How to Resolve the Paper Misfeed Issue on an Epson EcoTank ET-4760

Introduction

Paper misfeed is a common annoyance for users of the Epson EcoTank ET‑4760. It can interrupt a printing job, waste time and, in worst‑case scenarios, damage the printer. This guide walks you through every step needed to diagnose and fix a paper misfeed, from the first moment the inkjet prints a warning message to the final test print that confirms the problem is solved.

The steps below are written in plain English, use only the simplest language, and avoid technical jargon whenever possible. They assume you are working on a fresh installation of the Epson ET‑4760, but many of the tips apply to older or newer EcoTank models as well.

Understanding the Printer’s Paper Path

The EcoTank ET‑4760 is built on Epson’s Advanced Precision Print Technology. Its paper path is a straight line that starts at the rear paper tray, passes through a series of rollers and sensors, and ends at the print head. The sensors monitor the paper’s location at key points:

1. Tray level sensor – detects whether a sheet is present.
2. Drive roller sensor – verifies that the sheet is engaged by the rollers.
3. Feed roller sensor – checks the sheet’s position before it reaches the print head.

When any of these sensors are blocked or mis‑aligned, the printer will abort the job and display a “paper jam” or “misfeed” warning. Because the sensors are small, even a tiny hair or dust particle can cause a false trigger.

Below is a diagram of the paper path (illustrated for reference only). The image is not included because the printer’s model name is copyrighted.

Common Causes of Paper Misfeed

Before you start troubleshooting, keep these typical culprits in mind:

• Incorrect paper type – Using thick cardstock in a sheet feeder that only handles 24‑gram paper can cause a misfeed.
• Damaged or dirty rollers – Worn or gummed rollers lose traction and pull the paper out of alignment.
• Paper stuck in a hidden compartment – Some jams hide in the tray or behind the input door.
• Improper tray alignment – If the tray is too full or mis‑positioned, the sheet can be mis‑fed.
• Software or driver conflicts – Out‑of‑date drivers may misread paper size or type.

A systematic approach helps isolate each of these problems.

Tools You Will Need

Gather these items before you begin:

• Soft lint‑free cloth
• Isopropyl alcohol (70 %) or a mild cleaning solution
• Small flat‑head screwdriver (for optional tray adjustment)
• Replacement paper roller (optional, if rollers are damaged)
• Printer software or the Epson Quick Setup utility

Having them on hand will speed up the process and reduce frustration.

Step 1: Stop the Printer and Clear the Jam

1. Turn the printer off and unplug it from the wall outlet.
2. Open the rear paper tray and carefully remove any paper that may be stuck.
3. Inspect the interior for torn sheets or small pieces of paper.
4. Check the top cover – sometimes the feed rollers are hidden behind a removable panel.

If you see any obstructions, remove them gently with a pair of tweezers or your fingers.

Once the jam is cleared, plug the printer back in and power it on. The display should show a normal idle screen.

Step 2: Inspect and Clean the Paper Path

Even if the jam appears removed, debris can remain on the rollers or sensors. Follow these steps:

• Locate the feed rollers – they are the round wheels that pick up the paper.
• Wipe the rollers with a dry lint‑free cloth. Avoid using water or alcohol on the rollers themselves, as they are coated with a non‑stick material that can be damaged.
• Clean the sensor lenses – they are small, often circular glass elements. Use a soft brush or a clean cloth lightly dampened with alcohol to remove dust.
• Check the paper path for obstructions – run a sheet of paper through the path manually to feel for resistance.

A clean paper path ensures the sensors can read the paper correctly and the rollers can grip it firmly.

Step 3: Check the Paper Type and Settings

The printer has dedicated trays for different paper types and sizes. The ET‑4760 supports:

• Plain paper (24‑gram)
• Glossy paper (70‑gram)
• Photo paper (120‑gram)

To verify that the correct tray is selected:

1. Open the front cover and examine the paper stack.
2. Align the stack so that the paper edges line up with the tray guide.
3. Adjust the tray height so that the paper sits level and does not touch the sensor.
4. Confirm the paper type in the printer settings on your computer.

If you are printing a heavy cardstock, use the dedicated tray for thick paper. Mixing paper types in the same tray often leads to misfeed.

Step 4: Inspect and Clean the Paper Feeder

The paper feeder is the part that feeds sheets from the tray to the rollers. It contains a set of rollers and a guide.

• Remove the tray and inspect the feeder rollers. Look for cracks, scratches, or debris.
• Clean the rollers with a dry cloth.
• Check the guide – it should hold the paper centered. If the guide is warped, it can push the paper off track.

If the rollers are visibly worn or missing, you may need a replacement.

Step 5: Align the Paper Tray

An improperly aligned tray can cause the paper to tilt and misfeed.

1. Close the front cover.
2. Open the tray and gently tilt it so that the paper edges line up with the tray's vertical slots.
3. Press the paper down until it makes contact with the tray floor.
4. Close the tray and make sure the lock lever is engaged.

Some models allow a small adjustment of the tray height. If your ET‑4760 has a screw or lever, adjust it until the paper sits flush against the tray.

Step 6: Check for Software or Driver Issues

Drivers translate your print job into commands the printer can understand. If the driver is out of date or incorrectly configured, the printer may misinterpret paper size.

1. Open the Epson printer driver on your computer.
2. Navigate to the Paper Settings section.
3. Select the correct paper size and type that matches the tray you are using.
4. Apply the settings and restart the print job.

If the driver is missing or corrupted, download the latest version from Epson’s support website and install it.

Step 7: Perform a Print Head Cleaning (Optional)

In some cases, a clogged print head can cause a misfeed. Though this is rare, it is worth checking.

1. Open the printer’s Maintenance menu from the control panel.
2. Select Print Head Cleaning.
3. Wait until the process completes.
4. Print a test page to confirm the head is clean.

If the print head cleaning does not resolve the issue, skip this step and continue troubleshooting.

Step 8: Test Print

After all hardware and software checks, it is time to verify that the misfeed is resolved.

1. Load a fresh stack of the same paper type into the appropriate tray.
2. Print a single page from a simple document.
3. Observe the feed path – the paper should move smoothly from the tray to the print head.
4. Check for any errors on the printer display.

If the print succeeds without interruption, the misfeed issue is solved.

Troubleshooting Summary

The table above is a quick reference to help you pinpoint the problem quickly.

Preventive Measures

Once the misfeed is fixed, keep it from happening again with these simple habits:

• Always use the correct paper type and load it correctly.
• Clean the paper path regularly – once a month is enough.
• Keep the printer in a dust‑free environment.
• Update the printer firmware every six months.
• Avoid overfilling the tray – leave a margin of at least 1 cm.

Regular maintenance is the best defense against paper misfeed.

When to Call Epson Support

If you have tried all the steps above and the misfeed persists, contact Epson support. Common reasons for a professional visit include:

• Mechanical failure of internal components.
• Electrical issues in the control board.
• Software glitches that cannot be resolved by reinstalling drivers.

Keep your serial number handy and describe the problem in detail; this will help the support team diagnose the issue faster.

Conclusion

Paper misfeed on the Epson EcoTank ET‑4760 can be frustrating, but it is usually solvable with a systematic approach. By inspecting the paper path, cleaning rollers and sensors, ensuring the correct paper type is selected, and updating drivers, you can restore smooth printing performance.

Follow the steps in this guide, maintain a clean environment, and perform regular checks, and you will reduce the likelihood of future misfeed issues. Happy printing!