Troubleshooting Epson SC P800 Printer Freeze Issues after Printhead Cleaning

Question: I'm encountering issues with my Epson SC P800 printer after attempting to fix a ink blockage. I cleaned the printer head and the connecting tubes after discovering hardened ink. Despite resolving this, the printer now freezes at the Epson logo upon startup. Initially, a service agent suggested the problem could be with the motherboard or the printer head, noting the printer worked for other colors previously. I replaced the mainboard. The replaced motherboard failed soon after, prompting advice to buy a new printer. I am looking for a solution that will allow me to keep using my current printer without purchasing a new one.

Answer: Thank you for reaching out with your question, and we appreciate your engagement with BCH Technologies, especially your participation on our YouTube channel. Your feedback is crucial for enhancing our technical support and content.

It sounds like you've encountered a significant issue with your Epson SC p800 after attempting to resolve a clog in the ink system. Cleaning the printer head and tubes is a good first step when dealing with ink flow problems, but it appears that further complications have arisen post-cleanup.

From your description, the printer initially only had an issue with the yellow ink, but after your intervention and subsequent tests by service agents, it seems likely that the cleaning and reassembly process may have inadvertently damaged sensitive components like the motherboard and/or the printer head. Moreover, the situation was exacerbated when the replacement motherboard also failed.

Given these circumstances, here's a detailed plan to try and salvage your printer:

1. Discard the damaged printhead: If the printhead was faulty and possibly damaged the new motherboard, it’s best to replace it to prevent recurring issues.
2. Check and replace the FFC cables: These flat flexible cables connect various printer parts and can be damaged easily, especially if exposed to excess ink or improper handling.
3. Professional repair for the motherboard: Given the complexity of printer electronics, this should be handled by a professional. It's possible that the motherboard can still be repaired.
4. Install a new motherboard and printhead: Ensure that both are properly installed and tested to prevent a repeat of the previous failures.

Addressing printer issues can be intricate due to the hands-on nature of such problems. For example, resolving a simple clog might require detailed advice on unclogging procedures, whereas a printer that sat idle might need a full ink system service. Situations like "paper jam" are notorious for their myriad potential causes, often becoming a light-hearted joke about their unpredictability. As such, we are unable to provide detailed remote troubleshooting. Instead, we offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility, accessible here. Due to high demand, scheduling may take some time, and we operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

We encourage starting with self-help options, such as consulting our YouTube channel for relevant videos. This is often the quickest way to address common issues.

Thank you again for reaching out to BCH Technologies. We are here to support your efforts in getting your Epson SC p800 back to full functionality. Should you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We wish you the best with your printer repair endeavors.