SAM4S Cash Register Error Codes & Display Messages

Find out what your SAM4S register is telling you, and what is safe to do about it. Start with the exact model: the same-looking message can mean different things on different SAM4S families, and so can the key sequence that clears it.

Before you press anything

  1. Write down the complete code or message exactly as displayed.
  2. Photograph the display, and note the key or action that caused it.
  3. Confirm the control lock or mode selector is in the correct mode for the task.
  4. Where a CLEAR is appropriate, press it once. If the message returns, do not keep repeating the same transaction.
  5. Do not initialize, RAM clear, memory clear or use an undocumented service-mode reset. Those procedures erase programming, totals and stored sales data.

Then look the message up below. Every entry comes from the manufacturer's manual for that family.

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Common cash register troubleshooting · SAM4S manuals · Remote support & programming

Sourced error messages

Look up your SAM4S error code

Search a code, or a word from the display, or filter by your model family.

51 sourced messages

Only families with a published manufacturer error table appear here. If yours is not listed, use the model routing below.

One rule before you try anything below. Do not perform an initial clear, RAM clear, memory clear or factory reset to shift a message. Those are servicing steps, they erase your programming and your sales data, and no message below needs one.

SPS-500

These 40 messages are documented for the SPS-500 only. A code that looks the same on another SAM4S family can mean something different, so do not read them across.

  • 40 NO PAPER Customer-safe

    What it means. The paper roll has run out.

    Safe first check. Fit a new roll of the correct width.

    Stop and ask for help when. The message stays after a known-good roll is fitted correctly.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 50 PAPER END Customer-safe

    What it means. The paper roll has run out.

    Safe first check. Fit a new roll of the correct width.

    Stop and ask for help when. The message stays after a known-good roll is fitted correctly.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 212 PAPER END Customer-safe

    What it means. The paper roll has run out.

    Safe first check. Fit a new roll of the correct width.

    Stop and ask for help when. The message stays after a known-good roll is fitted correctly.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 213 PAPER NEAR END Customer-safe

    What it means. The roll is nearly out. This is a warning, not a fault.

    Safe first check. Have a replacement roll ready and change it at a quiet moment.

    Stop and ask for help when. Not normally needed.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 211 COVER OPEN Customer-safe

    What it means. The printer cover is not closed.

    Safe first check. Close the printer cover fully until it latches.

    Stop and ask for help when. The message stays with the cover visibly latched.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 52 REMOVE PAPER Customer-safe

    What it means. The printer is waiting for paper to be taken.

    Safe first check. Clear the paper the printer is waiting on.

    Stop and ask for help when. The message stays once the paper path is clear.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 24 ERROR JAM Customer-safe

    What it means. The manual defines this as a receipt or journal printer jam.

    Safe first check. Open the cover and clear the jam carefully. Do not pull paper against the cutter.

    Stop and ask for help when. The jam recurs, or paper cannot be freed without force.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 215 AUTO CUTTER JAM Customer-safe

    What it means. The automatic cutter is obstructed.

    Safe first check. Clear the obstruction at the cutter.

    Stop and ask for help when. The cutter jams repeatedly, or the obstruction cannot be cleared by hand.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 214 TPH TEMPERATURE IS HIGH Customer-safe

    What it means. The manual states this appears when the print head surface reaches 140F. It is a protection, not a failure, and should not persist in normal use.

    Safe first check. The manual says powering the register off is NOT necessary, and that opening the printer cover is more effective. Let the head cool.

    Stop and ask for help when. It persists, or anything has been spilled on the printer. The manual warns that a spill can make the sensor misread the temperature and needs a qualified service technician.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 31 KITCHEN PRINTER FAILURE Customer-safe

    What it means. A remote kitchen printer is not responding.

    Safe first check. Check the kitchen printer is powered, connected and online, and that it has paper.

    Stop and ask for help when. The printer is powered and online but still unreachable - that is a communications or configuration problem.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 216 PRINTER BUFFER FULL Customer-safe

    What it means. The printer has more work queued than it can hold, usually because it has stopped accepting data.

    Safe first check. Check the printer is powered, connected and online.

    Stop and ask for help when. The printer is online and the buffer still fills.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 151 PRINTER OFFLINE Customer-safe

    What it means. The printer is not responding to the register.

    Safe first check. Check the printer is powered, connected and online.

    Stop and ask for help when. The printer is powered and online but still unreachable.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 115 LOCAL PRINTER REQUIRED Customer-safe

    What it means. The operation needs the local printer, which is not available.

