E-40
Epson Printer
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
Error E-40 means your Epson printer thinks a cover or door is open. The printer's sensor is detecting that the printer is not fully closed and secure. Usually you just need to close the cover firmly — or clean the cover sensor.
Affected Models
- Epson WorkForce WF Series
- Epson Expression Home XP Series
- Epson EcoTank ET Series
- Epson Expression Premium XP Series
- Epson WorkForce Pro WF Series
Common Causes
- The front cover, ink cartridge cover, or maintenance door was not pushed closed all the way
- A cartridge was installed that is slightly too tall or not fully seated, preventing the cover from closing flat
- The cover latch or hinge is broken, preventing the cover from snapping into the closed position
- The cover sensor switch is dirty, stuck, or has failed and is incorrectly reporting an open state
- A piece of paper, tape, or debris is caught in the cover hinge or under the cover edge
How to Fix It
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Check every cover and door on the printer — front cover, ink cartridge access cover, and any rear or side panels.
On Epson all-in-ones, the scanner lid does not usually trigger E-40. Focus on the lower printer body covers.
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Open and firmly close each cover one at a time, pressing until you feel or hear it click into the latched position.
A cover that looks closed but is not latched will still trigger the sensor.
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Open the ink cartridge cover and check that all cartridges are fully seated. Press each one down until it clicks.
A cartridge sitting even slightly too high can prevent the cover from closing completely flat.
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Inspect the cover edges and hinges for trapped paper, tape residue, or debris. Clear anything you find.
Tape used for shipping protection is a common culprit on newer or recently serviced printers.
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If all covers are confirmed closed but E-40 persists, turn the printer off, wait 30 seconds, and power it back on.
A simple restart often resets the sensor state if it was misread during a previous operation.
When to Call a Professional
Error E-40 is almost always fixed by properly closing the cover. If the cover is physically closed but the error persists, the sensor switch may be faulty. Sensor replacement is typically a quick repair at an Epson service center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Epson say E-40 right after I changed the ink?
The ink cartridge cover was likely not pressed firmly shut after the cartridge swap. Open the cover and press it closed until it clicks. Also make sure each new cartridge clicked fully into its slot before closing the cover.
Can a broken cover latch be repaired at home?
Minor latch repairs — like replacing a broken plastic clip — can sometimes be done at home with a replacement part from an Epson parts supplier. However, if the hinge itself is cracked, it is better to have a technician handle it to avoid damaging the cover panel.
Is E-40 dangerous to ignore?
The printer will not print while E-40 is active, so there is nothing to damage by waiting. However, if the cover is genuinely open or unlatched, dust and debris can get inside the printer and affect print quality. Always close covers properly and address the error promptly.