Epson XP-102 inkjet printer. Paper Jam error

[ThunderZed]

This is not mine, but I have been using it every 3-4 weeks for some time. The last time it was used, it was working, although the nozzles were slightly clogged and print quality was not optimal. Today I powered it on and noticed that three LEDs are flashing simultaneously (see "errore carta inceppata DSC01391_2.JPG"): the power/on LED, the paper LED, and the ink LED. In addition, the printer status dialog in Windows reports a paper jam error (see "errore carta inceppata finestra dialogo DSC01393_2.JPG": "rimuovere eventuale carta inceppata" means "Remove any jammed paper"), although strangely it also indicates that all ink cartridges are full, even though I know that some of them are actually near empty.

I took a screenshot of the section of the manual that shows error conditions based on the LED blinking patterns (see "epson xp-102 manual fatal error.png"). In my opinion, this corresponds to the "fatal error" related to a paper jam, which is the error described in the upper box. However, I am unsure whether it could also indicate the error shown in the lower box, I mean the one related to the waste ink pad requiring replacement. I would appreciate your opinion on which of the two it actually is.

I first considered a paper jam and followed the procedure shown in the video : I manually rotated both plastic gears inside the printer bay, first the left one and then the right one. After doing this, the error disappeared, but an ink out error appeared instead. I then followed the manual procedure to identify the empty cartridge, found that the yellow cartridge was empty, and replaced it. However, immediately after that, the 3-LED flashing error reappeared. I repeated the manual rotation of the two gears, but this time the error remained.
Next, I followed the instructions in the video : I accessed the paper feed roller on the bottom (see "coperchio posteriore tampone inchiostro DSC01400_2.JPG"), confirmed that it rotates in only one direction and that it is very stiff to turn (see "rullo alimentazione carta (dentro coperchio posteriore) DSC01403_2.JPG"), and tried cleaning it using paper. However, the error persists.
Finally, I attempted a rough cleaning of the areas with the most visible ink buildup, but without success.

In your opinion, what is the actual issue? If the problem were the waste ink pad requiring replacement, would Windows still report a paper jam error in the printer dialog? What I find most puzzling is that after performing the procedure shown in the 1st video, the error disappeared, and I do not understand why it reappeared immediately after replacing the empty cartridge.

[amyk]

Most printers use optical sensors to detect whether paper is present. Dust or dirt can interfere and cause it to think paper is present when there isn't, so I recommend locating the sensor and cleaning it first.

[Psi]

Yeah, paper jam is often either a blocked IR sensor or some worn rubber thing somewhere that has changed how the paper is feeding due to being smaller in size than it should be, or deformed.
Sometimes it's quite subtle.

[ThunderZed]

Many thanks for the suggestion, I’ve solved it! I searched on yt for "optical sensor" and found , which correlates my Epson printer error (3 flashing LEDs) with the light sensor located inside the printer bay. It’s also very easy to access: you only need to remove a single screw, then clean the sensor with a cloth.
I really think these maintenance procedures should be mentioned in the manual, considering how common these errors are and how easily they can be resolved by the user. In any case, fortunately this is an excellent forum

[amyk]

I really think these maintenance procedures should be mentioned in the manual, considering how common these errors are and how easily they can be resolved by the user.

They don't, because the companies making these would rather you buy a new one.

[Psi]

There's a lot of printer parts you can buy on Aliexpress that are probably not original but will get a printer working again.
The hard bit is finding the right search term.
Dad just fixed a whole lot of Kyocera printers with a $10 part last week. It was not worth fixing if buying the part direct from kyocera who wanted to supply the entire assembly.