Professional service Epson

Epson Error 0x97

What the code means · Diagnosis at a glance

Epson error 0x97 is a general internal hardware fault: the printer's main logic board detected an abnormal condition it cannot recover from on its own and stops all printing. It is most often traced to the main board (motherboard) or the print head assembly, and sometimes to the ribbon cable that links them. A full power discharge occasionally clears a one-off electrical glitch, but a genuine board or head failure is a service-level repair, not a software reset.

Jump to the fix ↓ Epson official support ↗
Disconnect power firstUnplug the printer from the wall before reaching inside. Do not just switch it off.
Safe to tryA single full power discharge is safe and is the only user-side reset worth trying for 0x97.
May need a technicianA main-board or print-head fault is internal repair; have it done by a technician or Epson, not at home.
Ink can stainIf you spot leaked ink inside, wear gloves: it stains skin, clothes and surfaces.

Affected brands & models

EcoTank L seriesEcoTank ET seriesWorkForce WF seriesExpression Home XP series

Diagnosis at a glance

Likely causes ranked, with severity and the recommended action.

Main board (motherboard) fault Service Likelihood: Most likelyAction: Main board repair or replacement by a technician
Print head failure or ink shorting the head contacts Service Likelihood: CommonAction: Inspect / replace the print head
Transient charge or firmware glitch Quick fix Likelihood: OccasionalAction: Full power discharge, then update firmware
Loose or oxidised print-head ribbon (FFC) cable Attention Likelihood: OccasionalAction: Reseat / clean contacts (internal repair)

What the code means

The main logic board constantly watches the current and signals coming back from the print head, carriage motor and power supply. When it sees a value that is out of range and cannot be recovered, it halts the job and reports 0x97 to protect the electronics from further damage.

Because 0x97 is a hardware-level diagnostic and not a consumable or paper message, there is no menu reset that clears it for good. A single power discharge can clear a transient electrical state, but a real board or print-head fault will bring the code straight back.

Most frequent causes

  • The main board has an internal electrical fault or a blown protection fuse.
  • The print head has failed, or ink has leaked onto the head contacts and shorted them.
  • A one-off power surge or firmware glitch left the board in an error state.
  • The flat flexible cable between the head and the board is loose, dirty or oxidised.

Quick fix: try this first

  1. Turn the printer off, unplug it from the wall, and leave it for at least 5 minutes to discharge.
  2. While unplugged, press and hold the Power button for about a minute to drain residual charge, then reconnect and power on.
  3. If the printer starts, check for the latest firmware for your exact model on the official Epson support site.

Step-by-step solution

0 / 6 done

Tick each step as you go. Your progress is kept while you work.

Before you start

  • Have your exact model number ready (on a label under or behind the printer).
  • Use a USB cable for firmware updates, because Wi-Fi can block service-level commands.
  • Work on a flat, well-lit surface with paper towels handy in case of ink.

What not to do

  • ×Do not rely on third-party "0x97 reset" tools. This code is not a counter and cannot be reset in software.
  • ×Do not flood the print head or board with alcohol or water to "clean" a short.
  • ×Do not keep power-cycling repeatedly if the code returns each time. That will not fix a hardware fault.

When to stop & call support

Stop and call a technician (or Epson) if 0x97 returns immediately after a full power discharge, if you see leaked ink on the print head or board, or if the printer is still under warranty (opening it yourself can void coverage). Main-board and print-head work is internal repair, not a home fix.

If the error comes back

If 0x97 comes back after a discharge and a firmware update, treat it as a confirmed hardware fault. The realistic options are a professional main-board or print-head repair, or replacing the printer. Repeated resets will not keep it working, because nothing was actually cleared.

Related parts & consumables

Main board (logic board)Service part, diagnosed and replaced by a technician
Print head assemblyService part on most affected models; costly relative to the printer
Print-head ribbon (FFC) cableReseated or replaced during internal repair

Questions about Epson 0x97

Can I reset the 0x97 error with a tool?

No. Unlike ink-pad codes such as E-11, 0x97 is not a counter but a live hardware diagnostic. A full power discharge is the only reset that can help, and only if the fault was a transient glitch.

Is my printer dead if I see 0x97?

Not always. A one-off power surge or firmware glitch can trigger it, and a full discharge plus firmware update sometimes clears that. But if the code returns straight away, the main board or print head has failed and needs service.

Is it worth repairing?

On low-cost EcoTank and Expression models a new main board or print head often costs more than a replacement printer. Get a repair quote first and compare it against the price of a new unit.

PrinterErrors editorial team

Last updated · Content is independent and not sponsored by any manufacturer.

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