Understanding and Resolving Epson Error Code 034019 on ET-16000 Printers

Question: I sincerely appreciate the invaluable support you provide to individuals navigating the labyrinth of printer problems. Recently, I've encountered a confounding issue with my Epson ET-16000 printer. Upon powering it on, the setup routine progresses smoothly until a disconcerting clunking noise emanates towards the end, halting the process abruptly. Subsequently, the screen displays an error message: "Printer error. Turn the power off and on again. If the problem persists, contact Epson Support. Error code 034019." Despite exhaustive attempts at troubleshooting, the root cause remains elusive. Notably, during my investigation, I observed several of the minuscule metal gear-like wheels responsible for paper feed seemed to have dislodged, along with their accompanying springs, when I extracted a jammed paper. Adding to my frustration, despite the printer being under warranty, I'm encountering hurdles with Epson's warranty service, which is compounded by the uncertainty surrounding the replacement's durability, given its refurbished status and lack of warranty coverage. In light of these challenges, I'm reaching out to seek your expertise and guidance. Can you provide insights into the significance of error code 034019 on my Epson ET-16000 printer, and offer recommendations to address it?

Answer: Your engagement and support mean a great deal to us, and we're deeply grateful for your trust in BCH Technologies. Thank you for reaching out to us with your printer predicament, and for your continued support of our endeavors, particularly our YouTube channel, BCH Technologies. Your feedback plays a pivotal role in shaping our technical proficiency and ensuring that we deliver solutions that meet your needs effectively.

Error code 034019 on your Epson ET-16000 printer points to an APG error, as indicated by Epson's documentation. This error arises when the PG Change Mechanism, responsible for orchestrating paper movement, experiences anomalies during operation. Also, your detailed description of error occurance made us to think it is the cause. Upon start up, the Epson printer will do a series of self checks. The detailed checks need to be examined by a professional but from what you describe, the printer is already passed the CR check and on it's final stage of checking APG then lock the printhead.

Let's explore the potential causes behind this error and outline the steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve it comprehensively:

1. Poor Engagement or Malfunction of PG Change Mechanism:
   • Begin by cycling the power supply of the printer on and off. During this process, pay close attention to the PG change operation to determine if it triggers an error consistently. Persistent errors may indicate poor engagement or a malfunction within the PG Change Mechanism.
   • Next, inspect the movement of the PG (Paper Guide) during printer operation. If the PG fails to move up and down as expected, mechanical issues with the PG Change Mechanism or inadequate pushing force on the CR (Carriage Return) Gear may be the culprits.
2. APG Sensor Malfunction:
   • Should errors persist despite normal PG movement, it's prudent to consider the possibility of a malfunctioning APG Sensor. This sensor plays a crucial role in detecting paper movement and facilitating the printer's response accordingly.
3. Mainboard or FFC Connection Failure:
   • While less common, a malfunctioning mainboard or a failure in the FFC (Flat Flexible Cable) connection, specifically at CN701 on the mainboard, could contribute to the error.

Given that your printer is still under warranty, we strongly recommend reaching out to Epson support promptly to initiate the warranty claim process. Epson's dedicated support team can guide you through the necessary steps and provide appropriate solutions tailored to your specific situation.

Addressing printer issues can be intricate due to their hands-on nature, and resolving them often requires expert assistance. For comprehensive solutions, we offer in-person evaluation and repair services through our local diagnostic facility, BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service. While we operate on a first-come, first-served basis due to high demand, rest assured that we are committed to resolving your printer issues efficiently and effectively.

Thank you once again for entrusting us with your printer concerns. We're here to support you every step of the way and ensure that you receive the assistance you need to resolve this issue satisfactorily.