You are likely aware of the Epson L385 printer’s dependability if you have been using it for some time. The L385 and other EcoTank models are well-known for their long-lasting ink tanks and reasonably priced printing. However, printers have their moments, just like any other device. Your Epson L385 can flash lights or display a “Service Required” notice on the screen one day, and then everything will be OK the next.
You’re not alone, so don’t worry. This typically occurs when the printer reaches its waste ink pad limit, at which point a reset is the only option. I’ll explain the Epson L385 reset procedure in detail in this post, along with why it’s necessary and what you should know both before and after.
Why Does the Epson L385 Need Resetting?
Many users panic when the printer suddenly stops working. But the truth is, Epson has built a safety system into its printers. Over time, excess ink gets collected in waste ink pads inside the machine. To prevent leakage or damage, the printer counts every cleaning cycle and printing activity. When it thinks the pads are full, it locks itself with an error.
Here are the most common signs that your Epson L385 needs a reset:
- Both the power light and ink/paper lights keep blinking.
- You get a “Service Required” or “Ink Pad is Full” error.
- The printer stops responding, even though there’s no paper jam or cartridge issue.
In short, your printer isn’t really broken. It just needs its waste ink counter reset.
Two Ways to Reset Epson L385
There are two effective methods:
- Software Reset (Adjustment Program) – Perfect for clearing the ink pad counter.
- Manual Reset (Button Method) – Useful for minor glitches and connectivity issues.
Let’s go step by step.
Method 1: Using the Adjustment Program to reset the software
The most popular fix for Epson L385 issues is this one. The software, often known as the adjustment program or resetter tool, talks to your printer and resets the internal counter.
Actions to take:
- Obtain the Resetter Tool
- Get the Epson L385 adjustment software from a reliable website.
- Unzip the file.
- To extract the files, use WinRAR or 7-Zip.
- Launch the application
- Get the.exe file open. Choose the Epson L385 printer model when requested.
- Select the Adjustment Mode.
- To choose Waste Ink Pad Counter, click “Particular Adjustment Mode”.
- Reset the counter.
- After checking the boxes, click Check and then Initialize.
- Restart the printer.
- Switch on and off the printer. Now, the error ought to be eliminated.
Tip: While this resets the counter, it doesn’t clean the physical pads. If you use your printer heavily, consider cleaning or replacing the pads to avoid ink overflow.
Epson L385 Reset Tool Software Free Download
Method 2: Manual Reset (Button-Hard Reset)
Though simpler, this approach has limitations. Instead of a complete ink pad warning, it functions best when the printer has small faults.
Actions to take:
- Unplug the power cable and turn off the printer. Give it two or three minutes.
- Turn it back on and reconnect the power.
- Find the Epson L385’s reset/stop button.
- Hold it for five to ten seconds, then let go.
- Hold off until the lights stop blinking.
Usually, this fixes minor bugs. However, the easiest way to fix ink pad issues is still to reset the program.
Things to Remember Before Resetting
- Reset doesn’t mean repair: The counter is only reset. The ink pads inside remain full. If you ignore them for too long, ink might leak.
- Use reliable sources: Free tools are available online, but stick to safe websites.
- Handle with care: If you’re unsure, consider visiting an Epson service center.
Why Resetting Helps
- Brings your printer back to working condition within minutes.
- Saves money on service charges.
- Extends the usable life of your Epson L385.
- Prevents downtime when you need urgent prints.
Common Problems After Reset
- Error Still Appears – Make sure you selected the right model in the tool. Run the program as Administrator.
- Reset Tool Not Opening – Disable antivirus temporarily if it blocks the file.
- Ink Leakage – If pads are really soaked, you’ll need to replace them.
- Download Issues – Always check for the correct Epson L385 version of the tool.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why are all the lights on my Epson L385 blinking?
It indicates that the waste ink pad counter is at its maximum. You must reset it. - Can my printer be harmed by a reset?
No, it’s secure. However, keep in mind that the actual ink pads are not cleaned by resetting. - Does resetting require a computer?
Yes, a software reset is required for ink pad issues. Only minor problems should be handled with the button method. - How many times can my Epson L385 be reset?
as often as necessary. However, the actual pads will eventually need to be changed. - Where is the resetter tool located?
It is accessible online, but make use of reliable resources or Epson-approved services. - What if the reset tool doesn’t work?
Run it in Administrator mode. If it still fails, you might have the wrong version. - Does resetting delete my print settings?
No, it only resets the ink pad counter. Your preferences remain intact. - Can I ignore the reset warning?
No, your printer won’t work until you reset it. - How long does a reset take?
Usually under five minutes. - Do I need to replace the pads after the first warning?
Not always, but if you print a lot, it’s better to clean or replace them after a couple of resets.
Final Thoughts
The Epson L385 reset process is nothing to fear. Whether you go with the software reset or the manual button method, the steps are straightforward. Most users can get their printer working again within minutes without needing a technician.
Still, remember that resetting is like silencing a reminder—it doesn’t solve the root cause. The waste ink pads will eventually need attention. If you take care of that, your Epson L385 will continue serving you with reliable prints for years to come.
So, the next time your printer flashes those annoying lights, you’ll know exactly what to do: reset it and get back to printing hassle-free.