    Safe first check. Check the printer is powered, connected and online.

    Stop and ask for help when. The printer is online and the message persists.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 114 ERROR - SLIP PAPER Customer-safe

    What it means. A slip printer paper condition.

    Safe first check. Check the slip is inserted correctly and the slip printer is ready.

    Stop and ask for help when. Slips still will not print with paper correctly loaded.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 34 MEMORY FULL Take the report first

    What it means. Memory allocated to a total, buffer or report is full.

    Safe first check. Take and KEEP the appropriate report before clearing it. Printing or saving the report first matters, because clearing removes the data.

    Stop and ask for help when. You are not sure which report holds the data, or the message returns immediately after a report is taken. Never run an initial clear, memory clear or factory reset to fix this.

    Category: Buffers and reports

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 134 EJ BUFFER FULL Take the report first

    What it means. The electronic journal is full.

    Safe first check. Take and KEEP the electronic journal report before clearing it. Clearing removes the journal.

    Stop and ask for help when. The journal is needed for an audit, or you are unsure how to save it before clearing.

    Category: Buffers and reports

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 86 MEMORY NOT ALLOCATED Take the report first

    What it means. The feature being used has no memory allocated to it.

    Safe first check. Take and keep the reports you rely on before anything is reallocated.

    Stop and ask for help when. Memory allocation is a programming change - request support rather than reallocating memory yourself.

    Category: Buffers and reports

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 147 ELECTRONIC JOURNAL INACTIVE Take the report first

    What it means. The electronic journal is not currently active.

    Safe first check. Take and keep any journal data still held before changing the setting.

    Stop and ask for help when. Turning the journal on is a programming change - request support.

    Category: Buffers and reports

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 87 THIS EMP. RPT MUST BE CLEARED Take the report first

    What it means. An employee report must be cleared before the operation can continue.

    Safe first check. Take and KEEP the employee report first, then clear it.

    Stop and ask for help when. The totals are needed for payroll and you are unsure how to save them.

    Category: Buffers and reports

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 5 BUFFER FULL Customer-safe

    What it means. The guest-check buffer is full.

    Safe first check. The manual explains that for a hard check the operator presses SERVICE to print and clear the buffer, then picks the balance up again. For a soft check the sale has to be finalised.

    Stop and ask for help when. The buffer fills repeatedly during normal trading - that suggests the allocation needs review.

    Category: Buffers and reports

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 150 CARD ERROR Customer-safe

    What it means. A payment device condition reported back to the register.

    Safe first check. Handle it at the payment terminal: retry the card, or take the payment another way.

    Stop and ask for help when. Every card fails, which points at the terminal, the connection or the processor rather than the card.

    Category: Payment

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 149 EFT CANCELED Customer-safe

    What it means. The electronic payment was cancelled.

    Safe first check. Handled at the payment terminal. Confirm whether the customer was charged before retrying.

    Stop and ask for help when. You cannot tell whether the transaction completed.

    Category: Payment

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 223 INVALID EFT MESSAGE Technician or service

    What it means. The register received a payment message it could not interpret.

    Safe first check. Note what was on screen and which card type was used.

    Stop and ask for help when. Straight away. This is a payment integration condition, not an operator error.

    Category: Payment

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 195 INVALID SD CARD Customer-safe

    What it means. The SD card cannot be read.

    Safe first check. Reseat the card, or try a known-good one.

    Stop and ask for help when. A known-good card is also rejected.

    Category: Media

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 198 PLEASE CHECK SD CARD Customer-safe

    What it means. The register cannot use the SD card as expected.

    Safe first check. Reseat the card, or try a known-good one.

    Stop and ask for help when. A known-good card is also rejected.

    Category: Media

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 203 PLEASE CHECK USB Customer-safe

    What it means. The register cannot use the USB drive as expected.

    Safe first check. Reseat the drive, or try a known-good one.

    Stop and ask for help when. A known-good drive is also rejected.

    Category: Media

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 204 INVALID USB Customer-safe

    What it means. The USB drive cannot be read.

    Safe first check. Reseat the drive, or try a known-good one.

    Stop and ask for help when. A known-good drive is also rejected.

    Category: Media

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 199 FILE NOT FOUND Customer-safe

    What it means. The file the register expected on the media is not there.

    Safe first check. Confirm the correct card or drive is fitted and that the file was saved to it.

