Troubleshooting ET-8550 Paper Jam Error Code 000025 After DTF Conversion

Question:

I recently had to buy a new ET-8550 which I converted to DTF. I sealed/waterproofed the printhead, installed the silicone washer gasket seal pads, hooked up the CISS, then turned on the printer. The printhead/carriage slams into the left side of the printer and generates the paper jam error code (000025). I've double-checked everything I can think of that would cause this to happen, but cannot figure out what is causing this problem. I've gone through all Blogs and Q&As on your site. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Answer:

Thank you for contacting us at BCH Technologies. We are grateful for your engagement and support, particularly with regard to our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your feedback plays a crucial role in further developing our technical expertise.

To address your issue with the ET-8550 printer, let's start by understanding what the error code 000025 means:

000025 Error Code Meaning: CR (printhead carriage return) PID speed fall error

Description:

• Main Board failure (Firmware failure)
• Carriage overload due to paper jam

This error indicates that the printer believes the carriage cannot move. Here are some common causes and detailed steps to troubleshoot this problem:

1. Carriage Movement Obstruction:
   • Ensure that there are no physical obstructions preventing the carriage from moving. Check for any small objects or debris inside the printer that might be causing the blockage.
2. Timing Belt and Encoder Reader:
   • The timing belt must be properly inserted into the encoder reader. If the timing belt is not correctly aligned or inserted, the printhead will not receive accurate signals to move. Inspect the timing belt for any signs of misalignment or damage, and ensure it is securely in place.
3. Motor Stalling:
   • A stalled motor can also cause this error. Verify that the motor is functioning correctly and is not being hindered by any external factors. You may need to disassemble the printer partially to check the motor connections and ensure they are intact..
4. Paper Jam or Carriage Overload:
   • Even if there isn't a visible paper jam, the printer might falsely detect one due to cartridge overload. Especially if you do not have the FFC cable long enough, so the printhead carriage is stalled due to unable to read far left or right of the printer. Inspect the carriage area for any signs of a jam. 

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 (https://bchtechnologies.com/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 (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). 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 to us. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to assist all our customers.