Complete Guide to Fixing the Epson ET-8550 031006 error
- By Kevin Day
- On Dec 31, 2024
- Comment 0
Question:
This video was inspired by a DTF conversion I recently did on my Epson ET-8550. It went well for the first few prints. But after a month, it just stopped and now says "printer error." I've tried all the troubleshooting steps I could brainstorm, from checking the maintenance box to pulling up the tray, and nothing. How could a new printer already have problems? I’m feeling confused and need detailed steps on what to do next.
Answer:
Thank you for reaching out to us. I’m sorry to hear you are experiencing issues with your Epson ET-8550. I can only imagine how frustrating it can be when a printer with so much money behind starts to go wrong, especially after you have spent all that time and effort converting it for DTF printing. We acknowledge all our users and appreciate your love with us, mainly by providing your love to BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your response allows us to enhance our expertise and serve you better.
Let’s discuss your problem in as much detail as you can.
What to Know About Error Code 031006
The Epson ET-8550, error code 031006, usually refers to some issue with 1 of the below two components:
Mainboard: The mainboard controls many aspects of the printer’s function, so when it goes bad, the whole printer may lock up or act erratic.
FFC Cables are flexible flat cables linking the mainboard with the printhead. When they become loose or damaged, communication between the two components fails.
Printhead: The printhead (in the new ink compartment) may also be damaged due to ink leaking or spilling between the conversion.
Electrical Surges: Electrical variations can affect delicate printer parts such as the printhead and the main board.
Dust or Debris — Dust accumulation can interfere with the connections or mechanisms of the printer.
Why the ET-8550 Struggles with DTF Printing
Next, we move to the ET-8550, which is already known for its weaknesses in the sealing mechanisms and the way ink drips in critical areas like the printhead. This process can also be extremely damaging to the adhesive used in DTF, making this a very common problem. DTF printing is satisfying, but this model's vulnerabilities leave room for damage, so extra care is required.
Procedure to Identify and Fix the Issue
Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you solve the issue:
Check the FFC Cables: Open the printer and look at the flat cables connecting the mainboard and printhead. Ensure that they are making good contact and that you don't see any casing splits or damage.
Print Internals Cleaning: Wipe off dust or debris lightly with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol (90%+). Please don't use too much force on sensitive parts.
Reboot the Printer: Turn off the printer, unplug the unit, and wait at least five minutes before plugging it back in. This helps clear temporary errors.
Firmware Update: Check Epson's website to see if a firmware update for your printer exists. Firmware updates may occasionally create problems with third-party modifications, such as DTF conversions, so be cautious.
Inspect for Ink Leakage: Lift the printer lid and check for any signs of ink around the printhead or mainboard. If you see some leakage, the printhead has probably been damaged.
Opt For Professional Repair: If the above steps don't fix the problem, it could mean that the mainboard or printhead needs replacing. As the technician at BCH Technologies that deals with stuff like this, we do repairs.
Why You Should Move Quickly
Waiting can make repair work more challenging if ink seeps into sensitive components. The ET-8550’s design makes it more susceptible to cascading failures after one has occurred.
Further Resources
For an in-depth walk-through of maintenance and troubleshooting, visit our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies); we have multiple videos covering common issues and how to use your ET-8550 as a DTF printer!
A Note on Printer Repairs
As such, troubleshooting a printer is inherently a touchy-feely experience; you could be doing everything correctly in the software, but if you haven’t plugged in a USB, stripped a serial connection, or something equally mundane, good luck. We cannot offer remote troubleshooting, remediation, or printer repair support. We provide an in-person diagnostic and repair service through our local diagnostic center (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) — Due to overwhelming demand, we work on a first-come, first-served basis, and it might take a few weeks for you to drop off your printer.
Services are organized to fix the whole apparatus or parts and guide you through the process. We know our prices aren’t the cheapest, though. So, we strongly advise you to take the self-help route through online research. You can start with our YouTube channel’s homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and the search function for specific topics.
