Fixing Black Ink Smears and Error Code 031006 on Epson WF 7210

Question

I have a serious problem with my Epson WF 7210 printer. Recently, I've noticed black smears on some of my prints. After opening the printhead assembly and removing the printhead, I found a lot of black ink pooling underneath. This printer is fairly new, only used for a few months, and I use a CISS which has been fine until now.

Additionally, after drying the ink and reassembling the printer, it worked fine initially. However, the next day, I encountered error code 031006. I've watched your video on this error for another printer, and you mentioned it could be due to the motherboard, a fuse for the printhead (F03), or the printhead itself. How can I narrow down the problem before ordering parts? Also, I noticed a possible burn mark on the tape that connects to the printhead and discoloration on one of the metal prongs. Could the tape be the issue? If the F03 fuse is bad, how can I check it? I would appreciate any advice and information on the parts I might need.

Answer

Thank you for contacting us at BCH Technologies. We appreciate your engagement and support, particularly with our YouTube channel BCH Technologies (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your feedback is crucial in helping us develop our technical expertise further.

Regarding your Epson WF 7210 printer, it appears that the issue might be related to the Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS) setup. When using a CISS, it is vital to ensure the printhead is positioned correctly between the small and larger tank's ink levels. If the printhead is positioned too high, the ink will flow back to the tank, and if it's too low, it can flood the printhead. For detailed instructions on how to prime your CIS tanks properly, you can refer to our article on How to Prime CIS Tanks (https://support.bchtechnologies.com/hc/en-us/articles/204852455-How-to-Prime-CIS-Tanks).

Given that you found ink on the FFC cable and noticed discoloration, it strongly indicates that both the FFC cable and the printhead might need replacement. Additionally, the mainboard's F03 fuse could also be affected and might need replacement. Here are some steps to help you troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:

1. Replace the FFC Cable and Printhead: Since there is ink on the FFC cable and signs of discoloration, replacing these components is crucial. A faulty FFC cable can cause communication errors between the printhead and the mainboard.
2. Check and Replace the F03 Fuse: The error code 031006 could be linked to a blown F03 fuse on the mainboard. To check this, you will need to access the mainboard, locate the F03 fuse, and test it with a multimeter. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one. Check and Replace the F Fuse: The error code 031006 could be linked to a blown F fuse on the mainboard. To check this, you will need to access the mainboard, locate the F03 fuse, and test it with a multimeter. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one. Here is a video about uncasing WF-7720: https://youtu.be/oyTD8yaNCZA Here is the replacement fuse https://bchtechnologies.com/f1-fuse-also-f2-f3-for-epson-mainboard-fix-error-0x9a-or-031006-on-wf-7720-wf-7710-wf-3640-wf-3620-wf-8510-et-8550-xp-15000/ On that page, it has a couple of videos showing how to test and replace it, and if you scroll down, you will see where these fuses are on the mainboard
3. Inspect the CISS Installation: Ensure that your CISS is correctly installed and the ink levels are balanced as mentioned in the guide. Improper installation can lead to ink flooding or backflow, causing various issues.
4. Test with a New Printhead: If you have a spare printhead, you can install it to see if it resolves the issue. However, ensure that the FFC cable and fuse are in good condition before doing so to prevent any damage to the new printhead.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we are not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it might take a few weeks before we can get to your printer if you decide to drop it off or mail it to us. Our services are structured to repair either the whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed if you opt for mail-in or local drop-off services.

However, we acknowledge that our rates might not be the most economical. Therefore, we highly recommend resorting to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries daily asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it is challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be the most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Thank you once again for reaching out to us. We appreciate your support and hope this information helps resolve your printer issue.