    Stop and ask for help when. The file should be there and is not - stop before overwriting anything.

    Category: Media

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 47 OFF LINE Customer-safe

    What it means. A register-to-register or network connection is down.

    Safe first check. Check cabling and that the other register or device is powered and on the network.

    Stop and ask for help when. Cabling and power are fine - network settings are a configuration change, not an operator step.

    Category: Communications

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 116 CHECK NETWORK SETTING Technician or service

    What it means. The register's network configuration is not working for the operation attempted.

    Safe first check. Check the cable is seated and the network is up.

    Stop and ask for help when. Beyond the cable check. Changing network settings is a configuration change - request support.

    Category: Communications

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 26 HALO OVER Customer-safe

    What it means. The amount entered exceeds the programmed high-amount-lock-out limit. The register is doing what it was set up to do - it is not broken.

    Safe first check. Re-check the amount. If the amount is genuinely correct, a manager or supervisor entry may be required.

    Stop and ask for help when. The limit is set wrong for the business. Changing it is a programming change.

    Category: Everyday operation

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 27 ILLEGAL KEY SEQUENCE Customer-safe

    What it means. The manual defines this as the operator using an illegal key sequence.

    Safe first check. Clear and repeat the operation in the documented order.

    Stop and ask for help when. A sequence staff have always used now fails - that suggests programming changed.

    Category: Everyday operation

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 10 CASH-IN-DRAWER EXCEEDED Customer-safe

    What it means. The programmed cash-in-drawer limit has been exceeded. It is a cash-control prompt, not a fault.

    Safe first check. Do a documented cash pickup or drop so the drawer total falls below the limit.

    Stop and ask for help when. The limit is wrong for the business - that is a programming change.

    Category: Everyday operation

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 9 CASH DECLARATION REQUIRED Customer-safe

    What it means. The register has been programmed to require a cash declaration before reports can be run.

    Safe first check. Count the drawer and enter the declaration, then run the report.

    Stop and ask for help when. The requirement is not wanted - that is a programming change.

    Category: Everyday operation

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 28 IN USE Customer-safe

    What it means. The guest check or clerk is already open somewhere else.

    Safe first check. Find where the check or clerk is open and close it there first.

    Stop and ask for help when. Nothing is actually open elsewhere and the message persists.

    Category: Everyday operation

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 3 AMOUNT REQUIRED Customer-safe

    What it means. This operation requires an amount entry.

    Safe first check. Enter the amount, then repeat the key.

    Stop and ask for help when. Not normally needed.

    Category: Everyday operation

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 4 BAD VALUE Customer-safe

    What it means. The number entered is incorrect for the task.

    Safe first check. Clear and re-enter a valid value.

    Stop and ask for help when. A value that used to be accepted now is not.

    Category: Everyday operation

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 22 ENTRY REQUIRED Customer-safe

    What it means. The function needs a numeric entry.

    Safe first check. Enter the number the function expects, then repeat the key.

    Stop and ask for help when. Not normally needed.

    Category: Everyday operation

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140).

  • 57 SYSTEM ERROR Technician or service

    What it means. A system-level condition. The manual places this outside customer first-line troubleshooting.

    Safe first check. Write down exactly what is on the display and what was being done at the time. Do not clear memory.

    Stop and ask for help when. Immediately. Never run an initial clear, RAM clear or factory reset in response to this.

    Category: Technician or service

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140). Classified technician territory in the SAM4SDirect SPS-500 safe-checks record.

  • 218 RESTORE DALLAS KEY Technician or service

    What it means. A hardware security key condition.

    Safe first check. None at operator level. Record the message.

    Stop and ask for help when. Immediately.

    Category: Technician or service

    Source. Sam4s SPS-500 Program Manual v1.36, Error Message Definitions (from page 140). Classified technician territory in the SAM4SDirect SPS-500 safe-checks record.

ER-180U

These 8 messages are documented for the ER-180U only. A code that looks the same on another SAM4S family can mean something different, so do not read them across.

  • E14 EJ FULL Take the report first

    What it means. The electronic journal is full.

    Safe first check. Take and KEEP the journal report before clearing it. Clearing removes the sales data.

    Stop and ask for help when. The journal is needed for an audit, or you are unsure how to save it first. Do not run an initial clear or memory clear.

    Category: Buffers and reports

    Source. Sam4s ER-180U Operator and Programming Manual v1.8, Error Message List, page 11, with the safe-first-check guidance recorded in the SAM4SDirect ER-180U error record. ER-180U only.

