 0x9A — but appears on older WF models.

Customer

Thanks. Can you recap the fastest steps so I can share them with my team?

Technician

Summary: For Epson 0x9A carriage/internal error: power reset → remove hidden paper → clean encoder strip → free/clean service station and lightly lube the carriage rail → inspect timing belt/home sensor → update firmware and run a reset → print a Nozzle Check. If it returns, the CR motor, belt, or purge unit may need replacement. Want live help while you clean it? Open the chat.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted fix for Epson 0x9A: clear jams, clean the encoder strip, free the service station, lube the carriage rail, check the timing belt and home position sensor, then update firmware and perform a hardware reset. Print a Nozzle Check to confirm.

FAQ

Step-by-step (Epson carriage recovery)

1. Power reset; unplug 60s and hold Power 15s.
2. Remove all media; inspect and clear the carriage path and rear feed.
3. Clean encoder strip carefully; dry fully.
4. Free the right-side service station, clean cap/wiper; lightly lube the carriage rail.
5. Check timing belt teeth and the home sensor flag; reseat if bent.
6. Update firmware, reset settings, then run Nozzle Check.

Notes for macOS/Windows hosts

1. Hosts/drivers rarely cause 0x9A; it’s mechanical. After recovery, print a test from both systems to confirm normal motion and quality.
2. If you moved the printer recently, re-level the surface — tilt can make the carriage bind on the rail.

Sources

• Epson Support — Maintenance & firmware
• Epson Manuals — Carriage/encoder cleaning guidance
• Epson Software Updater

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