0x97

Epson 0x97 Error: Fix Print Head Overheating and Clogged Nozzles

EP
Erropedia Team
📅 September 26, 2026 📅 Updated Oct 27, 2026 👁 57 views Hardware – Printers Intermediate
Epson 0x97 means the print head is too hot or clogged, causing banding and stopping the print. Here's how to cool it down and clear the nozzles.

Quick answer: Epson error 0x97 means the print head temperature sensor tripped—usually from a clog or a failed cooling fan—so power off, wait 30 minutes, then run a nozzle check and clean the head; if that fails, replace the print head fan or the head itself.

I know this error is infuriating. You're midway through a 200-page client proposal, the printer jerks, horizontal lines appear, then it stops dead with 0x97. It's not a random glitch. Epson's firmware monitors the print head's thermistor. When it reads above ~70°C, it halts to prevent permanent damage. Two things cause that: a physical blockage (dried ink, dust, or a swollen damper) or a dead cooling fan. On the ET-8550 and WF-7840, the fan sits behind the head carriage and collects paper dust until it seizes. On older XP-15000 units, clogged magenta nozzles are the usual suspect. Either way, the printer won't resume until the head cools and the clog clears.

Step-by-step fix for Epson 0x97

  1. Power off and unplug. Don't just hit the power button—pull the cord. The head needs to cool completely. Wait at least 30 minutes. I've seen people skip this and get 0x97 again in 10 minutes.
  2. Open the scanner unit and inspect the print head path. Move the carriage by hand (gently) to the center. Look for torn paper, dust bunnies, or ink smears on the metal rail. Wipe the rail with a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water—not alcohol, it dries the grease.
  3. Check the cooling fan. With the printer unplugged, spin the fan blade near the head. It should turn freely. If it's stiff or wobbly, that's your culprit. Order a replacement fan (part number 2133487 for many WorkForce models) and swap it—two screws and a connector.
  4. Run a nozzle check. Plug back in, load plain paper, and from the control panel go to Settings > Maintenance > Nozzle Check. You'll get a pattern. Missing segments mean clogs.
  5. Do a head cleaning cycle. Use Settings > Maintenance > Head Cleaning. Run it once, then print a nozzle check again. Don't run it more than three times in a row—it wastes ink and can flood the waste pad.
  6. If banding persists, do a power cleaning. This forces ink through the head under pressure. On models with a maintenance box, you'll need to replace it after. Use Settings > Maintenance > Power Cleaning. It takes about 3 minutes and uses a lot of ink—but it's the real fix for stubborn clogs.
  7. Reset the printer. If 0x97 clears but comes back, reset the internal counters. Turn off, then hold Power + Network + Cancel for 5 seconds while plugging in. This clears the error log. On some models, you'll need the Epson Adjustment Program to reset the head temperature flag.

If the main fix doesn't work

Sometimes the head is too far gone. Try these alternatives:

  • Soak the print head. Remove the head (if your model allows—many new ones don't). Soak the nozzles in a shallow dish of distilled water with a drop of dish soap for 2 hours. Dry thoroughly before reinstalling. This dissolves dried pigment ink that cleaning cycles can't touch.
  • Replace the print head. If the thermistor itself is faulty, no amount of cleaning will help. A new head for an ET-2750 runs about $60–$80. For a WF-7720, it's closer to $120. If the printer is under 2 years old, check warranty first.
  • Check the mainboard. Rare, but a shorted head can fry the mainboard's head driver. If you replace the head and still get 0x97 within minutes, the board is suspect. That's usually a $150+ repair—often not worth it on a $200 printer.
  • Use a professional cleaning kit. Products like the Printhead Cleaning Kit from Inkjetmall come with a syringe and cleaning fluid. You push fluid through the ink inlet until it runs clear. It's messy but effective for heavy clogs.

Prevention tips

Don't let this happen again. Print at least once a week—even a single page keeps ink moving and prevents clogs. If you're in a dusty shop or office, vacuum the fan intake monthly. Use Epson genuine ink or a reputable third-party brand; cheap ink clogs more. And never turn the printer off at the wall while it's mid-print. That leaves the head uncapped and exposed to air, which dries nozzles fast. One more thing: if you see horizontal banding starting, run a nozzle check immediately. It's a 30-second job that saves a 2-hour headache.

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Erropedia Team
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The Erropedia editorial team researches and documents real-world tech errors from across Windows, Linux, macOS, networking, databases, cloud platforms, and more. Every solution is reviewed for accuracy and updated as software and systems evolve.