08/10/2025 by tonermaroc

Epson 0x97 fix — what causes it and how to recover

epson 0x97 fix is what you need when your Epson inkjet suddenly stops with “0x97” on the panel or in a pop-up. Use our epson 0x97 fix walkthrough to clear the error safely, isolate whether the problem is printhead, firmware, or power, and get back to reliable printing.

Epson 0x97 fix — what the error really means

Error 0x97 is a generic internal fault. Most cases fall into four buckets:

Transient firmware crash after a stuck job or power blip
Printhead fault (electrical short, overheating, or dried ink around the nozzles/ribbon cable)
Power supply issues (weak adapter or unstable mains)
Board-level sensor/encoder problems (dirty strip, mis-seated cables)

The good news: many incidents are recoverable without parts. Start with the quick wins before opening anything.

Epson 0x97 fix — fast wins (try these first)

Power drain reset
Turn the printer off. Unplug power and USB/Ethernet. Hold the Power button for 60 seconds to discharge residual energy. Plug back in and turn on.
Clear computer queues
Cancel all pending jobs on Windows/macOS. Stuck jobs can retrigger the fault immediately.
Inspect paper path
Open access doors, remove paper, and make sure no scraps or labels are stuck near the carriage.
Stable power
Plug the printer directly into a wall outlet (no power strip). If you have a UPS, even better.
Self-test page
Use the printer’s built-in report/nozzle check. If it prints, the core is OK and your PC path needs cleanup.

Epson 0x97 fix — the decision path (what’s actually failing?)

Self-test works, but PC prints fail → Driver/queue issue. Remove the printer on the computer, restart the spooler (Windows), and re-add via IP.
No print at all; error appears at power-on → Likely printhead or board/power. Proceed to deep cleanup and inspection.
Error only after a long idle/sleep → Firmware/driver re-validation or borderline power. Update driver, extend sleep timer, and test with a known-good outlet.

Epson 0x97 fix — deep cleanup and reseat (safe at home)

Clean encoder strip & carriage rail
With the printer off, gently move the carriage to the center if allowed. Using a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol, clean the clear encoder strip behind the carriage and the metal rail it rides on. Let it dry fully.
Printhead underside wipe (no disassembly)
Fold a lint-free paper towel, dampen with a few drops of distilled water or isopropyl alcohol, and place it under the parked printhead path. Slide the carriage over it gently; let it sit 2–3 minutes to soften dried ink. Move the carriage away and remove the towel.
Cable/connector check (non-invasive)
If your model exposes ribbon connectors under a small top cover, gently press to reseat (no force). Do not pull cables.
Reboot and run a nozzle check
If the pattern improves or the error vanishes, run a single head cleaning. Avoid repeated cleanings that flood the waste pads.

Epson 0x97 fix — firmware and driver sanity

Driver refresh: Remove duplicate queues (e.g., “Copy 1/2/3”). Install the model-specific driver or choose AirPrint/IPP Everywhere for basic functionality.
Firmware stability: If the error started right after a firmware change, reapply the same build or, if supported, roll back to the last stable package.
Disable auto-updates: Prevent surprise changes that can re-trigger the fault while you’re testing.

Epson 0x97 fix — when it’s likely the printhead

Signs that point to a failing head:

Error appears seconds after power-on—even with cables and network disconnected
Audible attempts to prime/park followed by immediate fault
Severe banding or blank areas persist after a single cleaning, then 0x97 returns

What to do next:

Try one controlled printhead cleaning only. If the error persists, stop—excess cleanings can fill the waste pads.
If your model has a user-replaceable head, follow the service guide to swap. Otherwise, consider professional service or replacement economics (see below).

Epson 0x97 fix — power & board checks that matter

Different outlet / known-good adapter: Marginal power causes intermittent 0x97.
USB vs Wi-Fi test: If USB prints cleanly but Wi-Fi triggers errors, fix the network path (reserve IP, add by IP).
Thermal pause: After heavy cleaning cycles, let the unit cool for 10 minutes and retry.

Keep it from coming back

Print a small page weekly to avoid aggressive priming cycles.
Use quality ink compatible with your model; poor ink clogs cause overheating and faults.
Keep the printer on a surge-protected, stable power source.
Avoid repeated on/off cycles; each startup runs priming routines that add mechanical stress.

FAQs

Does 0x97 always mean hardware failure?
No. Many cases clear with a full power-drain reset, queue cleanup, and carriage/encoder cleaning.

How many cleanings should I run?
Start with one. If the nozzle check is unchanged, deeper mechanical cleaning or service is safer than multiple cleanings.

Can firmware cause 0x97?
It can expose borderline issues. If the error started exactly after an update, stabilize drivers, reapply/roll back if supported, and test again.

What if the printer works for scans but not prints?
That points to the print subsystem (driver/head), not the scanner. Re-add the printer by IP and check the head.

Is it worth repairing a failing printhead?
For older consumer models, a replacement printer may cost less than a head + labor. For prosumer/workforce units, repair can make sense if the rest of the device is in good shape.

Quick checklist

Full power-drain reset completed
Computer queues cleared; driver refreshed
Encoder strip/rail cleaned; gentle head wipe done
Nozzle check printed; only one head cleaning attempted
Stable power verified; auto-updates controlled
Decision made: continue with normal use, schedule service, or replace

Conclusion

With a systematic epson 0x97 fix, you can recover from most incidents without parts: discharge power, clear queues, clean the carriage path, and stabilize drivers/firmware. If signs point to a failing head, avoid over-cleaning and choose between professional service or replacement based on total cost and duty cycle.