DIAGNOSIS That grinding or crunching sound is almost always the printhead carriage hitting something it shouldn't—usually a stuck piece of paper or a foreign object in its path.
FIX 1) Turn the printer off and unplug it. 2) Open the front cover and the scanner unit (the whole top). 3) Look inside the right side of the printer where the printhead parks. Use a flashlight to check for torn paper bits, paper clips, or anything obstructing the silver rail the printhead moves on. 4) Gently wipe the silver rail with a dry lint-free cloth. 5) Manually move the printhead carriage from side to side—it should glide smoothly. 6) Clear any debris, close everything up, and plug it back in.
IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the noise persists with nothing in the way, the carriage motor or timing belt might be failing. Unplug the printer and check if the carriage moves stiffly by hand. If it's rough or catches in one spot, it's a hardware issue.
HEADS UP Never force the printhead carriage. If it's stuck, there's a reason. Forcing it can strip the plastic gears connected to the motor. If manual inspection finds nothing and the noise continues, it's time to contact Epson support.