Resolving Epson Printer 2H or 0x02 Error Code:

Question:

I'm sorry to bother you again. I replaced the printer cables and got the squeegee for the printhead to move down. Now my printhead will slide back and forth, but it’s giving me a 2H code. Before, it was slamming to the other side as if the carriage return sensor wasn’t reading the clear strip. I installed a new strip and cable, and a new printhead cable. Now, when I turn it on, the printhead doesn’t move at all. What can I do to troubleshoot this? Could the motor cable need replacing? I noticed the front right side cable looked damaged, but all the pins are there. I had to push them back down before installing. Could this be the problem? I really need to get this printer back up and running. It's been down too long since I tried to clean my printhead myself. Please help, and thank you so much for your time.

Answer:

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

The 2H or 0x02 error code indicates a CR (carriage return) PID excess speed error, which is often due to a CR encoder failure, tooth skip, or improper tension of the timing belt. Other potential causes include cable or FFC disconnection, motor driver failure, or mainboard failure.

Let's break down these possibilities in detail:

  1. CR Encoder Failure: The carriage return (CR) encoder is responsible for tracking the position of the printhead. If the encoder fails, it can cause incorrect positioning, leading to the 2H error code. Ensure the encoder strip is clean and properly installed.
  2. Timing Belt Issues: If the timing belt is improperly tensioned or has skipped a tooth, it can cause the printhead to misalign. Verify that the belt is properly seated and has the correct tension.
  3. Cable or FFC Disconnection: You mentioned replacing the FFC cable, which solved the printhead slamming issue. However, if any cable is loose or improperly connected, it can still cause errors. Double-check all connections, especially the front right side cable you mentioned. Damaged pins can indeed disrupt the signal, so ensure they are correctly positioned and not bent.
  4. Motor Driver Failure: The motor driver controls the printhead's movement. If it fails, the printhead won't move as expected. This typically requires professional diagnostic tools to verify and repair.
  5. Mainboard Failure: If the mainboard is not receiving the correct signals due to any of the above issues, it can result in the 2H error code. This too often necessitates professional equipment to diagnose accurately.

Given the complexity of these issues, it’s recommended to take your printer to a professional for a full diagnosis. While it's possible to troubleshoot some aspects yourself, identifying and fixing the exact cause can be challenging without the right tools.

Addressing printer issues can be complicated 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. Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 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 again for reaching out. We appreciate your support and hope this information helps get your printer back up and running.