  • E16 REQ. Z REPORT Take the report first

    What it means. A Z report is required before the register will continue.

    Safe first check. Take and KEEP the Z report. Keep the printout, because the Z report clears the totals as it prints.

    Stop and ask for help when. The totals are needed and you are unsure how to preserve them.

    Category: Buffers and reports

    Source. Sam4s ER-180U Operator and Programming Manual v1.8, Error Message List, page 11, with the safe-first-check guidance recorded in the SAM4SDirect ER-180U error record. ER-180U only.

  • E21 STOP PRINTING FOR COOLING OF PRINTER Customer-safe

    What it means. A thermal print-head cooling protection. It is not a failure.

    Safe first check. Wait. It clears on its own once the printer cools.

    Stop and ask for help when. It happens constantly in normal use.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s ER-180U Operator and Programming Manual v1.8, Error Message List, page 11, with the safe-first-check guidance recorded in the SAM4SDirect ER-180U error record. ER-180U only.

  • PER RECEIPT PRINTER PAPER END Customer-safe

    What it means. The receipt paper roll has run out.

    Safe first check. Fit a new roll of the correct width.

    Stop and ask for help when. The message stays after a known-good roll is fitted correctly.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s ER-180U Operator and Programming Manual v1.8, Error Message List, page 11, with the safe-first-check guidance recorded in the SAM4SDirect ER-180U error record. ER-180U only.

  • E4 TIME AND DATE Customer-safe

    What it means. The manual lists this message under TIME AND DATE. It does not publish a separate definition, so nothing further is stated here.

    Safe first check. Check the register's date and time against the documented procedure for this model.

    Stop and ask for help when. The clock will not hold the correct time, which can indicate a memory-backup battery issue.

    Category: Everyday operation

    Source. Sam4s ER-180U Operator and Programming Manual v1.8, Error Message List, page 11. The manual publishes the message list; it does not publish a definition for each code. ER-180U only.

  • E00 SEQUENCE ERROR Customer-safe

    What it means. The manual lists this message as SEQUENCE ERROR. It does not publish a separate definition, so nothing further is stated here.

    Safe first check. Clear and repeat the operation in the documented order.

    Stop and ask for help when. A sequence staff have always used now fails.

    Category: Everyday operation

    Source. Sam4s ER-180U Operator and Programming Manual v1.8, Error Message List, page 11. The manual publishes the message list; it does not publish a definition for each code. ER-180U only.

  • E20 REQ. MODE PASSWORD Customer-safe

    What it means. The mode being entered is password protected.

    Safe first check. Enter the password held by the owner or manager.

    Stop and ask for help when. Nobody has the password. Do not attempt a clear to get past it - that erases programming and data.

    Category: Everyday operation

    Source. Sam4s ER-180U Operator and Programming Manual v1.8, Error Message List, page 11. The manual publishes the message list; it does not publish a definition for each code. ER-180U only.

  • E15 REQ. CASH DECLARATION Customer-safe

    What it means. A cash declaration is required before the operation can continue.

    Safe first check. Count the drawer and enter the declaration.

    Stop and ask for help when. The requirement is not wanted - that is a programming change.

    Category: Everyday operation

    Source. Sam4s ER-180U Operator and Programming Manual v1.8, Error Message List, page 11. The manual publishes the message list; it does not publish a definition for each code. ER-180U only.

ER-260EJ / ER-265EJ

These 3 messages are documented for the ER-260EJ / ER-265EJ only. A code that looks the same on another SAM4S family can mean something different, so do not read them across.

  • SD Required SD Required Customer-safe

    What it means. An SD card is required for EMV integrated payment. The register asks for one at startup.

    Safe first check. If you use EMV integrated payment, fit an SD card - the manual specifies up to 16GB, formatted FAT32. If you do NOT use EMV, the manual says to press CLEAR to bypass the message.

    Stop and ask for help when. You use integrated payment and the register still asks for the card with one fitted.

    Category: Media

    Source. Sam4s ER-260EJ/ER-265EJ Operator-Programming Manual v1.63: 'An SD card is required for EMV; if not using EMV press CLEAR to Bypass the SD Required error message.' ER-260EJ / ER-265EJ only.

    ER-260EJ / ER-265EJ Operator-Programming Manual →

  • CARD ERROR CARD ERROR Customer-safe

    What it means. A debit card presented for a PIN debit transaction failed to read.

