There are two possible methods for getting at the print head on desktop model Epson printers - please read both before proceeding with your chosen method.

Method 1

Turn the printer off using the power switch on the printer. The printhead should be locked into position, and the power light should go off. Looking to the left side of the printer (with the lid open) look for a white plastic cog about 3" diameter (it is fitted to the metal bar which is covered in rubber). Pull the top of this cog towards you and as you do so, you should be able to see the little plastic ‘locking pin’ under the print head roll back into the machine. You can now pull the print head to carriage left and carry out whatever maintenance you need to. Once you have completed your maintenance, move the printhead back to its home position, and relock the head by pushing that cog away from you, until you see the locking pin raise back into place.

The disadvantage with this method is that it is possible that you may be placing a strain on the stepper motor that moves the print head. We like it though (we think we discovered it) and have experienced no issues related to this that we know of. We have tested this on Epson model 1160, 1270 and 1290, 950, C82 and others with no problems - other than it rather oddly does not work when the printer is first out of the box. This method does not work on the Epson 980.

Method 2

With the printer on, press the ink-change button (as per your printer’s manual) for approximately 3 seconds, until the print head moves over to carriage left, ready for an ink-change. Pull the power lead out of the back of the printer - this ensures that the printer doesn’t get fed up of waiting for you to do <whatever> and attempt to move the print head back whilst you are doing it! On completion of maintenance, either plug the printer back in, or return the head to its home position (as per method 1), lock it, and then power on.
The disadvantages with this approach is that it risks damaging the power supply, but it will probably be a valid method for more printers, and the risk is probably negligible.

With Canon printers like the S9000, PIXMA ip4000, simply opening the lid of the printer brings the printhead to the ink change position.

Please note that MWORDS has closed. We aim to retain these support pages in the hope that they may benefit our past customers, but regret that we can no longer offer further comment or support in relation to the information above.