Diagnosing ET-8550 Printer Issues: Mainboard, Printhead, and Error Code 031006

Q: I heard an electrical ‘pop’ sound when I powered on my printer after reassembling it. Upon inspection, I found two cables on the mainboard were loose. Now, the LCD screen isn’t working. Could you diagnose this and other components on the mainboard if I send it in? Also, could the printhead be damaged and causing the 031006 error code, or is it more likely to be the FFC cable or mainboard?

A: Thank you for contacting us at BCH Technologies. We appreciate your engagement and support, especially with our YouTube channel BCH Technologies on YouTube. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us refine our technical expertise.

Regarding the electrical 'pop' sound and subsequent issues with your printer, it's crucial to address the potential damage to several components, particularly the mainboard, FFC cable, and printhead. Let's break down these components and their respective issues:

1. Mainboard and Loose Cables:
   • The loose cables you discovered on the mainboard might have contributed to the initial electrical 'pop.' This sound often indicates a short circuit or electrical fault, which can lead to damage to the mainboard or other components. Ensuring that all connections are secure is vital, as any loose connections can cause malfunctioning of the printer, such as the LCD screen not working.
   • At BCH Technologies, we have a thorough repair process for the mainboard. We test the mainboard on a fully functional printer to identify and eliminate issues related to malfunctioning components like the printhead or LCD display.
2. FFC Cable:
   • The Flat Flexible Cable (FFC) is one of the easiest components to diagnose for physical damage. Examine the FFC cable for any burn marks or damage to the silver connectors. If these connectors are intact and shiny, the cable is likely in good condition. However, a damaged FFC cable can lead to communication issues between the printer components, potentially causing errors like 031006.
3. Printhead and Error Code 031006:
   • The 031006 error code often indicates a problem with the printhead. If the printhead has previously caused this error, there is a high probability (about 90%) that it is damaged beyond repair. A faulty printhead can result in poor printing quality or even prevent the printer from functioning altogether.
   • We recommend replacing the printhead, especially if it has been associated with error code 031006 in the past. A damaged printhead might also cause damage to a newly repaired mainboard, so replacing it ensures that the repaired mainboard is not affected by the same issues.

In summary, all three components—the mainboard, FFC cable, and printhead—could potentially contribute to the problems you are experiencing. Diagnosing and addressing each component individually will help ensure your printer is fully operational again.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're 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). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. So, it might take a few weeks before we can get your printer to drop it off or mail it to us. Our services are structured to repair either a 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 aren't the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage. 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 every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be 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 look forward to assisting you with your printer issues and hope to provide a solution soon.