Epson message: parts are near the end of their service life
Epson's "parts near the end of their service life" message is a waste ink pad warning. Learn what it means, which models use a maintenance box and what to do.
What this error means
Epson inkjets send the small amounts of ink used during print head cleaning and borderless printing to absorbent pads inside the printer, often called ink pads or waste ink pads. The printer estimates how full the pads are, and as they near their limit it warns that parts inside are near the end of their service life. You can usually keep printing for a while after this first message. When the limit is reached, the message changes to say the parts are at the end of their service life, and printing stops until the pads are serviced.
Common causes
- Several years of normal printing
- Frequent head cleaning or strong cleaning cycles
- Lots of borderless photo printing
- Automatic cleaning the printer runs by itself after idle periods or ink changes
How to fix it
Start with the first fix. They’re ordered from safest and quickest to most involved.
Fixes for Any printer
0 of 6 steps tried
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Read the full message and note which stage it is
"Near the end" is an early warning: press the button the screen shows and you can carry on printing. "At the end" means printing has stopped. Write down the exact wording and any code shown, because it tells you how soon you need to act and helps when you look up your model.
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Find out whether your printer uses a maintenance box
Many newer Epson models, including many EcoTank and business inkjets, collect waste ink in a maintenance box: a small, cartridge-like container you replace yourself. Check your manual or the supplies list for your model. Printers with a maintenance box show a maintenance box message, while printers with internal pads show the parts or ink pad message and need service.
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Replace the maintenance box if your model has one
Buy the maintenance box listed for your model and follow the replacement steps in the manual; most sit behind a small cover at the back, side or bottom of the printer. Keep the used box upright, seal it in a plastic bag and dispose of it as local rules allow. The message clears once the printer detects the new box.
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Arrange ink pad service through Epson
For models with internal pads, replacing them means taking the printer apart and resetting its counter with service equipment, so it is a repair job. Look up your model on Epson's official support website for your country to see the service options and warranty terms. For an older, inexpensive printer, compare the cost with a replacement before deciding.
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Avoid unofficial pad reset tools
Software and key codes sold online to reset the waste ink counter are unofficial. Resetting the counter doesn't empty the pads, so ink can overflow and leak inside the printer or onto the surface below it, and downloaded reset tools can carry malware.
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Cut down on cleaning cycles
To slow how quickly the pads fill, print a nozzle check before cleaning and clean only when the pattern shows gaps. Use the strongest cleaning option, often called power cleaning, only if regular cleaning hasn't helped, and turn the printer off with its power button so it caps the print head.
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Still stuck? The troubleshooter asks a few questions and narrows it down. If your printer is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace it at no cost. Find their official support site on our brand pages.
Common questions
How long can I print after the "near the end" warning?
It varies with how much you print and how often the printer cleans itself. Some people carry on for months, others reach the limit quickly, so plan for service or a replacement once the first warning appears.
Can I replace the ink pads myself?
On models without a maintenance box, Epson treats ink pad replacement as a service job. Opening the printer exposes you to wet waste ink and may affect your warranty, and the counter still needs resetting with official service equipment.
Are the pads really full when the message appears?
The printer works from an estimate and builds in a safety margin so ink doesn't leak. The pads may not be dripping, but they hold a lot of ink by this point and need attention.