    Safe first check. The manual gives the sequence: press CLEAR, then choose another payment method. Pressing CREDIT lets the same card be run as a signature transaction; if it fails again, CLEAR gives an ENTER ACCT NO prompt for manual entry. Note the merchant may pay different card fees for PIN debit and signature debit.

    Stop and ask for help when. Every card fails, which points at the terminal or the connection rather than the card.

    Category: Payment

    Source. Sam4s ER-260EJ/ER-265EJ Operator-Programming Manual v1.63, PIN debit note. ER-260EJ / ER-265EJ only.

    ER-260EJ / ER-265EJ Operator-Programming Manual →

  • PRESS CASH TO CONTINUE PRESS CASH TO CONTINUE Customer-safe

    What it means. More than one document is being printed and the register is waiting between them.

    Safe first check. Tear off the printer paper and press CASH to resume printing.

    Stop and ask for help when. Printing does not resume after pressing CASH.

    Category: Printer and paper

    Source. Sam4s ER-260EJ/ER-265EJ Operator-Programming Manual v1.63, payment printing sequence. ER-260EJ / ER-265EJ only.

    ER-260EJ / ER-265EJ Operator-Programming Manual →

Still stuck after the safe first check?

Looking a code up is free and always will be. Diagnosis, programming changes, payment configuration and peripheral setup are paid work, because they take a person and a session on your register.

Request troubleshooting support

Support is handled during weekday business hours. We do not offer 24/7 support.

Error codes & display messages

Start with the exact SAM4S model.

The same-looking message can mean different things on different register families. Choose the model family first, then use only the error information published for that family.

Protect the programming and sales data. Do not perform an initial clear, RAM clear, memory clear, program clear, initialization or factory reset as a first troubleshooting step. Those procedures can erase programming or sales data.
Published error table available

SPS-500 Series

The manufacturer publishes a numbered default error-message table and separate definitions/safe first checks. Sites can reprogram the displayed wording, so use the error number when available.

Open sourced SPS-500 references → SPS-500 model help
No published error table found

ER-900 / ER-900E

Use the exact-model help/manual instead. The manual's “Error Correct” reference is a key function, not an error-code table.

ER-900 Series help →
No published error table found

SPS-300 Series

Use SPS-300 model-family help and the correct manual. Do not borrow SPS-500 error numbers for an SPS-320, SPS-340 or SPS-345.

SPS-300 Series help →
No published error table found

NR-500E / NR-510

No manufacturer error-code table is currently published in the verified source set. Use the model-family help and manual.

NR-500E / NR-510 help →
No published error table found

ER-260EJ / ER-265EJ

No manufacturer error-code table is currently published in the verified source set. Use the model-family help and manual.

ER-260EJ / ER-265EJ help →
No published error table found

ER-5200 / ER-5240

No manufacturer error-code table is currently published in the verified source set. Use the model-family help and manual.

ER-5200 / ER-5240 help →
Model not sure?

Identify the register first

Check the front label, manual cover, service sticker, keyboard sheet, receipt header or the label on the back/bottom. A photo is useful if the model number is hard to read.

Send the model/photo →
Routed, not a code table

Payment or terminal communication

A decline, a terminal that stops responding, or a station that loses communication is usually not a register error code. It depends on the processor, the payment device, the network and the software version, and the exact message matters.

SmartECR and payment integration help →

Manufacturer-sourced references

Only models with a verified published table appear here.

These records come from structured SAM4S documentation data. New verified error references can be added to the data without rewriting this theme section.

Error code reference ER-180U Error Message ListOP Manual v1.8 (28 Jan 2026), page 11 Open
Error codes displayed by the SAM4S ER-180U, transcribed from the Sam4s ER-180U Operator & Programming Manual v1.8, "Error Message List", page 11. These codes apply to the ER-180U only and must not be applied to other model families.

