BRAND NEW Epson L1800 No Ink Coming Out of the Printhead!

Question:

Brand New Epson L1800 - No Ink Coming Out

I purchased a brand new Epson L1800 in 2022 and did not unpack it until June 2, 2024. The printer seems to be functioning normally, but no ink is coming out of the printhead. I've installed the Epson Adjustment Program and manually recharged the ink, deep cleaned, and purged the ink several times, but still no ink. I've tried to contact Epson with no luck, and the machine cannot be registered for warranty due to its age. What are my options?

Answer:

Thank you for contacting us at BCH Technologies. We are grateful for your engagement and support, particularly through our YouTube channel. Your feedback plays a crucial role in further developing our technical expertise.

To address your issue with the Epson L1800 printer where no ink is coming out of the printhead, even after performing several maintenance steps, here are some detailed troubleshooting steps you can follow:

1. Capping Station Functionality: It's crucial to ensure the capping station is functioning 100% correctly. This component is vital for replacing the shipping fluid inside new printheads with ink. If the capping station is clogged or malfunctioning, the ink cannot replace the shipping fluid, resulting in blank prints. You can check the capping station's functionality through this video guide. Since your printer is new, the capping station should generally be fine, but it’s worth checking.
2. Inspect the Dampers: The printer’s built-in function might not be powerful enough to fill the dampers. Remove the dampers and inspect to see if they are filled with ink. If not, follow this video on priming the dampers. Although it's not the same model, the process to prime the damper is the same. After priming the damper, perform a cleaning to see if ink is coming out of the waste tube. If ink comes out, then your ink system is functioning properly, and you may need to investigate the electronics.
3. Epson Adjustment Program: Since you have used the Epson Adjustment Program, note that the "Power Clean" function can only be used every 12 hours. Using it more frequently or performing multiple cleanings back to back can cause issues below.
4. Inspect the F1 Fuse on the Mainboard: A blown fuse could prevent the printer from functioning correctly. Check the F1 fuse on the mainboard. If the fuse is intact, examine the FFC (Flat Flexible Cable) connecting the printhead to ensure it is not damaged or improperly connected. 
5. Examine the Driver Chip IC: The driver chip IC controls the printhead and can cause issues if it is faulty. You can watch a brief overview of this procedure on our YouTube shorts and another short video. For a detailed procedure, our membership subscribers can access the full video here.

Addressing printer issues can be complex due to the hands-on nature of the problems. For instance, resolving a simple clog might involve specific unclogging procedures. However, if the printer remained inactive for an extended period, a comprehensive service for the ink system might be necessary. Situations like a "paper jam" can arise from numerous potential causes, making it a common office jest. Therefore, we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs.

We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility. Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, which might result in a few weeks' wait before you can drop off or mail in your printer. Our services are structured to repair either the entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions for mail-in or local drop-off services. However, we acknowledge that our rates may not be the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend resorting to self-help via online research. You can start by exploring YouTube. Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to find specific videos. As I receive numerous queries daily about specific topics, using YouTube's search function is most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Thank you again for reaching out to us. We hope these steps help resolve your printer issue.