How to Fix Scanning Issues with White Bands on Epson WF-7520

Question: I've been a customer of BCH Technologies and appreciate your YouTube channel's valuable content. Currently, I'm facing an issue with my Epson WF-7520 printer during self-repair. The printhead checks out fine, but when scanning 11 x 17 documents on the flatbed, I get scans with 48mm wide alternating white bands on the right half. Could this issue be related to an integrated circuit microprocessor chip or perhaps a poor ribbon cable connection? Also, thank you for your helpful and engaging YouTube content.

Answer: Thank you so much for viewing our YouTube channel! Your support and engagement mean the world to us at BCH Technologies. We're dedicated to providing informative and helpful content to assist you with your printer repair needs and more. Also, thank you for your support and for reaching out with your question. Dealing with scanning issues on printers like the Epson WF-7520 can be challenging, but there are several potential causes and solutions to consider.

Based on your description, the issue with white bands appearing only on the right half of the page during scanning could stem from several factors. Before considering hardware malfunctions like an integrated circuit microprocessor chip failure or a poor ribbon cable connection, it's worth exploring simpler causes such as cleanliness of the scanning glass and the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) unit.

Cleaning the Scanner Glass:

1. Turn off the scanner and unplug the AC adapter.
2. Disconnect any connected cables, pull down on the cover open lever, and open the scanner cover.
3. Clean the glass scanning surfaces with a microfiber cloth or a soft, dry cloth. For tougher stains, use a small amount of glass cleaner on a cloth, but avoid spraying directly on the glass. Be careful not to apply too much pressure.
4. Close the scanner cover, plug in the AC adapter, and turn on the scanner.

Addressing ADF Unit Issues:

The ADF unit might also be a culprit, especially if lines or marks appear primarily in documents fed through it. Dust or debris on the ADF's glass strip (where documents are fed) can obstruct the scan path, leading to vertical lines or bands on the output. Here's how to clean it:

1. Locate the ADF unit and open it to access the glass strip.
2. Clean the glass strip with a cloth lightly dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray cleaner directly onto the unit.
3. Inspect for obstructions like stuck pieces of paper or debris that could interfere with the scanning process.
4. Gently clean any detected marks on the glass, using alcohol swabs for stubborn stains, such as white-out or ink marks.

If after thorough cleaning the issue persists, it could indeed indicate a more complex problem such as a malfunctioning component on the mainboard or a faulty connection. These scenarios generally require a professional diagnosis and repair. We offer in-person evaluation and repair services, detailed on our website (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service), to address such intricate issues.

For DIY troubleshooting and repair tips, our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) provides a wealth of information that might help resolve your issue or offer insights into further steps you can take. If you're seeking a second opinion or additional support, reaching out to a trusted service provider like Computer Concepts (tech@computers411.com) can offer further assistance.

Cleaning the scanner glass and ADF unit are typically the first steps in resolving scan quality issues. If these measures do not fix the problem, considering hardware diagnostics and professional repair services is advisable. Keep us updated on your progress, and we're here to help with any further questions or concerns.