If you’re getting error code 0x970, it’s probably preventing you from printing.
A huge hassle.
Before you consider going Norwegian on your printer…
try some of our fixes below.
What is Epson Error Code 0x97?
This error code could occur when there’s a problem with the printer’s internal hardware.
Apparently, it commonly occurs on models: wf-3620, wf-4630, wf-3640 and 7610.
According to Epson themselves, it could occur after the motherboard fails, or another internal component malfunctions. When this error appears, it often causes your printer to suddenly power off or stop printing.
Our advice is to try some of the quick fixes below to see if you can clear the error. If you can’t, it might be a more ‘catastrophic’ failure that you won’t be able to fix on your own.
In that case, depending on your warranty, you might be able to get them to ship you a new printer- so the last resort advice will be to contact Epson support.
How To Fix The Epson Error Code 0x97
CatchSupplies provides some solutions over in their support center. Follow their fix to address this hardware failure error.
Solution #1 (Try Unplugging and Plugging-In Again)
- Disconnect all connected cables
- Disconnect USB drivers
- Take out all printer cartridges
- Still switched off, push down the power to discharge all remaining power in the printer
- Plug in all cables and the USB peripherals
- Reinstall the printer ink cartridges
- Turn the power back on
- Check to see if the error message reappears
If the error persists, proceed to the subsequent method.
Solution #2 (Unplug And Plug In Advanced Method)
- Switch off the Epson printer and unplug it
- Detach all cables and USB peripherals
- Wait for Five minutes until the printer cools down
- Push and hold the power button for A minute. Don’t release it!
- Following A minute (DO NOT RELEASE), connect the power cord and hold for an additional minute
- Release the power button. See if the error message still appears
Solution #3 (Clean Clogged Epson Printer Nozzles)
Sometimes, Epson users observed that the right fix for this error was merely cleaning the printer’s head nozzles.
Check out the video below for a walkthrough.
How to clean clogged Epson print head nozzles.
It’s pretty simple to clean your printer safely to steer clear of damaging the Epson’s internal hardware.
- Switch off your printer and unplug it from your power supply in addition to from your Computer.
- Open up the printer casing.
- Take a section of paper towel, fold it up it in order that it could fit below the printer head.
- Wet it using any head cleaning fluid which has some ammonia.
- Position the soaked paper towel down the middle of the track where printer head moves.
- Situate the print head to the center so that the ammonia-soaked tissue is under it.
- Let it sit for 12 hours.
Solution #4 (Microsoft’s Printer Troubleshooter)
Microsoft provides a free troubleshooting tool for printers. Try running it to see if it can suggest any fixes.
Solution #5 (Microsoft’s Printer Troubleshooter)
The Trailmaze tech vlogger has a fix. He suggests going to the following Epson firmware and drivers page.
He says, that this Epson support page will help you update your printer’s firmware.
Once you’ve downloaded it, run it, click through all the default settings, and it will update your printer. Apparently, this fix has worked for a number of Epson printer users.
Solution #6 (Head & Nozzle Cleaning)
Epson print head cleaner, nozzle cleaning – flushing clogged nozzles
The OctopusConcept YouTube vlogger posted a video about how to clean the print head and clean the nozzle.
Their problem, the video creator says, is that cyan nozzles had partially dried out. The fix requires using a syringe and a silicon tube. He’ll walk you through opening the upper lid that is the scanner unit of the Epson printer and accessing the printer heads for a cleaning.
Watch the video for the full tutorial- see if this can help fix this error.
How To Care For Your Epson Printer
Epson American published a video on YouTube- it walks you through how to maintain your Epson printer.
The tech says that you are going to discover five simple steps to keep your Epson professional printer operating without a hitch.
Those steps are:
- clean it
- wipe it
- close it
- turn it off
- cover it
As time passes dust and other debris might accumulate on the feed roller- use cleaning sheets to thoroughly clean it off.
Continue to keep your printer nice and clean with a damp lint-free cloth, wipe out the sheet feeder while giving the exterior a once-over to help keep dust to the absolute minimum.
Close all the feed and output trays when you’re not using it- this should continue to keep unwanted dust away from the printhead and rollers. Whenever you are finished printing for the day push the power button to turn the printer off.
This helps to maintain the printhead- keeping the nozzles clean.
If you aren’t intending to print for several days, it’s also wise to cover your printer. You may use a custom made cover or even something more improvised.
It’s a good idea to practice common maintenance best practices- it could help to prevent the dreaded Error Code 0x97.