Once again, thank you for your continued outreach and support. We hope this article helps you solve your issue and get your printer back in action!
This video was inspired by a DTF conversion I recently did on my Epson ET-8550. It went well for the first few prints. But after a month, it just stopped and now says "printer error." I've tried all the troubleshooting steps I could brainstorm, from checking the maintenance box to pulling up the tray, and nothing. How could a new printer already have problems? I’m feeling confused and need detailed steps on what to do next.
Answer:
Thank you for reaching out to us. I’m sorry to hear you are experiencing issues with your Epson ET-8550. I can only imagine how frustrating it can be when a printer with so much money behind starts to go wrong, especially after you have spent all that time and effort converting it for DTF printing. We acknowledge all our users and appreciate your love with us, mainly by providing your love to BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your response allows us to enhance our expertise and serve you better.
Let’s discuss your problem in as much detail as you can.
What to Know About Error Code 031006
The Epson ET-8550, error code 031006, usually refers to some issue with 1 of the below two components:
Mainboard: The mainboard controls many aspects of the printer’s function, so when it goes bad, the whole printer may lock up or act erratic.
FFC Cables are flexible flat cables linking the mainboard with the printhead. When they become loose or damaged, communication between the two components fails.
Printhead: The printhead (in the new ink compartment) may also be damaged due to ink leaking or spilling between the conversion.
Electrical Surges: Electrical variations can affect delicate printer parts such as the printhead and the main board.
Dust or Debris — Dust accumulation can interfere with the connections or mechanisms of the printer.
Why the ET-8550 Struggles with DTF Printing
Next, we move to the ET-8550, which is already known for its weaknesses in the sealing mechanisms and the way ink drips in critical areas like the printhead. This process can also be extremely damaging to the adhesive used in DTF, making this a very common problem. DTF printing is satisfying, but this model's vulnerabilities leave room for damage, so extra care is required.
Procedure to Identify and Fix the Issue
Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you solve the issue:
Check the FFC Cables: Open the printer and look at the flat cables connecting the mainboard and printhead. Ensure that they are making good contact and that you don't see any casing splits or damage.
Print Internals Cleaning: Wipe off dust or debris lightly with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol (90%+). Please don't use too much force on sensitive parts.
Reboot the Printer: Turn off the printer, unplug the unit, and wait at least five minutes before plugging it back in. This helps clear temporary errors.
Firmware Update: Check Epson's website to see if a firmware update for your printer exists. Firmware updates may occasionally create problems with third-party modifications, such as DTF conversions, so be cautious.
Inspect for Ink Leakage: Lift the printer lid and check for any signs of ink around the printhead or mainboard. If you see some leakage, the printhead has probably been damaged.
Opt For Professional Repair: If the above steps don't fix the problem, it could mean that the mainboard or printhead needs replacing. As the technician at BCH Technologies that deals with stuff like this, we do repairs.
Why You Should Move Quickly
Waiting can make repair work more challenging if ink seeps into sensitive components. The ET-8550’s design makes it more susceptible to cascading failures after one has occurred.
Further Resources
For an in-depth walk-through of maintenance and troubleshooting, visit our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies); we have multiple videos covering common issues and how to use your ET-8550 as a DTF printer!
A Note on Printer Repairs
As such, troubleshooting a printer is inherently a touchy-feely experience; you could be doing everything correctly in the software, but if you haven’t plugged in a USB, stripped a serial connection, or something equally mundane, good luck. We cannot offer remote troubleshooting, remediation, or printer repair support. We provide an in-person diagnostic and repair service through our local diagnostic center (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) — Due to overwhelming demand, we work on a first-come, first-served basis, and it might take a few weeks for you to drop off your printer.
Services are organized to fix the whole apparatus or parts and guide you through the process. We know our prices aren’t the cheapest, though. So, we strongly advise you to take the self-help route through online research. You can start with our YouTube channel’s homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and the search function for specific topics.
Once again, thank you for your continued outreach and support. We hope this article helps you solve your issue and get your printer back in action!