Epson Printer Error 0xEE — Scanner Initialization Failed

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 0xEE means the scanner unit in your Epson all-in-one printer failed to initialize properly during startup. The scanner has a moving lamp assembly that travels along the scan bed during use. When this assembly doesn't reach its home position on startup — or gets stuck — the printer shows 0xEE and stops. The fix is usually unlocking the scanner, clearing an obstruction, or freeing a jammed lamp carriage.

Affected Models

Epson WorkForce WF-2850
Epson Expression Home XP-4100
Epson EcoTank ET-4850
Epson Perfection V39 (scanner only)
All Epson all-in-one printers with flatbed scanner units

Common Causes

Scanner transport lock is still engaged — a lock tab or screw that secures the scanner for shipping
Object or document left on the scan bed is pressing down and obstructing the scan lamp
Scanner lamp carriage is stuck or jammed due to a mechanical obstruction inside
Scanner glass is cracked or the lamp has failed, causing initialization to fail
Failed scanner motor or cable that prevents the lamp carriage from moving to its home position

How to Fix It

Check for a scanner transport lock. Many Epson printers have a lock that secures the scanner lamp during shipping. Look on the bottom of the printer for a small slider or screw labeled 'LOCK/UNLOCK' with a lock icon. If it's in the locked position, slide or turn it to UNLOCK.

New printers and printers that were recently moved or shipped often have this lock engaged. It's the #1 cause of 0xEE on new setups.
Open the scanner lid and check the scan bed. Remove any papers, books, or objects left on the glass. Even a thin sheet of paper left face-down on the glass can interfere with scanner lamp initialization.

Also check that the scanner lid closes fully — a partially open scanner lid on some models prevents normal initialization.
Look through the scanner glass from above and try to see the scanner lamp carriage (it looks like a long thin bar that runs the width of the scanner). It should be at the far left edge (home position). If it's stuck in the middle, there may be a mechanical obstruction.

With power off, you can sometimes gently slide the lamp carriage to the far left by hand — very carefully and very gently.
Power the printer completely off (unplug from wall), wait 2 minutes, then plug back in and power on. The scanner will attempt to re-home its lamp on startup. A 0xEE caused by a one-time startup failure often clears with a full cold restart.

Make sure you've done a full unplug, not just a power button restart — some components don't fully reset without a complete power disconnect.
If 0xEE persists and the scanner lamp carriage is visibly stuck or not moving at all during startup, the scanner motor or drive belt has likely failed. At this point, the repair cost will typically exceed the printer's value for a home model. Consider replacing the printer.

For standalone Epson Perfection scanner units, a motor replacement may be more cost-effective since the scanner itself is the entire device.

When to Call a Professional

If the scanner transport lock is the issue, you can fix it yourself in 30 seconds. If the scanner motor or lamp has failed, technician repair costs often exceed the printer's value. For older printers with a 0xEE error from a mechanical failure, compare repair cost to buying a new all-in-one before committing to a repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 0xEE affect printing or only scanning?

On most Epson all-in-one printers, a scanner failure with 0xEE will prevent all functions — including printing. The printer's startup sequence initializes all components, and if the scanner fails that check, the whole machine stops. Some models are more forgiving and may still allow printing — test by sending a print job from your computer.

I moved my Epson printer to a new desk and now it shows 0xEE. Why?

Moving the printer jostled the scanner lamp carriage out of its home position. Also, if the printer was tilted during the move, the transport lock may have engaged on models with an auto-lock feature. Check for the transport lock first, then try a power cycle. These two steps resolve the vast majority of post-move 0xEE errors.

Can I still use the printer portion if I never use the scanner?

Unfortunately, on most Epson all-in-ones, no — 0xEE halts all operations. However, it's worth trying to print anyway — some models in some firmware versions do allow print-only operation with a scanner fault. If you can print, fixing the scanner becomes lower priority, though it should still be addressed.