E00 SEQUENCE ERROR
E1 PLU NO DATA
E2 CLERK ERROR
E3 AMOUNT COUNT OVER
E4 TIME AND DATE
E5 LIMIT OVER
E6 REQ. DRAWER
E7 CONSOL OVER
E8 REQ. SUBTOTAL
E9 NO VOID PLU
E10 REQ. PRESET VALUE
E11 REQ. OPEN VALUE
E12 REQ. AMOUNT
E13 INVALID FUNCTION
E14 EJ FULL
E15 REQ. CASH DECLARATION
E16 REQ. Z REPORT
E17 INACTIVE
E20 REQ. MODE PASSWORD
E21 STOP PRINTING FOR COOLING OF PRINTER
PER RECEIPT PRINTER PAPER END

Safe first checks only. E14 (EJ full) and E16 (Z report required) are resolved by taking the appropriate report - take and keep the report before clearing anything, because clearing removes the sales data. E21 is a thermal print head cooling protection and clears on its own once the printer cools. PER means the receipt paper roll has run out. Do not advise an initial clear, memory clear or initialisation for any of these codes: the manual notes an initial clear may be necessary as part of servicing, and it is destructive to programming and data.
Still stuck after the safe checks? Start a support request first. We will identify the exact model/problem and check any applicable SAM4sDirect purchase or support coverage before determining whether paid help is required.
Start a support request See paid support & programming →

No message on the display?

Common symptoms, and the safe first checks

Not every problem shows a code. These are safe checks anyone can do. They are general operating procedure, not message definitions - a displayed message belongs in the lookup above, under your own model family.

The register will not print

  • Confirm the roll is the correct width for the model and is feeding the right way round.
  • Close the printer cover fully until it latches.
  • Clear any scrap from the paper path. Do not pull paper back against the cutter.
  • A print head that has stopped to cool is a protection, not a failure. Let it cool before retrying.

If a message is on the display, look it up above - the printer messages we have a manufacturer source for are published there.

The cash drawer will not open

  • Close the drawer completely and check the drawer lock is in its normal operating position.
  • Check the drawer cable is seated at both ends.
  • If the drawer is driven by the receipt printer, the printer has to be powered and ready first.
  • Confirm the tender or no-sale key being used is the one the register is programmed to open the drawer with.

Do not pry the drawer or open the register cabinet.

A scanner or peripheral is not working

  • Check power and cable at both ends, and note exactly which device was in use.
  • One item not scanning usually means that item is not in the file - try a known-good item before suspecting the scanner.
  • Do not change device type, baud rate, parity or port settings without the exact configuration.

Port and device setup is a configuration change. Record the register model, port, peripheral model and cable, and ask rather than guess.

A card payment is uncertain

  • Before retrying anything, read the payment terminal: approved, declined, or no transaction.
  • Do not repeat a card sale until you know the result of the first one.
  • If every card fails, the terminal, the connection or the processor is the more likely cause than the card.

SmartECR and payment integration help →

The register will not ring a sale

  • Check the control lock or mode selector is in the operating mode the task needs.
  • Check a clerk is signed on with the key or code that register is set up for.
  • If a clerk cannot sign on, ask the owner or manager rather than changing clerk programming during trading.

Clerk and mode behaviour differs by family. If a specific message is displayed, look it up above or use your model help page.

Never as a first step

  • An initial clear, RAM clear, memory clear or program clear.
  • Initialization, a factory reset, or any undocumented service-mode procedure.

The SAM4s manuals describe these as servicing steps. They erase programming and sales data, and no message published on this page is documented as needing one.

Manuals and troubleshooting resources

Every model family has a help page and a manual, including the families we have no published error table for.

Stop and ask for help when

  • The same message returns after one CLEAR and a correct retry.
  • The register is stuck during a payment, or the card result is uncertain.
  • A memory, boot, firmware, battery or service-mode message appears.
  • Programming, items or totals appear to be missing.
  • A printer, drawer, scanner, scale or payment device stays offline.
  • The only procedure you can find involves initialization, a RAM clear or a memory clear - do not run it.

Send this with your request

  • Exact model and serial number
  • The complete message, and a clear photo of the display
  • The key or action that caused it
  • Whether a transaction is still open
  • Anything that changed recently
  • Models of any connected scanner, printer, scale or payment equipment
Start a support request or call (855) 867-2647

Support is handled during weekday business hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern, excluding holidays. We do not offer 24/7 support.

Repair or replace?

Is it time to replace your SAM4S register?

An error message does not mean the register needs replacing. If the fault keeps returning, is hardware-related, or the machine no longer fits the business, compare the repair path against a current replacement.

See current replacement options Keep troubleshooting with paid support →

Already own a SAM4s? Whether you bought it from us or somewhere else, or the dealer who sold it is no longer available, tell us what you have and what you need. We can help you work through programming, supplies, support, whether the register is worth keeping, and whether it makes sense to separately review what you pay for credit card processing. Start with what you own.